Hi,

 

It seems that everytime I watch 2001, the film's meaning becomes more

ambiguous.  Currently we are studying this masterpiece in my film class;

and I was hoping I could get some opinions from people on the true

meaning of the monolith.

 

Personally, I feel it represents man's destiny.  It seems to mark the

stages of life and intellect which is developing in the human race.  But

is it mere curiosity which leads man to follow or is it necessity, that

is, the monolith is leading man towards his destiny?

 

This brings me to an article I read in SIGHT AND SOUND, circa 1968,

which boldly states that man is a mere pawn to this alien intelligence.

It is so far advanced, we cannot even communicate with it.  In other

words, man is simply a means for the monolith to have a little fun.  The

author goes on to conclude 2001 is merely fodder for the eyes which is

mesmerizing but lacks any real substance.  I suppose he never dreamed

this film would become a classic.

 

How does the monolith tie into man's evolution?  What role does Hal,

assuming the role of God on the Jupiter mission, play in regards to

theme?  Is it that we have lost the ability to really communicate?

 

I'm very interested in hearing people's opinions on this film.

Phil

 

 

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Philip Spagnolo             Loneliness has followed me my whole life,

everywhere.

                                In bars, cars, sidewalks, stores, everywhere.

                                    There's no escape; and God is only man.

[log in to unmask]                                      --Taxi Driver (1975)

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