2001: A Space Odyssey

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) starring Keir Dullea, William Sylvester, Gary Lockwood. Directed by Stanley Kubrick. Arguably Kubrick's masterpiece, 2001 traces the development of mankind from the Dawn of Man four million years ago until the near future (now past), when humans are exploring space and discover a mysterious monolith on the Moon. An expedition is mounted to Jupiter, manned by five men and the HAL-9000 computer. The special effects are really special in this movie, and Kubrick makes great used of music (especially Strauss' "Thus Spoke Zarathustra"). Main flaw is some rather stiff acting and dialogue at certain points. (English subtitles are offered, but trumped by closed captions.) Grade: A-