10 Great Movies You Didn't Understand The First Time

7. 2001: A Space Odyssey

One of the pioneers of the science-fiction genre, 2001: A Space Odyssey was ahead of its time then, and nearly 50 years later is still perplexing rookie viewers. Whereas the book may explain what's going on, Stanley Kubrick€™s film decidedly does not, using symbolism and themes that provide a lot to digest and offer plenty of room for interpretation.

There's the meaning of the monolith to consider. Does it represent God, evolution, alien life? In that first moment of viewing, it'€™s a lot to process. Then there's the climax of the film, complete with Bowman in a neoclassical bedroom and his rebirth as the Star Child. Even after many re-watches, 2001 offers a lot to take in and going in blind for the first time can understandably be overwhelming.

Even now, the film is still divisive. Detractors cite its dense narrative, while its supporters encourage another viewing to appreciate the surreal take on such epic themes.

Either way, this was a movie that lost a lot of people the first time out.

 
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Connor loves movies, comics, and TV, and is trying to write for people who feel the same way. When he's not sitting on the couch with his laptop, you might find him lying in his bed with his laptop.