So, the following is the essay that I chose to write for my english class. Since the work I do in my media studies class typically blends into my english class I decided to look into the meaning behind the movie 2001 a Space Odyssey. After watching the film origionally Mr. Corey, Kim and I tried talking about what we thought the meaning of the film was, however, we didn't really understand what it was that we had just finished. So, Mr. Corey asked both of us to write a few pages about the topic and then we would look back to it and try a discussion again. After I had finished writing the assignment I decided I would look a little more into the ideas I had already talked about... So, I wrote the following essay.
"You're free to speculate as you wish about the philosophical and allegorical meaning of the film—and such speculation is one indication that it has succeeded in gripping the audience at a deep level—but I don't want to spell out a verbal road map for 2001 that every viewer will feel obligated to pursue or else fear he's missed the point."[1] The statement made by Stanley Kubrick leaves the viewer with just as many questions, if not more, as they would have had before reading the quote. He suggests that all interpretations are correct and acts as if everyone should be open to others ideas. The film was created with the idea that it would end up finishing, almost, open ended. When interviewed he left nothing more than subtle hints as to what his personal interpretation truly was, wanting to leave his viewers with their own comprehensions. So.. What is the meaning of this movie?
When watching the film you’re immediately shown a scene that is set in prehistoric Africa. Although in order to understand what happens shortly into the film, you need to look a little farther back in time. Roughly four million years ago something unexpected entered the universe close to Jupiter on a course toward Earth. This unexpected thing was extraterrestrials; they came with a gift, the monolith. [2] This may seem to hold little significance however; its placement is not aesthetic. Instead it deeply holds strong knowledge. “The mysterious monolithic stone slab is a technological machine belonging to aliens in space, one of hundreds of such monoliths sent to Earth to test, teach and transform the apes into higher-order, intelligent beings.”[3]
Returning to the opening scene, you’re greeted by a tribe of apes living in the simplest form. “They scrape together a meager life and live a marginal existence, unable to fully protect themselves from the elements or from other competitors, predators and carnivores.”[4] Survival is based on cries between groups and aggression through intimidation. Upon their discovery of the monolith, however, a revelation occurs. Out of curiosity, apes gather and ponder the meaning and purpose of this strange object. It appears there is no effect on them until one ape becomes amused with a pile of bones. He begins to “play” watching the bones fly as he hits them. This then becomes the development of early weapons and the understanding of higher protection. The apes begin to develop new methods and become stronger still existing harmoniously with other tribes. That is, until the need for water can no longer be shared. With their new bone weapon they are able to over take the other tribe sending a strong message, death. They’ve now shown how powerful they are and start conquering the terrain they have. “The 'enlightened' apes gain domination in the animal world, establish their territorial domain, and take an evolutionary step or leap toward (or away from) humanity.”[5] The monolith was the reason for development of new ideas and the apes survival. “..The monolith is a tool, an artefact of an alien civilization. It comes in many sizes and appears in many places, always in the purpose of advancing intelligent life.”[6] One can only assume the transition from bone to space craft indicated that the apes development over another four millions years was successful.
The second part of this scene is shown on a journey to the moon where the viewer is left clueless with only comments of strange activity. Through all the visible technology that Kubrick displays on screen you’re able to see how comfortable man has become on Earth. Their comfort is based on the idea of technology working for the better and solely in their favour. Humans have created all forms of technology to perform even the simplest tasks. With the technology they now have it is easy to see they have “conquered” planet Earth. Meaning humans no longer fear the simplest of things. This allowed a new system of characteristics that had changed greatly from the apes seen in the beginning of the film. Humans are no longer curious, questioning or scared beings. They feel as if there is no mystery as to what is beyond and have no fear when entering the outer universe. Although there has been massive technical advances made on Earth, humans once again can be considered children. Previous tasks such as eating, walking and using the bathroom no longer are simple. The human species still has a lot to learn about space. Unfortunately, they are overconfident and unable to recognize this need. “Kubrick’s point: the master of Earth is just a child in space.”[7]
Meeting the monolith once again, this time in on the moon, humans face its discovery differently from the first time. There is no feeling of fear or question as to what it is. Instead they happily take a video, even farther showing their cockiness; the human species has come far. That is until a high pitched sound is omitted from the monolith, acting as an alarm. “It alerts or signals the ancient civilization that buried it on the Moon that man is about to reach another more improved advanced level of consciousness and intelligence.”[8] Similar to the first discovery ,it was placed millions of years before acting as a sentinel to prove not only that humans had reached the moon but also that they still had a great deal to learn about the universe. It's uncertain if the characters involved in this scene die or if they survive. But shortly after, you're moved eighteen months into the future where humans are in space once again, on a mission toward Jupiter.
