Following on from my previous post a couple of days ago on spending the afternoon watching 2001: A Space Odyssey, Wotan suggested I dig out my copy of 2010: The Year We Make Contact, and give that an airing.
Well, I took his advice and settled down to watch. The copy I have is a R2 DVD released in 2000, with the 2:35: 1 widescreen presentation; the downside is however, it's set in a 4:3 aspect; put simply it doesn't fill the screen!
I hasten to add I don't intend that as a metaphor. When it comes to 2010, I suppose it's inevitable to be tempted to make unfair comparisons with Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey. Both are very well made but very different films.
2001 is a metaphysical, unconventional cinematic experience: In short, probably the best science fiction film ever made!
2010 is much more pragmatic and faster paced than 2001, and attempts to answer some of the questions raised in the original: In short it's enjoyable science fiction, and a lot easier to understand than 2001!
A couple of notable things to look out for; 2010 does contain a cameo of Arthur C Clarke, sitting on a bench, feeding the birds outside the White House, and briefly on a made up painted cover of TIME magazine, along with Stanley Kubrick.
I really like this film - the book is even better tbh - but it does trouble me a little, as the 'world' of 2010 seems a lot more contemporary than the futuristic society of 2001. Granted, most of the action takes place on a russian ship, which historically, have always appeared a lot more industrial and less advanced than western tech, but the overall style of the film doesnt seem to gel with a society set just after 2001. The space suits in 2001 are stylish and distinctly different from the ones we are familiar with, but the US/Soviet suits in 2010, just look like something we might see on the current missions. Heywood Floyds style in 2001 was very tailored and chic, yet in 2010 business apparell is just straight shirt and tie and even Arthur C has gone for a fifties style gabardeen mac!
ReplyDeleteOn the plus side, the Syd Meade designed Alexei Leonov ship is beautifully chunky and soviet looking and the model work is of a very high standard. HAL's sister AI, SAL is well realised and Chandra's relationship with her is one of the most human performances in the film. Definitely one to watch. The further book sequel, 3001 is a bit too far removed from the original and a bit naff, which is why its never been filmed!
I read 3001 several years ago while on holiday. I seem to remember at the time Arthur C Clake jokingly said he'd written it as unfilmable. I think finding Frank Poole floating in space and reviving him was a bit of a stretch for me.
DeleteBTW, I did read a truncated version of 2010 over a couple of issues of Playboy magazine; I bought it for the hi-fi features and the gardening section!
DeleteYeh, yeh. I read Penthouse for Ron Embleton's Wicked Wanda too! The bit about the chinese space station is quite prophetic given their recent advances in technology. Someone should film Rendezvous with Rama, that would make a good experience.
DeleteI've read a film is in the early stages of development, but don't hold your breath!
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