Kubrick's Cinema Odyssey: (Paperback)

by Michel Chion (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey is one of the most ambitious films ever made, an epic of space exploration that takes in the whole history of humanity (as well as speculation about its future). Haunting and enigmatic, the film contains myriad images that seem to defy explanation. In this multi-layered study, acclaimed critic and theorist of film sound Michel Chionoffers some keys to understanding 2001.

Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: French --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 196 pages
• Publisher: British Film Institute (January 22, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0851708390
• ISBN-13: 978-0851708393
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,485,077 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A Poor Examination, December 23, 2001

By	Dorian Gray (USA) - See all my reviews

I have enjoyed the film "2001" countless times, and decided to buy this book; what a waste of time. This book offers little other than very basic scene analyisis, and some general (and fairly weak) speculations about the film. I was also supprised that the author was mistaken about which characters were in what scenes, and seemed to think that both Frank and Dave are interchangble. A large portion of the book doesn't even pertain to 2001, and mostly served as an excuse for the author to promote his other books, which he shamlessly suggests you buy. Well I'm sorry I got this book and certainly won't be purchasing any of his other books. If you want a book about 2001, I suggest looking elsewhere; as I will be!

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars flawed but worthwhile, April 20, 2002

By	"dmolon" (Chicago, Illinois United States) - See all my reviews

This analysis of 2001 is one of the most unique and enlightening I've read to date. It finally acknowledges Kubrick's brilliant use of sound and music which few other directors besides Godard and Scorsese have ever rivaled. It's utterly perplexing, however, that for all of Chion's insights he fails to even acknowledge Kubrick's manipulation of Ligeti's "Adventures" for the alien sounds in the 18th Century bedroom sequence (and the composer's successful legal action for this alteration.) His interpretation of "Eyes Wide Shut" is simply bizarre and neglects to regard the return of Ligeti's music and its insistent and concise use in the film. Regardless, Chion's book certainly expands on the formal understanding of what still remains the greatest film ever made.