Friday, 4 December 2015

Modernism in Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey

Kubrick explores various artistic concepts in his work, and prominently so. The exploration of these concepts is another identifiable element of Kubrick’s style as an auteur. 

Modernism is distinctly explored in 2001: A Space Odyssey. An aspect of modernism that is overtly present in 2001 is the pursuit of answers to fundamental questions about the human experience; Kubrick’s interest in human nature is addressed again here. The film is established for its philosophical provocation; Kubrick himself stated that he wanted 2001 to generate many philosophical questions. Modernism may also concern the celebration of technology and machinery, a concept clearly explored by the inclusion of the character ‘HAL 9000’ and how the role of technology may affect mankind. Although HAL is not depicted in a positive manner, the comparison of technology and humanity is a notion of modernism. Moreover, favouring the primitive over the industrial is an element of modernism which is also very potent in 2001 from the ‘Dawn of Man’ sequence and the overall theme of evolution. Technology and primitivism are explored somewhat mutually, despite neither being particularly favoured. Stanley Kubrick’s vision, in terms of his curiosity over humanity, also makes this film an extremely prominent example of modernism.

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