2001: A Space Odyssey is considered to be one of the greatest Science Fiction (Sci-Fi) films of all time. In fact, its success in the worldwide box office helped open the door for Sci-Fi films to move from summer 'kid' films to major film status. However, the film does have its detractors. Many critics, moviegoers and even some Sci-Fi fans have walked away from the film wondering what message Stanley Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke were trying to convey. In truth, Kubrick and Clarke's goal may have been to not convey any message at all. Consider the words of Arthur C. Clarke from an interview about the film, "If you understand 2001 completely, we failed. We wanted to raise far more questions than we answered." There are many who would concede that 2001: A Space Odyssey achieved that goal.

2001 is an unusual film in various ways. From an industry viewpoint, it...