Design and Technology in 2001: A Space Odyssey
I'm a big fan of 2001: A Space Odyssey, the film adaptation of Arthur C. Clarke's book of the same name. Clarke's vision of a future where space travel and exploration are the norm, together with Stanley Kubrick's visual interpretation of that vision, make this a fascinating and convincing film.
For me, part of what makes 2001 so compelling is the design of the locations and technology. Everything was researched in meticulous detail, even though they were designing things that didn't actually exist yet. From this essay by George D. DeMet:
“Every detail of the production design, down to the most insignificant element, was designed with technological and scientific accuracy in mind. Senior NASA Apollo administrator George Mueller and astronaut Deke Slayton are said to have dubbed 2001's Borehamwood, England production facilities 'NASA East' after seeing all of the hardware and documentation lying around the studio... While earlier science fiction films had aimed for a streamlined 'futuristic' look, 2001's production design was intended to be as technically credible as possible.”
This technical credibility is what makes the film so believable; it looks just as you would imagine everyday space travel might look, without any lasers, glowing lights or mystery unexplainable technologies.
As a result, although some things date the film fairly obviously—the great sixties 'Djinn' chairs in the spaceport lounge scenes being one example—it still looks very modern today.
See also: my previous post about Arthur C. Clarke's Three Laws.
Comments
Talking of everyday space travel: looks like it's a step closer to becoming reality with the Virgin Galactic programme.
By Mark B @ 19:57
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Science Fiction always gets it right in the general sense; but screws up on some of the small details; like the concept of a visual call "booth"; recalling a telephone booth. We'll make visual calls alright; but they'll be from our itablets or holographic projection screens; no need for a "booth". Just like like of old sci fi's had data stored on "tape banks". LOL
By zebo @ 17:57
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You're right, sometimes that is the case.
However, 2001 is set in the near future rather than the distant future (from when the film was made, that is), so I'd say the example you give about the booth would actually fit in pretty well with the gradual progression between old and new technologies.
Again, I think that's one of the reasons why this film is very believable; because it didn't go too far with its portrayal of this kind of thing.
By Mark Bell @ 22:50
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Fantastic images, Mark! The lounge is so iconic. And a great write-up as usual. I'm afraid in the haste of a wild week I posted visuals and ran. :~) But after seeing your post, realize there was no need to be redundant as you've already done a fine job.
By Amy@AQ-V @ 04:20
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