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2001

63.26.11.126

saw it when released in 1968 at the Warner theater in Pittsburgh, one of the last great theaters, with a cinemascope screen and two balconies. It was a 70 mm print. I hadn't a clue what was going on, so I went out and bought the book. This was no help. Each time I screen it I know less about it.

One of the things I like so much about this film, one of the things I find so chilling, is the complete sensual blackness--the total absence of sound in airless space. It is one of the most dehumanizing things about space, and an effect overlooked at the peril of great sci fi. Kubrick uses sound on a pallett unprecidented in the history of film--but what a unique opportunity: to use an absolute black for the color of sound in space. He sets us up right from the start, tantalizing us, forcing us to lean into the film for the first bits of sonic stimulation, gradually moving us into primate grunts and screams. We evolve auditorily along with his "apes". Then he lulls us with the Strauss, tricking us into dropping our guard, only to abandon us to the vast nothingness.

We as audiophiles feel the power of Kubrik's brilliant use of sound to manipulate his audience. Oh, but he's so good, I bet most of you didn't even notice it, ya, nitch var?

"HAL, open the pod bay door..."

This is a film for all time. A Masterpiece.


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  • 2001 - petew 18:55:36 07/23/00 (0)


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