2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Having been through Kubrick’s filmography in the past year I needed to verify that 2001 was still at the top. It is maybe more than 10 years since I last saw it, but it still the absolute pinnacle from Kubrick. For me it is not the impressive and groundbreaking effects, production design or cinematography that is essential. Though of course everything technical is absolutely amazing. 2001 is one of the very few films that can give that sense of wonder and awe about the vastness of life, the universe and everything. Plenty of films and directors does human emotions and Earthly themes better than Kubrick, but few can reach so high in the existential questions and succeed.
I also love it for how different it is to most other science fiction movies. It allows itself to take its time and let the viewer experience the beauty of space. The film respects the viewers intelligence by not filling the narrative up with unneeded expositions. The plot may be rather small, but there is no need for several plot twists, character conflicts or complicated plot threads to make the stakes high. Dave is acting rational and methodical, and his mistake with the lipreading feels like an honest human oversight and not forced just to move the plot forward.
Rating: 5