You have highlighted mankind's wider apathy towards space and discovery. Every character in Kubrick's 2001 is completely oblivious and uninterested in the beauty that surrounds them, and this mirrors the critical reception. Films such as Ridley Scott's 'Alien' for example feel the need to create a drama in space, such is the pure lack of interest in space and discovery in itself. You either appreciate the unparalleled contemplation in 2001 of 'are we alone in the universe?,' 'is there a unified consciousness?,' is there intelligent life out there?' or you are bored or unstimulated. This intelligent life doesn't necessarily have to tear the crew of the Nostromo to shreds to be interesting. We always feel we have to have a warm, human element to a film, or a drama in which we can relate to the characters. Yet we can relate to the characters, in that they are oblivious to the wonder of space. We hate the fact that space is cold, and a complete unknown. We welcome apathy, yet we also somehow reject the idea that the most human of characters in 2001 is something manufactured. Who are the machines?? Or maybe this question cannot hold your attention.
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