Pop Culture Movies and More: 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Sometime in the distant past, someone or something nudged evolution by placing a monolith on Earth (presumably elsewhere throughout the universe as well). Evolution then enabled humankind to reach the moon's surface, where yet another monolith is found, one that signals to the monolith placers that humankind has evolved that far. Now mankind, assisted by artificial intelligence (such as HAL), must dare to encounter the monolith placers. If successful, we will achieve the next step in evolution, whatever that may be. 2001 has to be one of the most incredible science fiction movies ever made and is like no other. Despite releasing back in 1968, this film has some of the best visuals that I have ever witnessed, rivalling releases from today and was so ahead of its time in so many aspects. Even though later sci-fi movies like Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) managed to produce magical special effects, this feature was able to do so years ahead and they are amazing. This film is like nothing else I have ever experienced. The cinematography is out-of-this-world, all the visual details and effects are so beautiful and awe-inspiring. Even the music is so well used, making scenes feel so grand, adding so much meaning to many sequences. The most recognisable song in the whole film has to be "Also Sprach Zarathustra" which has become so associated with this product, even later being dubbed as the theme tune, and continues to be used in so many other productions. 2001's biggest achievement is of course, as previously mentioned, its visuals and the story we can infer from them. This sci-fi classic is all about evolution. It is the main theme sprinkled throughout displaying how we, as people, and the world develop and change as we see during the opening sequence. The ape-men begin the movie as being fearful, constantly preyed upon by other animals, that is, until the monolith sparks something within them. They start to use bones as clubs, fighting off their attackers, even their own kind, evolving in every aspect of how they act and live. The greatest visual that displays this portrayal of evolving is through one of my favourite transitions where one ape-man throws the club-like bone in the air which becomes a spaceship. Such a subtle yet clever way to show our evolution in tools throughout time, drastically changing. We as humans are all about survival and we accomplish this with the use of tools which may change over time greatly but they continue to be a tool nonetheless. The story shifts now to Bowman and Poole who man a spacecraft on its way to Jupiter and are accompanied by HAL, their a.i. assistant. As their travel continues, the two begin to believe HAL is malfunctioning, however, they are unaware that HAL's behaviour is due to knowledge of classified information about events at Clavius, a lunar outpost, eighteen months ago. The issue between the astronauts and HAL quickly becomes a fight for survival. The mission in its entirety has extreme consequences for the human race. One of the most iconic moments of this film, and one of my all-time favourites, is the scene with HAL when he turns on the crew. His refusal to let Bowman back aboard the vessel will forever be memorable with the line: "Open the pod bay doors, HAL!" followed by HAL's eerie response: "I'm sorry Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that." Such a suspenseful scene that I will never forget. This is quite a trippy film too and you could easily lose yourself in this unusual experience that is unparalleled by any other as it almost hypnotises you from its visuals to its drawn-out scenes and relaxing music. Whilst watching, keep in mind that this isn't your average movie. This is an experience and one with very little dialogue focusing more on visuals and breathtaking displays with a lot to infer from. Overall, 2001 is quite literally one of a kind and revolutionary in not only the movie genre but that of science fiction too. It displays so many stunning scenes of space through its phenomenal cinematography, laced with classical music, that drives the meanings presented further in this story of human evolution and survival. A must-see for all sci-fi enthusiasts.