2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

In the last couple of years, the label 'masterpiece' has been used to simply try and elevate pretentious tripe to the aforementioned level of excellence. It just suffices to degrade the moniker.

That being said: here is a true masterpiece, in every sense of the word.

Sure, it's not completely without its faults, but give me an example of a film that is, how good it might be.

Tricky, isn't it?

In any case, for those not already in the know, this is one, if not the finest Stanley Kubrick had to offer. Kubrick has always been a visualist and less eager on story and in this case, he could drive it all the way home. Or to Jupiter in this case. What dialogue there is, is little and everything is about the indelible images this film leaves behind and the massive impact that it all has on your very soul.

The idea is that, on several occasions in humanity's history, a mysterious black monolith appears and jumpstarts human evolution to the next level. So we start with Australopithecines discovering tools/weapons, then off to the moon. After that, it's onwards to Jupiter and eventually even beyond that.

The music and imagery work beautifully together and if this film did one thing, it is to forever ally itself with both 'Also Sprach Zarathustra' and 'Der Blaue Donau' by Johann Strauss. The shots of the spaceships are gorgeous and all in all extremely realistic, even in a scientific sense. Quite a feat, seeing as true space travel only happened after this film was made. The quiet of space, interspersed with the sound of breathing apparatus, makes for quite some chilling moments.

Of course, the most famous part by far is the one where two astronauts have to contend with their computer - HAL 9000 - that has gone psychotic. It's HAL's voice that does the trick, seeing as the only way he is displayed is as a red light. Still, that makes him one of the most ominous 'villains' in the history of cinema. Douglas Rain's voice really sells it all.

Nevertheless, there are a few minor issues with the film as a whole. The pacing is often extremely slow and especially in the second segment it drags a little. Also, the extremely trippy 'Stargate' sequence goes on for way too long. Yes, they are flashy colours, but that's about it. And on a personal note: I never quite got the final part, but I'm sure there are an oodleplex of theories about that, so feel free to peruse the internet for those.

But still, '2001' is a genuine masterpiece and a film that has more than stood the test of time. It is a piece of art where you have to take the time to appreciate it. Once you do and really sit down to truly watch it, you will not be disappointed.

"I'm alright now, Dave..."