2001: A Space Odyssey
This is another one of those great films. In my opinion, there currently are three great films in history (“currently” because I think Lord of the Rings or Titanic or whatever might get included as a fourth some day): Citizen Kane, 2001 and The Godfather. They appear on every big film list at the top places and it’s likely for some critic to say “This is the greatest movie of all times”.
I have not seen The Godfather, but I see some similarities between Citizen Kane and 2001. I agree with the listings saying that those are great films, but for some reason, both fail to stir up emotions in me O.o I would never put these films in my personal favourite film lists because the distance between myself and this films are too wide that their artistic, historical and intellectual merit could never compensate it. It is quite weird because Citizen Kane’s topic and story was actually interesting and touching (especially the end) and 2001 had immensely beautiful and well-chosen music which contributed perfectly to the slow-paced atmosphere of the film.
A propos the music of 2001, I read about how much time Kubrick took to decide on what music to choose… my god, he’s such a diva, but I am very pleased with the result so I will shut my mouth.
However, the slow pace of the film is something I really cannot overlook. I used to hate slow-paced films, but that was a long time ago and I feel like 2001 is the slowest film I have seen in years. Generally I also find that the pace contributed to the atmosphere of the film, but I don’t think it was necessary to drag is *so* long. Maybe that’s just me, but I haven’t seen so many critics complaining about the boredom of a film – not that I agree, but the complaint of boredom surely comes from the slow pace.
On all other aspects, I totally approve of 2001. Even though I knew what would happen to HAL, I have thoroughly enjoyed the development of his behaviour and… obviously he’s my favourite “character” because actually he’s the only one with any character and “Jupiter Mission: Eighteen Months Later” was my favourite part of the whole film. The german dub is interesting, but I wonder how HAL sounds like in the original. I think the way he (and the other) speak is quite important to the meaning of the whole film, in case one wants to get into all those symbolic allegories and deep analysis in the film.
yay, so glad you liked it! :D
That incredible “An der schönen blauen Donau” scene ranks as one of my favorites…and was I glad, that they repeated the whole song during the end credits! :faint:
And HAL’s dying-scene? Ugh.