Farewell Arthur C. Clarke...

Science Fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke, who 40 years ago would make history with Stanley Kubrick on 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, dies at the ripe age of 90. His story The Sentinel would be transformed into one of the greatest Science Fiction films ever made and together with Kubrick would pull no punches with a Science Fiction film like no-other. A film that is incredibly deep in it's thematic elements, but also poses some of the biggest philosophical questions that very few books or films manage to do. Clark also helmed some other important Science Fiction works and his ability to write complex works in deep Scientific realms certainly translated differently in screen adaptation with Kubrick being the only one to really master the material in a serious way.

It's also interesting that just recently Universal HD played 2001 and it looked AMAZING! Of course, the Blu-ray release of the film is incredible as well and if you ever have a chance of seeing this film in HD, do it without a second thought, but ultimately the film is required to be seen during EVERYONE's life, preferably on film, 35mm will do, although the film was shot in 70mm, so if you get a chance to see a restored 70mm screening of the film, invite everyone you know too! I've seen this film about 200 times and in a wide variety of formats, but it was with my most recent viewing of the film that I really began to appreciate the simplicity of the films surface and how much the film does with little. Now this is not to say that there is not a ton of production, sets, props, acting, etc going on, but rather just how patient and reserved the film is. It pulls you in and desperately wants the audience to be a part of the story. In doing so, the film breaks many of the standard conventions of narrative and film-making and would break rules in many other ways as well, making it one of the most innovative films of all time, this coupled with Clarke's imagination and depth and you have an instant classic that has only appreciated in value over the past 40 years making it one of the greatest Science Fiction stories and films ever produced.

Clarke will certainly be remembered as one of the great Science Fiction writers of the 20th century, but anyone who has seen 2001, owes a great deal of thanks for his incredible vision as the world of film is clearly a bit better because of this film.