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2001 is a non-conventional narrative chronicling the history of the evolution of mankind from primitive apes to technology super-geniuses to transcendant beings. It was (and still is) a highly influential film and contains some of the most famous shots in cinema history---such as the ingenius match cut between the flying bone and the futurist space ship.

When viewed today, most people turn off their television sets and say, "Huh?" That's because director Stanley Kubrick really likes to make his viewers work to enjoy his films. But, if you're willing to put in the effort, you will be richly rewarded. Here's a few tips for getting at the deeper meaning of 2001:

• Watch it a second time. If you decide to give it another chance, I promise you you'll get more out of it the second time around. Watching it again you won't be so focused on the plot and you'll be able to see some of the deeper themes and symbolism at work in the film.
• Read the book. Stanley Kubrick commissioned the famed Arthur C. Clarke to write 2001 in novel form before it was adapted to film. So, since the book and the film were created with each other in mind, you'll be able to pick up a lot more of what is going on by checking out the novel.
• Check out some articles that have been written about the film. Check out Kubrick 2001: The Space Odyssey Explained for an insightful interpretation (keeping in mind that there are many layers and possible interpretations).

Just remember, Star Wars would never have been possible if it hadn't been for 2001. But... is that a good thing or a bad thing? (Just kidding.)

When Alyssa and I were still friends, I tried to show her that I was interested in thought-provoking, deep media. So I borrowed the book, 2001: A Space Odyssey from her. I had never seen the movie, but I knew that it was one of those "deep" types of movies. The book was interesting and thought provoking--especially some of the notes Alyssa wrote in the margins (ex. "Foreshadowing a go-go!"). When I finally saw the movie, I could understand why so many people didn't get it. The book explained what was happening a lot better than the movie did.

One of the nice things that the movie gives to you is a sense of not really understanding what's going on. I like movies that are like that because they're re-watchable. This movie is re-watchable and I suspect that I'd get something different from it each time.