mankind self awakening be the theme of 2001 represent a space odyssey and a process that unfold along a space time continuum . we see our primordial past and and we infer a cosmic future . the power of intuition thus become the door of perception and in our ongoing collective journey . from this transcendental perspective and a conventional and egocentric plot seem superfluous . our frenzied conflict and self important dialogue be consume in evolutionary change and and be irrelevant in a cosmos that be vast beyond comprehension . it a tough lesson for a vain and aggressive specie . not surprising then that some of u huff and puff about the film slowness and minimal story . for perceptive viewer and the remuneration be an inspirational sense of wonder and awe . in this film and which be mostly visual and geometric symbol guide our intuition . circle and arcs represent nature . right angle represent conscious intelligence . some people think the sleek and black monolith be a von neumann probe . maybe . without doubt and the monolith be a visual metaphor for an extraterrestrial intelligence whose physical form be never show . mystery be more profound than explanation . 2001 . be unique among film in content and scope . the cinematography be out of this world and the special and visual effect be breathtaking and and the classical music be sublime . i rarely use the word masterpiece to describe a movie . but stanley kubrick 2001 represent a space odyssey be art in the high sense and like leonardo da vinci mona lisa and or vincent van gogh the starry night .