2001: A Space Odyssey

Stanley Kubrick created and directed the 1968 epic science fiction film 2001: A Space Odyssey. Kubrick and science fiction novelist Arthur C. Clarke collaborated on the script, which was inspired by Clarke's 1951 short story "The Sentinel" and other short works. Clarke also worked on a novelization of the film, which was published after the film's premiere and was written in part concurrently with the script. Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, William Sylvester, and Douglas Rain feature in the film, which depicts a mission to Jupiter with the sentient supercomputer HAL after the discovery of an extraterrestrial monolith.

The film is notable for its representation of space flight that is scientifically realistic, as well as its groundbreaking visual effects and ambiguous imagery. Kubrick ignored traditional cinematic and narrative tactics; talk is used infrequently, and extended stretches are supported solely by music. The soundtrack includes classical music by artists such as Richard Strauss, Johann Strauss II, Aram Khachaturian, and György Ligeti.

The film elicited a wide range of critical reactions, from some who regarded it as darkly apocalyptic to those who saw it as a hopeful reconsideration of humanity's hopes. Its treatment of issues such as existentialism, human development, technology, artificial intelligence, and the potential of alien life was praised by critics. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, including one for Kubrick's direction of the visual effects. The film is now largely acknowledged as one of the best and most influential films of all time. The United States Library of Congress designated it as "culturally, historically, or aesthetically important" in 1991, and it was added to the National Film Registry.

Detailed Information:
Year: 1968
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Stars: Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, Douglas Rain, William Sylvester
Rating: G
Runtime: 139 minutes