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Back to Classic Science Fiction
Overview: Metrocolor, 139 minutes, Rated G.
Director: Stanley Kubrick, Story Writer: Arthur C. Clarke, Score Writers: Stanley Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke, Producer: Stanley Kubrick.
Cast: Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, William Sylvester, Daniel Richter, Leonard Rossiter, Margaret Tyzack, Robert Beatty, Sean Sullivan, Douglas Rain, Frank Miller.
Synopsis: Early pre-human primates encounter an alien object which appears to boost their intelligence in using tools and weapons. Later, humans colonizing the moon discover a similar buried object which emits a piercing sonic signal when first touched by sunlight. An expedition is mounted to the moons of Jupiter which were the target of the signal. A malfunctioning computer kills most of the crew, leaving a lone astronaut to make the ultimate voyage of discovery.
Critique: In this film, Stanley Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke have created a masterpiece of epic proportions. Their vision of the past and future is wonderfully painted across a broad canvas of cinematography, special effects and expansive classical music. Some may find the sequences to be a bit long and overdone for their taste. Fans of the genre owe it to themselves to sit through it at least once. The appreciative viewer will find much to ponder for a long time to come.--Kirby Chan