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donglepuss
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In 2001, does bowman get transported to distant galaxies far outside of the observable universe by the monolith?
That depends on whether you watch the movie or read the book. The movie is quite clear that he's going far far beyond anywhere we can imagine. The book is more vague. I don't have the book any more (dang it!) but I think there was a mention of a galactic cluster, but that could easily have been within our own Galaxy. 3001 implies that the entities that created the monolith were local to this Galaxy, but that could be outside of what Clarke's original intentions were.donglepuss said:In 2001, does bowman get transported to distant galaxies far outside of the observable universe by the monolith?
As I recall it's not really specified. There is maybe a mention that the physical side of the alien entity is already obsolete/discarded, and that might imply a not exactly physical 'distance' for the trip, but there is no actual answer ( ... which I know about).donglepuss said:does bowman get transported to distant galaxies
Actually, in the book he was out at Saturn. It made more sense, really: Clarke said that the creation of the monolith at Saturn is what destroyed the moon that created the rings. But that didn't work well with the plot of the second book, which took place at Jupiter.Algr said:I figured he was on Jupiter and then went back to Earth.
If I remember correctly, he was transported to a Holiday Inn.donglepuss said:In 2001, does bowman get transported to distant galaxies far outside of the observable universe by the monolith?
Reading the book and watching the film both gave my the impression that he sorta transcended our "mundane" reality". Much like those civilizations in Ian M. Banks' books who just sorta "drop out of reality".donglepuss said:In 2001, does bowman get transported to distant galaxies far outside of the observable universe by the monolith?
The ending of 2001: A Space Odyssey is open to interpretation, but many believe it signifies humanity's evolution and the transcendence of consciousness. The transformation of Dave Bowman into the Star Child suggests a leap into a new stage of existence, representing the potential for growth and change in human evolution, possibly aided by extraterrestrial intelligence.
At the end of the film, Dave Bowman experiences a series of surreal transformations after encountering the monolith. He transitions from a dying astronaut to an elderly man in a neoclassically furnished room, and ultimately into the Star Child, a fetus-like figure that floats in space. This transformation symbolizes his evolution beyond human limitations.
The Star Child can be seen as both a representation of hope and danger. As a symbol of humanity's potential for growth and enlightenment, it embodies hope for a brighter future. However, it also raises questions about the unknown consequences of such evolution and the potential for humanity to lose its essence in the process, suggesting a duality of progress.
The monolith serves as a catalyst for evolution throughout the film, appearing at pivotal moments in human history. In the ending, it is implied that the monolith has facilitated Bowman's transformation into the Star Child, suggesting that it plays a crucial role in guiding humanity toward its next stage of development and understanding of the universe.
The visuals and music in the ending of 2001: A Space Odyssey create a powerful emotional and philosophical impact. The use of classical music, particularly Strauss's "Also sprach Zarathustra," enhances the grandeur and mystery of Bowman's transformation. The surreal visuals, including the vibrant colors and abstract imagery, evoke a sense of the sublime and the ineffable, encouraging viewers to contemplate the nature of existence and the cosmos.