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2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Director: Stanley Kubrick

Average user rating
4 reviews

Movie review

From Time Out Film Guide

A characteristically pessimistic account of human aspiration from Kubrick, this tripartite sci-fi look at civilisation's progress from prehistoric times (the apes learning to kill) to a visionary future (astronauts on a mission to Jupiter encountering superior life and rebirth in some sort of embryonic divine form) is beautiful, infuriatingly slow, and pretty half-baked. Quite how the general theme fits in with the central drama of the astronauts' battle with the arrogant computer HAL, who tries to take over their mission, is unclear; while the final farrago of light-show psychedelia is simply so much pap. Nevertheless, for all the essential coldness of Kubrick's vision, it demands attention as superior sci-fi, simply because it's more concerned with ideas than with Boy's Own-style pyrotechnics.

Author: GA

Time Out Film Guide


User reviews of this film

  • Ghidera said...
    Posted on Jan 24 2012 14:18 One of the most visually beautiful films ever made. Yes perhaps not a film with a particular story that will suit those cinema-goers who like to know what's going on, although there are those of us who just enjoy the medium, stunning sets and magnificent photography, I'd take this over Avitar anyday! One of the greatest movies ever.
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  • Malcolm said...
    Posted on Mar 06 2010 19:02 In my opinion the greatest film ever made. A perfect fusion of stunning visuals, music, movement, sound, original narrative structure and enigmatic themes, but beyond everything it comes together to form the ultimate cinematic experience.
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  • Charles666 said...
    Posted on Oct 07 2009 13:43 Truly the emperor's new film, glowing reviews for something no one really wants to watch. It is pretentious, stupid and dull beyond belief. I would sooner watch paint dry than watch this rubbish ever again.
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  • Gusald said...
    Posted on May 30 2009 18:28 One of the #10 best movies I've ever seen.
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