What do other Aspies think of 2001: A Space Odyssey?

Post Reply New Topic

I'm a fan of non-narrative/experimental movies that leave a lot up to the viewer because, while they may not be riveting to watch, you'll be able to continue to enjoy them and they are easy to obsess over. Looking up all the symbolism, behind-the-scenes info, and design choices is definitely a lot of fun for me, at least. (This is probably why Evangelion is my favorite show (well, the ending was non-narrative for a good part); it wasn't all that great until I started to research it (and I'm aware that the symbolism was just to look cool))

Almost all of Kubrick's films suck in my opinion.

I found it to be extremely boring and couldn't even finish the film.
I don't care much for science fiction anyway.

Even if you do not understand what's happening in the film, you can enjoy it. I was impressed with the overall cinematography.

I like the A.I. aspect of the film. Because that's what many people are scared of. An artifial intelligence, if it works the same way that a human brain works, will be met with the same difficulties and feelings. A.I. can manipulate just like a human being.

It's also interesting to look at the developing relationship between Hal and... what's his name again? ^^


Well, you just have to get used to the pace of the film. I am an impatient person, but I just thought that the film just takes its time. I liked it on an aesthetic level. I didn't care about the plot too much because it was not necessary for me to understand what's going on to be able to enjoy the film. I also thought that the use of classical music was interesting. It's a common element in Kubrick's films, which is quite interesting.

Actually, for this film, classical music adds meaning. Because classical music tries to be transcendental. Ancient theories on music define music as an attempt to recreate the movement of the planets. So it's funny to use classical music in a film set in space.

i am reassured that i am not the only one who was thoroughly mystified by this movie. it was a vivid light and sound show for me, but i was frustrated that it made absolutely no sense to me. when i read that arthur c. clarke said he wrote "the sentinel" [original short story that "2001" came from] at a grade-six reading comprehension level, that made me feel even more stupid. this was one movie where i would've appreciated something like the narration that was provided for the theatrical version of "blade runner."

'Nice music, now where's the story?' - Mind you, I think I was very little when I tried to watch it.

i was too young [7] to go see it when it was in theatres back in '68, but my older brother saw it and he understood it straightaway [he was always smart about those things] but he wasn't able to explain it to the rest of us in a way that made any sense. he said that the cinerama theatre that showed it was very vivid [brightly projected] and loud, he said "the music blew right threw me."

Personally,I'm in the "sheer, unadulterated tedium" camp. Far, far too slow. I watched it on TV in my room many years ago, and found myself yelling "Get ON with it!" at the TV. Watched it all the way to the end, just in case it got entertaining. It didn't.

Scenes were dragged out far too far, and as a previous poster said, a movie should be able to stand on its own, you shouldn't have to read the book first. If that is necessary, then the director of the film has failed in his job as storyteller.

To be honest, the only Kubrick movie that I'll happily watch over and over is "Full Metal Jacket". Now THAT is a crackingly good, entertaining film.

Ironically, I fail to get the point of many films, but I could still enjoy "2001: A Space Odyssey". I should add, I am VERY critical of highly acclaimed directors. It is one of the least likely films to catch my interest. But I liked something about it. I can't even say what it was. I guess I liked the overall style of the film. And I'm a sucker for anything about spacecraft. Two of the most boring films I have seen in my life were "Titanic" and "Pearl Harbor". Because they REALLY drag on all the time. And I kept sitting there, "What's going to happen next?". I only managed the first 30 minutes of "Pearl Harbor" until I decided it was a complete waste of my time. I also never fully watched "Gladiator", even though I think it could be good. It's just a bit long, you know. ^^ I guess I hate everything that is BIG for no reason.

Oh, and the "Twilight" films. The fourth was the worst. Nothing happened all the bloody time. And that epic 20 minute "OMG, Bella is dying" scene... Um...