2001: A Space Odyssey

Overview

Humanity finds a mysterious object buried beneath the lunar surface and sets off to find its origins with the help of HAL 9000, the world's most advanced super computer.

Rating

15 Reviews

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  James

  8 Oct 28, 2023

  This is the most pretentious crap ever made - but is it an amazing film? No. But it is an amazing _**piece of art**_. This is worthy of the label of film, but the label of film is not worthy of this. Kubrick has crafted a stellar and surreal experience, one of the greatest **_pieces of art_** ever made. Why, you ask, do I obtain from referring to this as a film? Because it is simply not, it is an overpowering sensory experience, not a film. If I seem to be losing my point, here is it straight. It’s too good to be a film. I wouldn’t say this is enjoyable, or entertaining, but it is a stunning experience. One of the greatest **_pieces of art_** ever made. I only lost a point because it’s not a film. Kubrick is often critiqued for his icy cold view of human emotion, and this is no different. The most affecting and human sequence in the film comes ironically (spoilers) from the death of a machine. Check this out, it may not be entertaining, but it IS worth it.

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  r96sk

  7 Jan 16, 2024

  Pleasing on a technical level, even with barely anything to grasp story-wise. '2001: A Space Odyssey' looks and sounds exquisite, it really is seriously impressive in that regard for a film from 1968. That is, however, the only reason that this gets a passing rating from me if I'm to be totally truthful. The plot itself is rather disappointing, with not much meat on the bones. I get it's evidently going for the more artsy approach, made clear by the lack of dialogue/bona fide narrative alongside plenty of ambiguity. It's a Stanley Kubrick film after all, not that I've seen much of his work (this be the first, in fact); moreso what I've heard through the grapevine down the years. There are also a lot of long held, empty-feeling (as intended, I'd imagine) shots that bothered me throughout. It just didn't entice me, that's all. I can still respect it. Given the aforementioned, the cast are basically nonentities - as harsh as that may sound. Douglas Rain does a good job, in fairness, and William Sylvester is alright. I can't say I blame those onscreen all that much, as they aren't exactly given much opportunity to showcase themselves. As has been the case with a couple of other movies down the years, I'm certainly content to file this one with the 'I clearly didn't get it and I'm cool with that' tag. I'm still glad I watched it. I do appreciate it, if only technically, and naturally love that others love it.

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  griggs79

  9 Nov 14, 2024

  Seeing _2001: A Space Odyssey_ on the big screen for the first time is an eye-opener. The vastness of space, the eerily precise shots of the spacecraft, and the careful pacing all come to life in a way a TV could never match. The immersive sound design, from the opening hum to the famous orchestral music, and in particular the equally orchestrated silence filling the cinema, makes you feel like you're part of the journey. Details that might seem faint on a smaller screen are clear and striking here: the textures of the spacesuits, the contrast in colours, and the scale of Kubrick's vision. This unique visual and auditory experience in a cinema is a must for any film enthusiast, as it genuinely lets the film's grandeur and mystery sink in.

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  Christopher Figaro

  6 Oct 19, 2025

  This is the second Stanley Kubrick movie I've seen that I didn't enjoy. The first was The Shining, which I found painfully slow and uninteresting. It annoyed me. And it's not because it was bad, but because everyone treats it like a masterpiece. I expected brilliance, tension, something gripping. I got none of that. And this space movie is no different. I'll give credit where it's due. The movie is well made. The visuals and cinematography are stunning. The effects and the music are genuinely impressive. You can clearly see how other movies like Star Wars, Interstellar, and Inception took inspiration from it. But that's where the praise ends. The movie is pointless, painfully slow, and filled with way too many long drawn out shots. The opening title alone takes over four minutes. Four minutes of just music and a black screen. What was the point of that? Then we spend twenty minutes watching a bunch of monkeys in the wilderness. Later, we're stuck with two characters silently eating and watching an expositional video on their tablets for what feels like an eternity. There are no characters worth mentioning or even remembering. The story goes nowhere, and by the end, it feels like the movie had absolutely nothing to say. I expected this movie to at least have a story, something to hold on to. I don't think I'll be watching any more of Kubrick's movies. I don't care how highly praised they are. I'm done.

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  RealZero

  4 Dec 7, 2025

  From an artistic point of view, I can certainly see the appeal of this movie. From its influence on media, as well. But, to me personally, that's about it. Very short summary: - Very artistic movie that has very nice visuals, great use of classical music and use of sound or lack of sound to create an ominous atmosphere - But sadly, extremely slow...everything. Which would be fine if it would lead to a satisfying, surprising conclusion. But ultimately the conclusion, also, is just an artistic one, and all possible story elements around HAL that could've been used...stay unused. -- Longer: The visuals, especially considering its age, are impressive. Little details, especially in the beginning, that show us how communication, food and such things work in this vision of future are quite interesting and made me optimistic to where it would lead to. Sure, the pacing was slow from the very beginning, I'm certain the first hour would be handled in today's age in 20 minutes, but hey, I don't mind a slow start and I'm used slower pacing from older films. Then the middle part, everything involving HAL, which, I assume, is the most well-known part of the movie, even to those that haven't watched it. It's slow, but interesting. So much potential: Does HAL make mistakes? Is everything planned? If he makes mistakes: why? What's his agenda? And is it HIS agenda? Very much potential along with his natural question in an unnatural, calming, constantly calm tone. Many interesting things could come from this. But sadly...they don't. The possibly dangerous parts are resolved quickly, the "secrets" are more confusing than shocking and the last 20 - 30 minutes of the movie are basically just an art piece you'd expect from a museum or theater. In both, good and bad ways. As said in the beginning, from an artistic point of view, I like this movie. Really nice designs, lovely and strong use of classical music and the sound, or more often, lack of sound, creates a really interesting atmosphere fitting to the "vast emptiness of space" mood. If that is what you want, it's quite impressive. But if you want a story, twists and possibly complicated or interesting revelations...I don't see any of it. Everything about HAL and the monolith had potential for so many stories, but in the end the creators decided to end the movie on an artistic yet confusing scene that offers no real resolution of anything and a very long drawn-out way to reach it. It's a pity, I would've liked more story around HAL. So...watch it if you're into art and movie artistry, but don't expect to be moved by the story, if you are like me.

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  jc2try

  Jan 10, 2026

  It's not for general entertainment and the audience is movie industry/enthusiasts. Movie critics and the people find effort to leave a review for it happen to be in the niche, therefore it has a high score. Sure, it this movie might have made some breakthrough in the industry. But I, like other general audience, didn't find it greatly entertaining.