I've heard a lot of stories about the movie being a masterpiece, and an example of cinematic art. I've also heard things about it just being a disappointment. What would you say? Is it worth a watch?
It depends on what you like, It's pretty slow paced and high concept. For example the first 20 or so minutes is pre-historic man discovering tools. So if you're looking for a sci fi action like Aliens or whatever, you might not be interested. But it'd be right up your alley if you are in the mood for something more story/concept driven.
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Besieged by countless foes, his eyes they are aglow, longing for the fight. He stands upon a mound, doesn't aim the throw, just lets the hammer fly!
IMO, you can't go wrong seeing this. The space scenes alone are an amazing example of why practical effects could be as amazing as cgi, if not more so.
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Well, even though I think it's an amazing movie, and very ahead of its time, it's not one that I would recommend to everyone.
It's very slow-paced and doesn't have much action or much things happening, as well as its famously confusing ending, but if you are open minded, give this movie a chance.
You might not think too much of it after the first time seeing it, but it can grow on you after the second time.
It does have amazing special effects for the 1960's, and its villain, HAL 9000, is a very interesting character.
I very much recommend it. It is -- at first -- an investment in patience, but the special effects, the music, the mood, the overall concept ... this landmark cinematic experience stirs the mind and soul like very few other films.
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Shinier than a speeding bullet.
I think it's a movie you have to watch a few times to really understand what is going on, and if you blink, you may miss something.
The intro with the monkeys took me a while to understand what happened, but if you really invest, you understand exactly what's happening. Same goes for Bowman vs HAL. It may be a sound effect or something in the corner of the frame, but once you understand why it's important, it becomes oh so tense and unnerving.
The monkeys take a while, yeah. But 2001 is more of a philosophical and visual experience than a sci-fi story. It certainly isn't action packed. If you're thinking you're going to see something like SW or Avengers... well, you won't.
But I still find it engaging, beautifully shot and requires a bit more effort from the viewer than just eating popcorn. So it's not for everyone.
Then again, if you like movies and movie history, this is a definite must see. Plus... it's made by probably the best film maker that ever lived.
For me it must be dependent on what era we come from, I'd say for it being a 60's movie (sure it was late 60's) it must have been so epic and an eye opener. Same with like when Star Wars came out in 77.
In my opinion I just thought it was a boring movie, just couldn't get into it at all, but as I said if I were around when it first came out I would of been mind blown.
2017 - I wouldn't recommend it
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It's been a long time since I've seen it, but I've seen it 2 or 3 times and it's an amazing work of art, but yes, can be a bit slow moving for modern audiences. Reading the book helps explain what's going on, too. The book is very good.
It is a decent film I would say people should watch at least once. The movie does spend a lot of time just with..space stuff, seeing stuff happen, with no real dialogue. But I guess that makes sense because at the time these special effects were ground breaking so they focused a lot on it.
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I still consider it my single favourite film, and I'm a real cinephile. Those that complain that it's too slow and too obscure, movies are not all required to have the same style and do the same things.
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