by Daniel White
Supreme court justice Potter Stewart famously declared that he couldn't identify pornography, but as he so succinctly stated, "I know it when I see it." I apply that same philosophy to a cinematic masterpiece. I can't always explain why I feel a flick is a near-perfect example of great filmmaking, but by golly, when I encounter it, I know what it is. Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey is a masterpiece, an eerie, cryptic, at times terrifying film that took the famed producer/director over two years to complete. Almost 55 years after its initial release, it still remains breathtaking. A visually-stunning artwork, it shames any computer-crafted hack job of recent vintage.
Anything I say about this epic will sound dime store in comparison to the movie itself. I urge anyone interested in film to view it. And if you've already done so, treat yourself to a revisit. An incredible adventure for the avid movie goer, it is sure to reinvigorate even the weariest of motion picture enthusiasts. Who knows why I have avoided seeing it all these years? Probably because science-fiction is my least-favorite genre in the cinema world. The often sterile surroundings that accompany such flicks turn me off. Along with the Western (but for different reasons), my interest in movies that fall into the sci fi/fantasy/otherworld category generally leave me cold. I like my drama earthbound and ET free.
Kubrick made a science-fiction film, but its artistry transcends the genre. Like Ford, he is a visionary, exercising as much control as possible in a medium that demands collaboration.
Yesterday I lambasted Lost Horizon, the 1973 musical remake based on the James Hilton novel. The movie is a travesty, a lame- brained exercise in subpar movie-making. A FB film fan called my critique "hateful." I don't believe it was. Just my appraisal of a lousy, embarrassing film that was botched by all involved. Contrarily, 2001: A Space Odyssey is a triumph, a home run with bases loaded that Kubrick and company knock out of the ball park. I love film too much to give a pass to a schlock piece of crap like Lost Horizon. Conversely, when all those involved get it right, I crow like a rooster. Lost Horizon laid an egg, while 2001: A Space Odyssey took flight. And yes, I understand this is about personal opinion and sentiment. But I am too passionate about cinema and can't stay quiet. I have no choice but to share my convictions. I urge you to do the same.
Distributed by MGM, with a screenplay co-authored by Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke and a stirring soundtrack composed mainly of classical music, 2001: A Space Odyssey is currently streaming on Tubi.
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