Instead of braving the crowds at “Spider-Man” last night, I watched “2001: A Space Odyssey” on DVD. It’s fascinating for any number of reasons, but it struck me this time that this is a movie that could never be made today. No studio would back it. It’s too slow, it’s too long, there’s very little dialogue and even less plot. Nothing is explained in the end. It’s an effects-heavy movie with no stars to carry it. It’s a space movie that starts with an extended dialogue-free sequence about prehistoric man.
But despite all these “faults,” it’s one of the most mind-expanding experiences on film. You could probably watch it 100 times and get something different from it each time.
Don’t get me wrong – I’m still going to see “Spider-Man.” But it’s nice to know that there are movies like “2001” to balance things out.
No dialogue, no plot…How is that different from today’s movies?
Luckily it doesn’t *need* to be made today, because it’s already been made, and we can move on.
I think there’ll be more chances for audacious films in the future. First we just need a revolution in the entertainment industry, which I don’t think is far off.
A few years ago I got to see it on a big screen in a theater. I definitely got more out of that viewing than the many times I’ve seen it on a tiny low-res television screen.
I agree — despite being too slow, too long, no plot explanation, etc. it was for me a real “life experience”, unlike all the Star Wars-type movies. As Noel Coward said, “Keir Dullea, gone tomorrow,” but the voice of HAL will live forever in the memories of everyone who has ever seen the film.
No stars? Hello? HAL9000!