On the second journey, it is no longer only humans entering space. What is considered the ultimate tool joins them, HAL. The HAL 9000 computer that is built into the ship operates as a human’s brain and nerve system would. He sees little relevance in the presence of humans. “Humans are just maintenance men at the end of their evolution. The ultimate tool doesn’t need these apes anymore.”[9] In the beginning, he works seamlessly, but by estimating failure of the ships antenna the human members no longer trust his judgement. HAL recognizes that he is being second guessed and becomes angry. He decides he is right and the only way to save “his” mission is to eliminate the other members. Since humans have little impact on his system HAL easily is able to control the outcome he wants. When returning the antenna after testing HAL is able to take the opportunity to release the man from his harness, sending him into space. The other crew member acts quickly and successfully saves his co-member but HAL has thought ahead. Unfortunately, man has not lost all ability and is still able to overtake his tools. With the simplest of tools, the screwdriver, the remaining crew member is easily able to shut HAL down.[10] The man is now alone in space, without his tools, finishing the unknown mission until a voice prompter informs him his journey to the Jupiter has ended.
The final part involves the discovery of the monolith, this time orbiting near Jupiter. As the final character, watches in amazement, it begins to cover the light from the other planets. Man has evolved and once again he is curious and afraid. Using the space pod the man moves slowly toward the monolith and is carried on a journey through what seems to be a large light show, representing time. When the lights stop he's seen in a large room alone still in his spacesuit. He quickly ages within a matter of minutes and is left with only one task, his own death. When he is on the edge of death is body is cast aside, leaving his spirit to be reborn. The final image you’re left with is a fetus orbiting around the Earth.
Through all the development man had undergone, it ultimately ended up affecting the population in a negative way. Humans had changed there was no real time for them to understand the consequences and significance of their actions. The push for technology almost destroyed the human species. “Have you gotten it yet, Earthman? Your evolution depended so much on your technology, that it almost replaced you.. and in the end tried to destroy you. Now without your tools, what is left of you?”[11] In the beginning we lived harmoniously with the planet Earth working together to survive. Perhaps if we had developed our tools differently and kept our original characteristics the need to be reminded of technological strides wouldn’t have been present. The monolith worked as a guide helping move along through time and pose questions as to where all human knowledge came from. “Monoliths link the primeval, futuristic, and mystical sections of the film.”[12] Farther proving what problems can occur when your technology begins to become smarter then you. The idea expressed throughout the film is understanding the developments you make, how exactly they work and your own personal character toward everything you have and have had.
[1] Norden, Eric. “Interview: Stanley Kubrick,” Playboy, 169, (September 1968)
[2] New Media Giants. “Kubrick 2001: The Space Odyssey Explained,” <http://www.kubrick2001.com/> (25 November 2010) A monolith is defined as a single large block or piece of stone, as in architecture or sculpture. Monolith. (1984). In David B. Guralnik (Ed.), Webster’s New World Dictionary (p. 921, 2nd ed). New York: Simon & Schuster.
[3] Dirks, Tim. “2001: A Space Odyssey (1968),” <http://www.filmsite.org/twot.html> (November 29,2010)
[4] Dirks, Tim. “2001: A Space Odyssey (1968),”
[5] Dirks, Tim. “2001: A Space Odyssey (1968),”
[6] Clarke, Arthur C. 2001: A Space Odyssey (New York: New American Press, 1968).
[7] New Media Giants. “Kubrick 2001: The Space Odyssey Explained,”
[8] Dirks, Tim. “2001: A Space Odyssey (1968),”
[9] New Media Giants. “Kubrick 2001: The Space Odyssey Explained,”
[10] New Media Giants. “Kubrick 2001: The Space Odyssey Explained,”
[11] New Media Giants. “Kubrick 2001: The Space Odyssey Explained,”
[12] Dirks, Tim. “2001: A Space Odyssey (1968),”
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