In our new year, as more and more machines begin to talk and take further command of human characteristics, Kubrick’s space odyssey remains a cautionary tale, earning greater relevance with each step forward into the future.
His ability to translate these thoughts into words only makes HAL’s actions more apparent. HAL’s emotional and cognitive abilities lead to the death of six astronauts. But regardless of the reasons behind his actions, the results remain the same. Was it a mechanical breakdown that caused HAL to improperly diagnose the satellite failure onboard? Or was this a deep-seated plan provoked by a machine’s human distrust? Both theories have their fair share of supporters. HAL’s murder of the crew and attempted mutiny elude definitive motives. Developing technology to reproduce human abilities beyond words and into creative thought is the greatest error foretold in the film. Not only can he talk, but, according to the report, “HAL has the ability to reproduce (though some scientists prefer the term ‘mimic’) the complex functions of the human brain.” HAL’s speaking capacity then should be the least of our concerns. He drives conversation with the interviewer,and takes a noted sense of pride in his responsibility and accomplishments. When Kubrick first introduces the HAL 9000 in a televised interview with his crew, there is much to be in awe of. Never a participant of Kubrick’s interstellar symphonies, the ominous red dot evokes equal parts intrigue and mystery. Technology is not bad, it’s really quite wonderful.Īnd then there is HAL. Without any dialogue, we sit merely as spectators filled with bedazzled wonder. The many scenes of astronauts effortlessly gliding through space to the melodic tones of classical music feel like something more akin to a cosmic ballet than a science fiction film of damning predictions. The clean, linear design of the ship’s controls evokes not paranoia, but peace and ease. In the film, one cannot help but recognize technology’s indispensable role as man defies gravity, traveling through the cosmos. Interpreting HAL through the common sci-fi myth that too much technology is damning, would be taking Kubrick at meager face value, (a mortal sin for most cinephiles). If a picture is worth 1000 words, then 2001: A Space Odyssey is an encyclopedia protruding with countless thoughts and ideas. A novel idea in 1968, but almost 50 years later, HAL would simply join the likes of Siri, Watson and our unnamed Google Maps chauffeur on the ever increasing list of “talking computers.” Thankfully, our reliable trio have yet to cause the mayhem of HAL. Arguably the film’s most intriguing character is no man or ape, but a talking computer- the HAL 9000- stoic and physically lifeless. But onboard any spaceship, technology is aplenty, often times in excess in sci-fi.
Despite a few bone-wielding apes on our prehistoric planet, Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, as its title suggests, takes place mainly onboard spaceships trekking through a limitless and (relatively) unchanging galaxy. Unfortunately, 2001: A Space Odyssey does not lend many imaginative depictions of 21st century Earth.
We were still trying to figure out the Segway.) (Sorry Back to the Future II, there were no hoover boards yet in 2015. Audiences may relish in the opportunity to nitpick the accuracy of these fictitious creations in the aided benefit of hindsight. Even better is when these cinematic futures become the past. Depictions of the future serve as one of the most alluring aspects of science fiction.
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