The Kubrick film came out in 1968 and they are still talking about it now. In a poll of 144 critics taken last year, it was voted the 6th best film of all time, although interestingly in the same poll 108 directors preferred his Dr. Strangelove which they voted No. 5. (And in case you were wondering, Citizen Kane was the No. 1 choice of both groups.)
A very cool flash site tries to explain some of the obscure themes and moments of the film. Why, for example, does the 'breathing' scene with the astronaut floating in space last three minutes? Kubrick's point, they tell us, is that in space man is like a fish out of water and computers (HAL has the upper hand at this stage of the film) don't need to breathe. In four parts and about 15 minutes in total length, you'll probably need a broadband connection to watch it if you don't want to be left as frustrated as many movie-goers were with the original film.
Posted by Joe at June 10, 2003 04:10 PM