Our Future: Are U Optimistic or Pessimistic?
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A conversation about our future via the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey
I recently watched 2001: A Space Odyssey and I wondered if our present day HAL (techno-politico-business world) is in charge right now or is slowly being turned off, making it possible to create something familiar but new. What do you think?
This lens is not about the movie per say, so don't expect a thorough run-down of the movie. but I will provide some basic info about the film for those who haven't watched it in the past decade, and for those who have never had the experience of viewing it.
I've enjoyed this movie about every 5-7 years or so and each time have come away with something different. This last time, when HAL was taking over the ship but finally was shut down by Dave, it reminded me of the chaos in our world of today. Why? Because our world is so much about power and control and there is a general inkling in the air, whether you buy into it or not, that a big change is coming - for better or worse. There's the apocalypse mind set, the end of the Mayan calendar approaching, discoveries in quantum physics that make life seem positively hologramatic. Nostradamus weighs in, a proposed 13th member of the zodiac has been announced, and people are rioting in the Middle East around human rights. What a stew pot!
I'm not proposing one belief is more true than another. I just enjoy a good conversation and hope you join in.
[NOTE: The above pic is HAL's eye. Remember, he can read lips.]
This lens is not about the movie per say, so don't expect a thorough run-down of the movie. but I will provide some basic info about the film for those who haven't watched it in the past decade, and for those who have never had the experience of viewing it.
I've enjoyed this movie about every 5-7 years or so and each time have come away with something different. This last time, when HAL was taking over the ship but finally was shut down by Dave, it reminded me of the chaos in our world of today. Why? Because our world is so much about power and control and there is a general inkling in the air, whether you buy into it or not, that a big change is coming - for better or worse. There's the apocalypse mind set, the end of the Mayan calendar approaching, discoveries in quantum physics that make life seem positively hologramatic. Nostradamus weighs in, a proposed 13th member of the zodiac has been announced, and people are rioting in the Middle East around human rights. What a stew pot!
I'm not proposing one belief is more true than another. I just enjoy a good conversation and hope you join in.
[NOTE: The above pic is HAL's eye. Remember, he can read lips.]
A Space Odyssey In A Nutshell
The film consists of four episodes, three of which are subtitled:The Dawn of Man
A primeval ape man makes a discovery - becoming graced with intelligence after coming across a mysterious black monolith.
The Lunar Journey in the Year 2000 - untitled
Eons later, a similar monolith is discovered on the our moon's lunar surface (21st century) and it send signals to Jupiter.
Jupiter Mission, 18 Months Later (2001 or 2002)
An 18-month journey to Jupiter, where the monolith signal was sent.
Jupiter and Beyond the Infinite
A human experiences another time and dimension, and finally a rebirth.
HAL Asks:
Are you optimistic, pessimistic (or opti-pessimistic) about mankind's future?
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Edutopia
Feb 14, 2012 @ 9:13 am | delete
- I am generally optimistic of our future. Even though we face enormously huge challenges the worst that can happen I feel is the setback by a few hundred years of lost progress (and the loss of a significant portion of the population). I don't want to downplay the tragedy of that but at the same time it still leaves us with the room to rebound.
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Mood Music
The film is enriched by orchestral music, presented in movements as a symphony, from:
Richard Strauss, Also Sprach Zarathustra
Johann Strauss, The Blue Danube Waltz
Gyorgy Ligeti, Atmospheres, Lux Aeterna, and Requiem for Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Two Mixed Choirs and Orchestra
Aram Khatchaturian, Gayane Ballet Suite
Richard Strauss, Also Sprach Zarathustra
Johann Strauss, The Blue Danube Waltz
Gyorgy Ligeti, Atmospheres, Lux Aeterna, and Requiem for Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Two Mixed Choirs and Orchestra
Aram Khatchaturian, Gayane Ballet Suite
Odyssey Film Facts
The first spoken words in the film occur about 25 minutes from the film's beginning.
There are 5 birthdays celebrated in the film: (1) the Dawn of Man himself; (2) Dr. Floyd's daughter; (3) Astronaut Frank (his parents sing Happy Birthday via radio); (4) computer HAL's "operational" birthday; (5) the Birth of the Starchild.
HAL's name was derived from the words Heuristic and ALgorithmic - 2 basic types of learning systems.
Originally, HAL was called Athena and was to possess a female voice.
The movie was based on a 1951 short story called The Sentinel, written in 1948 by sci-fi author Arthur C. Clarke.
There's less than 40 minutes of dialogue in the whole film.
2001: A Sapce Odyssey was originally titled Journey Beyond the Stars.
The film was ignored by the Academy in the Best Picture category. Top Oscar honors went to the musical Oliver! (1968). Space Odyessey walked away with one Oscar for Best Visual Effects.
19 minutes were cut from the film after it premiered.
Originally, HAL's voice was to be that of Martin Balsam. In the end, HAL's voice was provided by Douglas Rain.
