20

I love the film but still haven't read the book. They say it answers all the questions we ask while watching the film (and can't be answered without reading the book).

3
  • It could be also interesting to read Lost Worlds 2001. Short stories from the same author three of those are used for the latter movie and novel.
    – user1945
    Commented May 21, 2011 at 23:29
  • What questions did you have while watching the movie? Perhaps if you ask them, we who have read the book can answer them for you :). IIRC, there is nothing in the book that you can't guess from watching the movie, but the movie doesn't make it as clear as the book does.
    – Gaurav
    Commented Jun 29, 2011 at 19:59
  • For more info on the ending, see this question: What is the end of 2001: A Space Odyssey about? Commented Jan 5, 2016 at 20:48

1 Answer 1

25

AFAIK the book, which was written simultaneously with the screenplay, expands the description of the ending, which is where the vast majority of the questions come from.

The book explains what happened much better than the film, and gives more details. It's also less likely to induce a seizure.

13
  • 9
    Agreed - I defy any rational adult that is not under the influence of any kind of mind-altering substance and has not read the book to watch the end of the movie (from the point where Bowman enters the Monolith) and give me a coherent explanation of what the blue blazes went on. Commented May 18, 2011 at 19:19
  • 2
    @TechParadox Does Pop-Corn count as a mind-altering substance?
    – DavRob60
    Commented May 18, 2011 at 19:24
  • 4
    @DavRob60: Depends on what you put on it.
    – Jeff
    Commented May 18, 2011 at 19:34
  • 2
    They wrote the book and the screenplay at the same time and went to different planets? How'd that happen?
    – Neth
    Commented May 19, 2011 at 3:46
  • 3
    The book "The Lost Worlds of 2001", also by A.C.C., delves into the making of the book, the movie, and the changes between the two. It's worth hunting down a copy if you're interested in the trivia of the making of both. Commented May 19, 2011 at 13:09

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.