This week’s review is “2001: A Space Odyssey.” This is a visionary achievement from legendary director, Stanley Kubrick; that should be viewed by all movie lovers.

“2001: A Space Odyssey” is more of a visual tale than a verbal one. The film has a very basic premise that I won’t spoil for the sake of enjoying the movie as much as possible, but what I will say is that this movie shocks viewers from the very first scene to the ending credits. It’s a mesmerizing experience that delves into the wonders of space, and through Stanley Kubrick’s excellent camera shots, makes the atmosphere of space very real.

Every shot has a purpose and Kubrick does not disappoint in his visuals. The visuals in this film are breathtaking and serve as the the main building blocks in creating, almost a utopia that Kubrick lets viewers experience. Kubrik lets space itself take care of teaching viewers about what it has to offer. Most directors try to teach viewers a lesson of some kind of experience that was very important in their lives, but in this case, Kubrick suggests that he is a learner like the audience.

Where “2001: A Space Odyssey” excels the most is in the imagination that Kubrick integrated into this movie. Throughout most of the film, it is like being transported into a voyage into the realm of space through vibrant images.

The movie is not about providing tales of melodrama or an action packed sci fi opera, like “Star Wars.” 2001 doesn’t have to or want to be that. Instead, it provides a series of illustrations that challenges viewers to confront the questions that we have about what lies outside of our world and beyond. It forces viewers to make emotional decisions about how we feel about a universe in which we are merely a small speck.

Some might say that the characters in 2001 are bland and dull, and that the dialogue is boring, but I feel those critics are missing the point.

That is where some of the strength lies in this film. It brings us to a world where we are dependent on machines and artificial intelligence to do the work for us, but in doing so, it hinders the human race’s development as a species. The characters are not emotionally connected with us not because of the “dull” dialogue, but rather because the dialogue comments on how far gone the human race has fallen to machines.

“2001: A Space Odyssey” is a visionary achievement that will remain on a high pedestal of visual storytelling and the art of filmmaking. It’s a visual tale of the triumphs and failures of the human race and the unknown of what lies ahead. Stanley Kubrick brings viewers on a beautiful voyage of exploration and wonder into the realm of space.