Who is the Audience for This Movie?

People who like their movies open ended and full of interesting ideas.

What I Liked About This Movie

The visual effects and set designs are absolutely stunning. This movie was made in 1968 but its visuals have aged better then any older movie I have seen. The costumes/makeup used should also be applauded. The initial scenes with the ape costumes hold up to high scrutiny and the aging makeup looks incredibly believable.

Each section of 2001 has something different to offer the viewer. It may seem strange to literally break a movie into sections (Even adding title cards) but the structure somehow works. The themes explored within these sections on first viewing will not be very clear to most people. The first time I watched 2001 I did not get it, I wrote it off but thankfully I gave it re-watch.

Hal 9000 is a computer that appears in less then half of the movie and is only voiced. But the character works so well that Hal 9000 manages to be one of the best villains ever put on film.

2001 was purposely made to be an assault on your eyes and your ears. Each frame is gorgeous and is filled with incredible detail that gives you something to always fixate on. The sound ranges from playful to creepy; it ends up continually setting and moving the tone of the film much like an opera. I even have a copy of the soundtrack, it is that good.

What Didn’t Work For Me

2001’s final shot still manages to confuse me even though I have seen this movie many times. I understand the films purpose all the way up until the final scene but I cannot wrap my head around the finale. I have viewed many of the theories online but none of them really work for me.

Should You Watch This Movie?

With all that said, 2001 is a cinematic masterpiece that should be seen by anyone who takes movies seriously.

My Rating (Out of 13)