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The Rewatchables ·

2001: A Space Odyssey

year 1968decade 60sdirector Stanley Kubrickgenre Science fiction
host Bill Simmonsguest Steven Spielberghost Sean Fennesseyproducer Craig Horlbeck format Filmmaker guest
All 22 categories

Most Rewatchable Scene · 1:14:30

HAL reading the astronauts’ lips

Bill Simmons: Dawn of Man, including the apes and real-leopard encounter, is nominated.

Bill Simmons: The ape discovering the bone as a weapon and the ensuing rival-gang fight are nominated.

The film

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Directed by Stanley Kubrick · Science fiction

139 minutes

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Cast

Selected cast credits · Film reference

Keir Dullea Dr David Bowman
Gary Lockwood Dr Frank Poole
William Sylvester Dr Heywood Floyd
Daniel Richter Moonwatcher
Leonard Rossiter Dr Andrei Smyslov
Robert Beatty Dr Ralph Halvorsen
Sean Sullivan Dr Roy Michaels
Douglas Rain the voice of HAL 9000
Frank Miller mission controller
Edwina Carroll lunar shuttle stewardess
Penny Brahms stewardess
Heather Downham stewardess
Ed Bishop Aries 1B lunar shuttle captain
Alan Gifford Poole's father
Ann Gillis Poole's mother
Maggie d'Abo stewardess (Space Station 5 elevator)
Chela Matthison Mrs Turner, Space Station 5 reception
Vivian Kubrick Floyd's daughter, "Squirt"
Kenneth Kendall BBC announcer

Everything from the episode

In the order the hosts got to it. Open a row for the discussion.

1:53:26

Casting What-Ifs

Alternate casting and music contributors are discussed, with uncertainty preserved around Pink Floyd.

Alternate casting and music contributors are discussed, with uncertainty preserved around Pink Floyd.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:53:26Read transcript
  • Casting possibilities are reviewed as reported production history. — Steven Spielberg
  • Pink Floyd is said to have been approached for music, but the claim is explicitly doubted. — Bill Simmons
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1:57:05

Recasting Couch

No added name actors

No added name actors

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:57:05Read transcript
  • They would not put any name actors in the movie. — Bill Simmons
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1:57:05

Half-Assed Internet Research

Names, effects-shot counts, Kubrick’s writing, tablets, a suffocation hazard, production costs, and Ligeti’s music ri...

Names, effects-shot counts, Kubrick’s writing, tablets, a suffocation hazard, production costs, and Ligeti’s music rights

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:57:05Read transcript
  • An astronaut name prompts a Janusz Kaminski anecdote, followed by reports that Kubrick approached other writers. — Bill Simmons
  • The 205 effects shots, tablet-prior-art dispute, endangered stuntman, set cost, and unauthorized Ligeti music are reported. — Steven Spielberg
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2:03:49

Picking Nits

Ape suits in 4K, HAL’s lip-reading, the title year, HAL’s tactical failures, and the G rating

Ape suits in 4K, HAL’s lip-reading, the title year, HAL’s tactical failures, and the G rating

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 02:03:49Read transcript
  • The ape suits, HAL’s lip-reading ability, and whether 2001 denotes a literal year are examined.
  • HAL’s failure to anticipate or prevent Bowman’s shutdown is challenged and then interpreted. — Steven Spielberg
  • The movie’s G rating is questioned and compared with Jaws.
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2:08:29

Probably Unanswerable Questions

HAL’s breakdown, the monoliths’ origin, the moon-landing resemblance, and the disappearance of the name Hal

HAL’s breakdown, the monoliths’ origin, the moon-landing resemblance, and the disappearance of the name Hal

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 02:08:29Read transcript
  • The group offers competing explanations for HAL’s breakdown and asks who delivered the monoliths.
  • The moon-landing resemblance and whether the movie ruined the name Hal are raised.
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2:13:45

Best Double Feature

A.I., Destination Moon, Disclosure Day, and The Shining

A.I., Destination Moon, Disclosure Day, and The Shining

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 02:13:45Read transcript
  • A.I. is chosen for its lineage and relationship with 2001. — Sean Fennessey
  • Destination Moon is chosen as an earlier scientifically credible lunar film. — Steven Spielberg
  • Disclosure Day is a promotional choice; The Shining is the backup Kubrick pairing. — Bill Simmons
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