The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Gems: 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

How do you choose what to watch on all those streaming services you have access to? There are so many options that it is just overwhelming. These services constantly release new content and overshadow all the great films from the past that are already there and ready to watch. Now there is The Wasteland Gems! Here is a great film on streaming right now that you should check out this weekend:

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

What is the gold standard for science fiction filmmaking? Director Stanley Kubrick changed the game alongside writer Arthur C. Clarke when they adapted one of Clarke’s own novellas and transformed it into one of the most creative and iconic science fiction films of all time. 2001: A Space Odyssey is a compelling cinematic experience in parts that combines the visual, auditory, and spectacles of cinema. 2001 is the type of film that can be interpreted in all types of ways, engaged with on so many levels, and appreciated for so many different aspects of filmmaking. Kubrick is one of the greatest directors to ever do it and 2001 just might be his magnum opus.

What makes 2001 such a visual spectacle? The technical prowess on display is incredible. The special effects for 1968 are just mind-blowing. First off, the whole “Dawn of Man” sequence is impressive from its usage of real animals and the realistic human performances as the pre-evolution apes. The visuals of the monolith are just so iconic. One of the most iconic shots in film is the high angle shot looking up at the monolith that is aligned with sky and sun. Gorgeous. Every single shot is blocked to perfection. The space waltz sequence is incredibly impressive with the spaceships floating through space, the recreation of zero gravity, and camera tricks to make people walk on walls and ceilings. The “Beyond the Infinite” sequence is a gorgeous and haunting experience that mixes colorful, dynamic, and unnerving visuals that are hard to describe and make for an incredible visual experience.

What about the auditory experience? When “Thus Spoke Zarathustra” begins to play over the planets aligning at the beginning of the film, you feel the scale and epic feel that Kubrick is going for. The eerie and aethereal “Ligeti: Requiem” is horrific and will send chills down your spine every time the monolith arrives and does its thing (as in advance evolution). The charming sequence of waltzing ships through space is only so charming because of the “Blue Danube Waltz”. The way the music sounds so elegant just accentuates the moves of these impressive technological creations. “Ligeti: Atmospheres” is also leveraged to unnerve the audience through some of the most mysterious and unsettling sequences like “Beyond the Infinite”. “Lux Aeterna” offers up a similar vibe with its otherworldly and uncomfortable feeling. Kubrick made the choice to use classical music as the holding tracks but worked so well that they stuck with them. But the music is not the only auditory element that stands out. The sound design and mixing of the film are dynamic and fully engrossing.

A film that is so iconic must have more than just style, right? There are so many layers and ideas that make 2001 such a lasting and compelling film. One of the key elements of the film is evolution. We witness the creation of tools and humanity’s adversarial nature when the apes touch the monolith. We witness the advancement of human tools with technology through the film (including video calls, tablets, and artificial intelligence). Then we witness the next stage of evolution as a human goes through a wormhole and evolves into a space and time defying entity that is all powerful…The Star Child. The final shot of the film is so impactful and strange with a giant space baby looking down upon Earth and then the audience. Reproduction is a key piece to evolution, and it is no surprise that the final human form is shown in fetal form and the spaceship in the biggest piece of the film is a giant sperm. But organic evolution is not the only form that Kubrick explores. HAL-9000…the most important and iconic manifestation of artificial intelligence in cinematic history. The red eye. The haunting and hollow voice of Douglas Rains. The cold, mechanical effect that gives way to murderous intent. Kubrick and Clarke offered the most poignant warning of the dangers of A.I.

Is 2001: A Space Odyssey the type of film that will work for everyone? This is a methodical, arthouse, and cerebral experience. There are no traditional actions or empathetic human characters. Instead, Kubrick crafted a technical marvel that delivers layers and layers of thematic density. This is one of the most unique cinematic experiences you will ever experience.

2001: A Space Odyssey is streaming on MAX.