2001: A Space Odyssey

"I'm sorry Dave. I'm afraid I can't do that." -- Hal 9000 With 2001: A Space Odyssey, director Stanley Kubrick redefined the limits of filmmaking in this classic science fiction masterpiece; a contemplation on the nature of humanity. 2001: A Space Odyssey spans from the dawn of man to its title year. Stone Age Earth: In the presence of a mysterious black obelisk, pre-humans discover the use of tools -- and weapons -- violently taking first steps toward intelligence. 1999: On Earth's moon astronauts uncover another mysterious black obelisk. 2001: Between Earth and Jupiter, the spacecraft's intelligent computer makes a mistake that kills most of the human crew -- then continues to kill to hide its error. Beyond Time: The sole survivor of the journey to Jupiter ascends to the next level of humanity. Based on the short story The Sentinel by Arthur C. Clarke, 2001: A Space Odyssey showed the way for all other special effects-laden films that followed. OSCAR WINNER: Best Special Visual Effects