It is very hard to argue against “2001: A Space Odyssey” when you think of cinema’s greatest achievement. Personally, I think it is one of the greatest works of art regardless of the medium. What Stanley Kubrick achieved here is comparable with the work of DaVinci, Shakespeare, Mozart, and all the greatest artists to come out in human history. The meaning behind most of the film is open for interpretation, which is why it has stood the test of time. However, it is the final chapter in his film that has most viewers scratching their heads in awe. Seeing Dr. Dave Bowman age in a spotless room may be the most disturbing scene in the film. He sees himself growing old and then he becomes old and sees himself getting older before he becomes that and ends up in his death bed. We are only here for a fraction of a fraction of second. The human race is insignificant in the grand scheme of things. I believe this scene evokes something our mind tends to block out throughout our daily lives. Most of the time we spent is being dead or not yet born, and while we’re alive, time consumes us and before you know it, your life is over.
The Cinephile Fix 