There are 5 birthdays celebrated in the film: (1) the Dawn of Man himself; (2) Dr. Floyd's daughter; (3) Astronaut Frank (his parents sing Happy Birthday via radio); (4) computer HAL's "operational" birthday; (5) the Birth of the Starchild.
HAL's name was derived from the words Heuristic and ALgorithmic - 2 basic types of learning systems.
Originally, HAL was called Athena and was to possess a female voice.
The movie was based on a 1951 short story called The Sentinel, written in 1948 by sci-fi author Arthur C. Clarke.
There's less than 40 minutes of dialogue in the whole film.
2001: A Sapce Odyssey was originally titled Journey Beyond the Stars.
The film was ignored by the Academy in the Best Picture category. Top Oscar honors went to the musical Oliver! (1968). Space Odyessey walked away with one Oscar for Best Visual Effects.
19 minutes were cut from the film after it premiered.
Originally, HAL's voice was to be that of Martin Balsam. In the end, HAL's voice was provided by Douglas Rain.
also on Blue-Ray
2001 - A Space Odyssey (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Amazon Price: $11.95 (as of 05/28/2012)
BONUS FEATURES:
* Commentary by Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood
* Theatrical trailer
* Channel 4 documentary: 2001: The Making of a Myth
* Standing on the Shoulders of Kubrick: The Legacy of 2001
* Vision of a Future Passed: The Prophecy of 2001
* 2001: A Space Odyssey - A Look Behind the Future
* 2001: FX and Early Conceptual Artwork
* Look: Stanley Kubrick!
* Audio-only interview with Stanley Kubrick
If You've Seen the Movie . . .
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THE DAWN OF MAN
THE LUNAR JOURNEY
JUPITER MISSION
JUPITER AND BEYOND THE INFINITE
A sequel was made by director
Peter Hyams' 2010 (1984); the story was taken from a 1982 published adaptation titled 2010: Odyssey Two by Arthur C. Clarke. There are other Clarke writings which could be made into films: 2061: Odyssey Three and 3001: Final Odyssey.
HAL Wonders:
Will people find my "off" panel?
If HAL represents our current techno-politico-business craziness, what or where are the key or keys to shutting HAL down?
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Edutopia
Feb 14, 2012 @ 9:15 am | delete
- We are the way we are in our current environment because of total adherence to Neo-Liberal political and economic philosophy so the key to shutting HAL down is to change the political and economic philosophy driving the national discourse and policy.
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Pics From the Movie
Bits About HAL
"The sixth member of the Discovery crew was not concerned about the problems of hibernation. For he was the latest result in machine intelligence - the HAL 9000 computer, which can reproduce, though some experts still prefer to use the word 'mimic,' most of the activities of the human brain, and with incalculably greater speed and reliability." (a BBC reporter, from the movie)
"Well, he [HAL] acts like he has genuine emotions. Uhm, of course, he's programmed that way to make it easier for us to talk to him. But as to whether or not he has real feelings is something I don't think anyone can truthfully answer." (spoken by Dave, in the movie)
HAL realizes Dave is shutting him down and says:
"Look, Dave, I can see you're really upset about this. I honestly think you ought to sit down calmly, take a stress pill, and think things over. I know I've made some very poor decisions recently, but I can give you my complete assurance that my work will be back to normal. I've still got the greatest enthusiasm and confidence in the mission and I want to help you."
HAL Wonders:
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Odyssey Bookshelf
2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke
2001: A Space Odyssey is the classic science fiction more...0 points
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey: New Essays
Almost all students have seen 2001, but virtually more...0 points
The Making of 2001: A Space Odyssey (Modern Library Movies)
"If 2001 has stirred your emotions, your subconscious, more...0 points
2001: A Space Odyssey ~ 2010: Odyssey Two ~ 2061:Odyssey Three ~ 3001: The Final Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke
The classic SF series taken to its full conclusion more...0 points
2010: Odyssey Two, Arthur C. Clarke, Hardcover Edition , 1982 by arthur clarke
hardcover edition0 points
HAL's Final Words in the Movie
"Dave, stop. Stop, will you? Stop, Dave. Will you stop, Dave? Stop, Dave. I'm afraid. I'm afraid, Dave. Dave, my mind is going. I can feel it. I can feel it. My mind is going. There is no question about it. I can feel it. I can feel it. I can feel it. I'm a-fraid."
Have the Last Word in Our Conversation!
Any more thoughts about HAL? The futture? Or the Weather?
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Edutopia
Feb 14, 2012 @ 9:16 am | delete
- HAL made the move. The future is never set. The weather sure is odd these days.
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GayleMcLaughlin Jul 13, 2011 @ 11:40 am | delete
- That movie still haunts me today! I did like it--but I still don't completely understand it. kfor your insight.
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by jaktraks
I'm a Licensed Clinical Counselor, poet and freelance writer. I love animals, playing on the computer, quantum physics, being outside, napping with my... more »
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