Control Issues

2001: A Space Odyssey is just that: a long wandering voyage of the body and mind. Stanley Kubrick and Arthur C. Clark collaborated brilliantly. In examining both works, the film and the novel, there are certainly differences, yet the theme and overall idea coincide thoroughly. That this was made in the 1960's augments both accomplishments. The visuals, seen in 2004, are still captivating. What they must've seemed like in 1968! I flout those who received this movie poorly in those days. Would I have received it as well without having a preconceived idea of its greatness? I can only hope I would have known what I was watching.

It is rare a movie inspires me to read the novel it is based on. Here is one occasion. On my first viewing of the film, I was baffled by the special effects so my appreciation was attained. This was done when digital effects did not exist. Scenes of the space station, the moon, Jupiter, Earth from space, and the sun are model works at their finest. However, I thought I did not fully grasp the story. After reading the book and seeing the film again, I realized I comprehended more than I gave myself credit for on that first watch. This is a work that was meant to raise questions rather than give solutions. At any rate, I was extremely pleased with the book, which brought about a need to see the film again.

My second viewing heightened my reverence for Stanley Kubrick. What he chose to include, change and eliminate is crucial to the film's success, as well as a tribute to his discretion. Clarke's novel does disentangle some details. There is no better way to completely realize the ascent to the Star Child than to read Clarke's final chapters. Still, cinematically, with no dialog or voice-over, Kubrick gives enough clues for an intelligent viewer to take in the concept.

To a lesser extent, the trek Dave Bowman takes to another dimension/galaxy, which is explained in great detail in the book, cannot be fully construed visually. Still, you know what's happening when Bowman enters the "wormhole." Your eyes are lucky, too. If you ever wanted to experience true psychedelia and haven't the stomach for hallucinogens, here's your chance.

2001 originated from Clarke's short story, "The Sentinel." This, in no way, takes away from the originality of the film. An obvious benediction of the movie is Kubrick's use of music. The classical pieces intensify the sense of awe. From the ape