English Compare-Contrast Essay

1. SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN
THE DESIGN SCHOOL
FOUNDATION IN NATURAL BUILD ENVIRONMENT
NAME: NG WYN JANE
STUDENT ID NO: 0319440
FILMS SELECTED: 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEYAND INTERSTELLAR
WORD COUNT: 985
ENGLISH 2 (ELG 30605)
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT 1: COMPARE – CONTRAST ESSAY
LECTURER: CASSANDRA WIJESURIA
SUBMISSIONDATE: APRIL 8TH
, 2015

2. 2001: A Space Odyssey versus Interstellar
What is science fiction? Science fiction is defined as a genre which specifically covers
futuristic elements, along with extra-terrestrial life forms, alien worlds, or extrasensory
perceptions. Generally, plots which include hypothetical and science-based themes are
incorporated to the science fiction genre. In films, science fictions are usually set in the future,
either on earth or in space. For this essay, I will be doing a comparison on the similarities of two
films: “Interstellar” and “2001: A Space Odyssey”, specifically analyzing the similarities in plot,
presentation, filming techniques, reception and their respective significance in the film industry.
First and foremost, I have concluded that both films are high minded and mature sci-fi
films by understanding the plot. “2001: A Space Odyssey” is mainly about the evolution of
mankind. The film suggests that there is a higher being which governs human intelligence. The
higher being is called the “monolith”, it takes the form of a black rectangular plank. The film had
implied that humans exist because prehistoric apes had encountered the monolith and had
made physical contact with it. As a result, their evolution process had been sped up, granting
them the ability to make tools out of rocks and bones. Uniquely, it considers not only the
evolution that has led to the development of man, but also the evolution that man might undergo
in the future. (Rovi, 1968) On the other hand, “Interstellar” sets in the future, when Earth can no
longer sustain human life. Dust storms are a common occurrence and crops are slowly dying.
As a desperate measure to prevent ourselves from extinction, scientists had come up with a
plan to send astronauts in search for other planets to inhabit. In the film, Interstellar space travel
is made possible by the existence of a worm hole near Saturn, put there by a yet unknown life
form. The similarity here is that both films revolve around the idea of an intervention from extra-
terrestrial life to maintain the survivability of the human race.
Another interesting similarity is the presentation of the plot. The directors of the two films,
Stanley Kubrick (2001) and Christopher Nolan (Interstellar), had chosen to tell their respective
story the same way, which is by splitting it into three acts – with “Science” in the first and second
act, then slowly pushing to “Fiction” territory in the third and final act. In 2001: A Space Odyssey,
director had put emphasis on the film’s “Science” side on the first and second act, by showing
us from how evolution works, to the invention of webcams, to gravity machines on space
shuttles. However, in the third act, an Astronaut named “Dave” is shown encountering the
monolith and getting sucked into it. Inside the monolith was a fully furnished white room, which

3. he would stay inside until he grows old and die. Instead of turning into a corpse, he was
rebirthed into a giant baby. This scene suggests that Dave had underwent evolution and was
transformed into a higher being, transcending human intelligence. As one can see, the story
starts to deviate from logic and acquires a more surreal nature in the third act. This is referred to
as the “fiction territory” in science fiction. The same goes to Interstellar, which by the third act,
reveals that the worm hole near Saturn was actually put there by our own species, so far away
in the future that they’ve developed the ability to travel between time and dimensions.
Furthermore, both films share similar filmmaking techniques. One of them is the use of
practical effects. Christopher Nolan has always been well known for choosing to use practical
effects over Computer Generated Images (CGI), thinking it would feel more “real” or “genuine”,
and would evoke more emotions out of his audiences (Heasman, 2014); whereas Stanley
Kubrick had to resort to using practical effects simply because it still wasn’t as technologically
advanced back then. (DeMet, 1999) Besides that, both films have strikingly similar shots and
scenes. One such shot is the close up of the astronaut’s panicked expression, intercut with
quick pans over the astronaut’s surroundings. Another one is the use of steadicam in the scene
where the space shuttle quietly drifts in space. It doesn’t end here, both directors had also
invest an extreme amount of attention and care into choosing the soundtrack for their respective
films. “Blue Danube Waltz” by John Strauss II was used in 2001 whereas Hans Zimmer’s “No
Time For Caution” was used in Interstellar.
Last but not least, both films receive similar criticism and are each significant in the film
industry in their own ways. Upon release, both films were widely panned by critics. During the
premiere of 2001, a few audiences reportedly walked out of the cinema halfway through,
claiming the film to be “nonsensical” and “absurd”, Interstellar was described with similar terms
too. On first glance, Interstellar may look like it has received a relatively good amount of praise.
But upon closer inspection on the internet, one will notice that negative reviews far surpass
positive ones. Still, all ends well for both films. 2001: A Space Odyssey is now considered one
of the most important films in the science fiction genre, and has spawned hundreds of films and
television shows, either trying to mimic it or intentionally parodying it. Interstellar has earned a
profit of $47.16 million and has also spawned a large fan-base for itself. Will it, like 2001, also
be considered a classic in the future? Who knows.
As a conclusion, the films “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “Interstellar” have effectively
established themselves as a science-fiction icon by both delivering a superb plot, strong

4. presentation, clever filming techniques, reception and their respective significance. The movies
stand as an evidences to the positive comments from critics and supporters and may more
significant films will conquer the big screen and continue the great legacy of the two films.
References
DeMet,G. D. (1999, July). TheSpecialEffect of "2001: A SpaceOdysey".Retrievedfrom
http://www.palantir.net/2001/meanings/dfx.html
Heasman,C.(2014, November11). TheMaking Of 'Interstellar'. Retrievedfrom
http://www.esquire.co.uk/culture/film-tv/7342/interstellar-10-things-you-didnt-know-about/
Rovi.(1968, April 2). 2001: A SpaceOdyssey Synopsis.Retrievedfrom
http://www.fandango.com/2001:aspaceodyssey_37242/plotsummary
“StanleyKubrick’sIconic‘2001: A Space Odyssey’Sci-Fi FilmExplained”,Retrievedfromlink,
http://www.space.com/20482-2001-space-odyssey-infographic.html
“Review2001: A Space Odyssey”,Retrievedfromlink, http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/great-
movie-2001-a-space-odyssey-19684
“InterstellarPlotSummary”,Retrievedfromlink,
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0816692/plotsummary?ref_=tt_ql_6
“Interstellarv2001: A Space Odyssey”,Retrievedfromlink,
http://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2014/nov/10/interstellar-2001-a-space-odyssey-christoper-
nolan-kubrick