User reviews

2001: The Making of a Myth (2001)

*** (out of 4)

James Cameron hosts this documentary that is certainly well-made but it isn't nearly as interesting as one would have hoped for. Arthur C. Clarke, Con Pederson, Douglas Trumbull and various other cast and crew members are on hand to discuss the landmark Stanley Kubrick film.

There have been countless documentaries made on Kubrick's 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY and this one here will appeal to die-hard fans of the film but I personally think there have been much more interesting films out there. I think the biggest problem is that a lot of the commentary here comes off rather dry and it's just not overly interesting. The most fascinating parts includes one actor who played one of the apes and we hear about the research he did for the part. Another interesting discussion deals with how the film began to catch on longer after its original release.

(Flash Review)

For those who have seen 2001: A Space Odyssey and are puzzled either by the stunning visuals or the overarching meaning, this documentary does a nice job in explaining many of the common questions. Since it was produced before CGI effects, it was really impressive to see some of the clever solutions they came up with for floating pens (no string!), the complex tracking shots, the appearance of weightlessness walking and the dazzling color array traveling through the cosmos. The documentary also brings back many of the original actors and actresses. They also discussed the long gorilla scene, H.A.L., the obelisk and the purpose of how it all ties together.

The actual documentary was made in 2001. James Cameron is the narrator. We get on and off cameos of Arthur C. Clarke.

Most of the presenters (about 14) think that it was his/her ideas and actions that made the movie for Stanley Kubrick.

Distracting from the presentation is Camille Anna Paglia, an American feminist who hates men and even male monkeys. She has nothing but "potty mouth" to say about the film. Where did she come from and why waste film space? Se even misinterprets "An der schönen blauen Donau", Op. 314, from Johann Strauss II. Then she even poo-poos Dave as a "man", when he has to dismantle HAL; "men's methodical brain." I do not think she should watch movies.

It was nice to see Keir Dullea presenting as he was the main actor "Dave" in "2001".

You can tell that the production is old 2001 as they think we do not have a HAL and were not aware the now there is IBM "Watson".

I know that there is a limited time but for every fact of trivia displayed there were several not displayed. It was more of people showing themselves in more of a Stanly funeral tribute. An example not once mentioned is why the selection of "Thus Spoke Zarathustra".

A slam-dunk for hardcore fans of the film, but for those less engaged, perhaps a bit of a snooze-fest. Many of the usual suspects are here and the way they lift the veil on much of the process of making the film is very appealing. The main downside is that it's a bit run-of-the-mill in its coverage, despite getting access to many of the top players. Definitely recommended for true fans, but maybe give it a miss if you "don't understand what all the fuss is about some dumb sci-fi film".