2001: A Space Odyssey 1968 G, 139 min. Genre: Action / Adventure / Sci-Fi
Director: Stanley Kubrick Cast: Keir Dullea, William Sylvester, Gary Lockwood, Daniel Richter, Douglas Rain, Leonard Rossiter, Margaret Tyzack, Robert Beatty, Sean Sullivan, Frank Miller, Bill Weston, Ed Bishop, Alan Gifford, Ann Gillis
The story begins millions of years ago during a crisis on Earth when starving apes, seeking water rights, could only shake their arms at the Others across the stream. Then, one day, a mysterious monolith appeared to probe and direct their brains. Over time, the apes learned that they could change their world through the use of tools, which provided means to obtain food. Skip ahead to the year 2001: apes have evolved into humans, tools into weapons, and Earth is again in crisis. Overpopulation has caused another food shortage, nuclear megatonnage threatens the entire surface of the planet, and, once again, a mysterious monolith has been discovered–this time on the moon. And now, mysterious radio signals from Jupiter are aimed at Earth. A space shuttle is sent to Jupiter to investigate. The genius of this film is the awe it inspires in us as the music sets the tone. Johann Strauss' "Blue Danube," for example, accompanies the docking of the space ship. The pace of both docking and ballet are deliberately slow–a perfect match. While the film does not provide a clear narrative, Arthur C. Clarke's novel does. In this case, reading the book before viewing the movie increases one's understanding. The film received an Oscar for Best Special Effects; three other nominations were received, including Best Director.
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Enduring Love 2004 R, 100 min. Genre: Drama / Thriller
Director: Roger Michell Cast: Daniel Craig, Samantha Morton, Rhys Ifans, Alexandra Aitken, Susan Lynch, Bill Nighy, Lee Sheward, Bill Weston, Helen McCrory, Rosie Michell, Corin Redgrave, Amanda Root
Several strangers watch a hot-air balloon crash and try to save a young boy passenger. In the process, one of the men helping in the rescue is killed. Two of the rescuers–Joe (Daniel Craig) and Jed (Rhys Ifans)–are left with feelings of guilt that rapidly accelerate when Jed begins trailing Joe in an attempt to better understand the meaning behind the accident.
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| 1. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
2. Enduring Love (2004)
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