I am a huge Stanley Kubrick fan. This is one of the most awe inspiring movies I have ever seen. Every image that comes on screen is a masterpiece. Every frame is a work of art. This movie was made in 1968 but has more convincing FX than most of the movies coming out today. In 1968 a huge centrifuge was made so that an actor could hit 17 points at exactly the right time to look as though he could walk all the way around the perimeter. This movie will blow your mind with what Kubrick was able to accomplish is 1968. The story starts with the dawn of man. According to Kubrick we evolved from apes in the desert when we found a huge rectangular monolith that gave us the knowledge to use tools. After that we have mastered space flight and interplanetary travel by 2001. Going from earth to the moon is as boring as your morning commute. The graphics are awesome, and I would cheapen the achievment by saying "The graphics are awesome for 1968" They are stunning period.
Each shot packs such a powerful punch, it's hard to really describe here. Take this one for example:
Probably the most easily recognized shot of 2001 besides the poster above. Just think for a second what you feel from this picture. Knowing little or nothing about the movie if you haven't seen it, what does the frame evoke?
To me just the loneliness of space is radiating from this picture. Dave Bowman is alone on a path. We can see where he came from but not where he is going. The cold, uncaring atmosphere of the corridor can also mirror the space all around him. It really shows that humans are just a tiny, insignificant speck in the grand scheme of the universe. While our accomplishments are great, we have so much farther to go.
That is what I think of when I look at this picture. Just this single frame. The movie is 148 minutes long - so you can imagine the rest of scenery.
Special note should be made of the use of sound - or lack there of sometimes. The booming classical music captures the essence of the film. Also the silence of space is highlighted in certain points at accentuate the loneliness and emptiness of space, and of Dave's quest. Also the sound of Dave breathing in space is annoying to some, but it consumes you. Every nerve is waiting for that next breath to make sure Dave is OK. Truly the sound/music is a masterpiece in itself.
While it's slow at times and has almost no dialogue in the first and last 25 minutes, it is well worth sticking it out. Hands down the best Sci-Fi movie of all time and rank's very highly in any other category. Well worth a watch or two.
IMDB here.
Each shot packs such a powerful punch, it's hard to really describe here. Take this one for example:
Probably the most easily recognized shot of 2001 besides the poster above. Just think for a second what you feel from this picture. Knowing little or nothing about the movie if you haven't seen it, what does the frame evoke?To me just the loneliness of space is radiating from this picture. Dave Bowman is alone on a path. We can see where he came from but not where he is going. The cold, uncaring atmosphere of the corridor can also mirror the space all around him. It really shows that humans are just a tiny, insignificant speck in the grand scheme of the universe. While our accomplishments are great, we have so much farther to go.
That is what I think of when I look at this picture. Just this single frame. The movie is 148 minutes long - so you can imagine the rest of scenery.
Special note should be made of the use of sound - or lack there of sometimes. The booming classical music captures the essence of the film. Also the silence of space is highlighted in certain points at accentuate the loneliness and emptiness of space, and of Dave's quest. Also the sound of Dave breathing in space is annoying to some, but it consumes you. Every nerve is waiting for that next breath to make sure Dave is OK. Truly the sound/music is a masterpiece in itself.
While it's slow at times and has almost no dialogue in the first and last 25 minutes, it is well worth sticking it out. Hands down the best Sci-Fi movie of all time and rank's very highly in any other category. Well worth a watch or two.
IMDB here.
Some very good points about the emptiness/aloneness of space. I also felt the music was equally exceptional and thought provoking. Kubrick's use of sound/silence is also stunning.
ReplyDeleteMy boyfriend made me watch this movie with him a few weeks ago, in the beginning I thought it was the most boring movie ever. but now it's my ALL TIME favorite movie.
ReplyDelete<3
Can I also add, you have incredible writing skills, and I love reading your stuff;)