2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

In this article, we will be looking at 2019’s book “1001 Movies to See Before You Die” and going through each film in a random order that I have chosen. We will be looking at what constitutes this film to be on the list and whether I think this film deserves to be here at all. I want to make perfectly clear that I won’t be revealing details from this book such as analyses by film reporters who have written about the film in question, so if you want the book itself you’ll have to buy it. But I will be covering the book’s suggestions on which films should be your top priority. I wouldn’t doubt for a second that everyone reading this article has probably watched many of these movies anyway. But we are just here to have a bit of fun. We’re going to not just look at whether it should be on this list but we’re also going to look at why the film has such a legacy at all. Remember, this is the 2019 version of the book and so, films like “Joker” will not be featured in this book and any film that came out in 2020 (and if we get there, in 2021). So strap in and if you have your own suggestions then don’t hesitate to email me using the address in my bio. Let’s get on with it then.

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) dir. by Stanley Kubrick

Seriously, I don’t think anyone would debate the fact that “2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968) requires to be on the list for the 1001 films you should watch before you die. But what we have to look at is how it has practically had a legacy that has remained unstained. Directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring the greats: Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood (who are both still alive at the time of writing this article and in their 80s - the men are tanks!) This movie is possibly one of my personal favourite movies to re-watch ever because you can learn a new thing every single time you press replay. I once watched it three times in one day just so I could go back and see things from a different angle.

As a legacy, “2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968) is mostly considered as one of the greatest films ever made and one of the most influential films in cinema history. In 1991, it was selected by the National Film Registry as being culturally important and the “Moving Arts Film Journal” in 2010, named it the greatest film of all time. Films since have been massively inspired by “2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968) including: “Blade Runner”, “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and obviously, “Instellar” and “Martian”.

Many people around the world have analysed and written essays about “2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968) and there are many books you can read about that film in particular. But I have to say that the one thing that Kubrick had never planned was a sequel for this film and it was made anyway even though Kubrick wanted to avoid that happening by destroying all the set material and blueprints for the set material. Kubrick was not involved in the sequel and honestly, you can tell he wasn’t involved. It was pretty damn awful.

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum opened an exhibit called “The Barmecide Feast” in 2018 on April 8th to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the release of the film and Christopher Nolan presented a 70mm print of the film at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival that may. Another exhibit was realised at the Museum of the Moving Image in New York titled “Envisioning 2001” in the January of 2020.

So you can definitely see how this film changed the world and if it has changed the world for you, I would love to hear how via email or you writing your own article about “2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968). I would love to read your opinions on one of the greatest films ever made and honestly, the legacy looks like it will continue for a very long time with movies continuing to be influenced by it.