2001: A Space Odyssey

From Roger Ebert's 1997 review of 2001: A Space Odyssey, in which he gave the film 4 out of 5 stars:

The genius is not in how much does in "2001: A Space Odyssey," but in how little. This is the work of an artist so sublimely confident that he doesn't include a single shot simply to keep our attention. He reduces each scene to its essence, and leaves it on screen long enough for us to contemplate it, to inhabit it in our imaginations. Alone among science-fiction movies, “2001" is not concerned with thrilling us, but with inspiring our awe.

“2001: A Space Odyssey'' is in many respects a silent film. There are few conversations that could not be handled with title cards. Much of the dialogue exists only to show people talking to one another, without much regard to content (this is true of the conference on the space station). Ironically, the dialogue containing the most feeling comes from HAL, as it pleads for its “life'' and sings “Daisy.''

The film creates its effects essentially out of visuals and music. It is meditative. It does not cater to us, but wants to inspire us, enlarge us. Nearly 30 years after it was made, it has not dated in any important detail, and although special effects have become more versatile in the computer age, Trumbull's work remains completely convincing -- more convincing, perhaps, than more sophisticated effects in later films, because it looks more plausible, more like documentary footage than like elements in a story.

Only a few films are transcendent, and work upon our minds and imaginations like music or prayer or a vast belittling landscape. Most movies are about characters with a goal in mind, who obtain it after difficulties either comic or dramatic. “2001: A Space Odyssey'' is not about a goal but about a quest, a need. It does not hook its effects on specific plot points, nor does it ask us to identify with Dave Bowman or any other character. It says to us: We became men when we learned to think. Our minds have given us the tools to understand where we live and who we are. Now it is time to move on to the next step, to know that we live not on a planet but among the stars, and that we are not flesh but intelligence.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

This screening is FREE for all ages.

Doors open at 7pm. Film at 8pm.

Programmed by Omar Casas.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

ACCESSIBILITY

ENTRE Film Center is located at 415 W. Jackson Ave., Harlingen, TX. Our building is fully accessible to wheelchair users and other visitors who need to avoid stairs. Parking is located on the street and there is a sidewalk ramp located to the right of our building. Our micro-cinema contains modular seating that can be arranged to accommodate our visitors' needs. There is also an all-gender bathroom located in the back of the building.

If you have any questions regarding access, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected]

Host or Publisher ENTRE Film Center & Regional Archive