Almost all students have seen 2001, but virtually none understand its inheritance, its complexities, and certainly not its ironies. The essays in this collection, commissioned from a wide variety of scholars, examine in detail various possible readings of the film and its historical context. They also examine the film as a genre piece--as the summa of science fiction that simultaneously looks back on the science fiction conventions of the past (Kubrick began thinking of making a science fiction film during the genre's heyday in the fifties), rethinks the convention in light of the time of the film's creation, and in turn changes the look and meaning of the genre that it revived--which now remains as prominent as it was almost four decades ago. Constructed out of its director's particular intellectual curiosity, his visual style, and his particular notions of the place of human agency in the world and, in this case, the universe, 2001 is, like all of his films, more than it appears, and it keeps revealing more the more it is seen. Though their backgrounds and disciplines differ, the authors of this essay collection are united by a talent for vigorous yet incisive writing that cleaves closely to the text--to the film itself, with its contextual and intrinsic complexities--granting readers privileged access to Kubrick's formidable, intricate classic work of science fiction.

Acclaimed in an international critics poll as one of the ten best films ever made, Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey has nonetheless baffled critics and filmgoers alike. Its reputation rests largely on its awesome special effects, yet the plot has been considered unfathomable. Critical consensus has been that Kubrick himself probably didn't know the answers. Leonard Wheat's Kubrick's 2001: A Triple Allegory reveals that Kubrick did know the answers. Far from being what it seems to be—a chilling story about space travel—2001 is actually an allegory, hidden by symbols. It is, in fact, a triple allegory, something unprecedented in film or literature. Three allegories—an Odysseus (Homer) allegory, a man-machine symbiosis (Arthur Clarke) allegory, and a Zarathustra (Nietzsche) allegory—are simultaneously concealed and revealed by well over 200 highly imaginative and sometimes devilishly clever symbols. Wheat "decodes" each allegory in rich detail, revealing the symbolism in numerous characters, sequences, and scenes. In bringing Kubrick's secrets to light, Wheat builds a powerful case for his assertion that 2001 is the "grandest motion picture ever filmed."

A comprehensive study of the genesis and evolution of the film, presented in the words of those involved with its production; includes a profile of Kubrick, numerous interviews, reviews, and a 96-page photo insert.

Critic and theorist of film sound, Michel Chion, offers some keys to understanding 2001. Setting the film first in its historical and cultural contexts (the Space Race, the Cold War, 60s psychedelia), Chion goes on to locate it within Kubrick's career. He then conducts an analysis of its structure and style, arguing that 2001 is an 'absolute film', a unique assemblage of cinema's elements, through which pulses a vision of human existence. In a supplementary chapter Chion argues that Kubrick's last film, Eyes Wide Shut (1999), is a return to 2001, a final statement of its concerns. And in a series of appendices Chion provides production details, an analytic synopsis, credits and a consideration of the legacy of 2001.

Filled with material that came to light after the publication of the firstdition in 1994, this updated edition includes interviews, new material fromffects supervisor Doug Turnbull and additional illustrations.

Chiefly a collection of previously published articles, essays, and interviews.

A major assessment of the great director's work. "A must for all fans of Kubrick. Kagan chronicles all of Kubrick's work...with a wealth of background information on the filmmaker and his films". -- Boxoffice

Beginnings -- Fear and desire -- Killer's kiss -- The killing -- Paths of glory -- Spartacus -- Lolita -- Dr. Strangelove, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb -- 2001: a Space Odyssey -- A Clockwork Orange -- Barry Lyndon -- The shining -- Full metal jacket -- Eyes wide shut -- Summing up.