2001: A Space Podyssey

Episode 69 - My Bowman's Back (2010: The Year We Make Content)

After being trapped for months, Brad has finally cracked step 10 and escaped the Zero Gravity toilet, and the team's back to celebrate the return of our favorite steely-eyed missile man... Keir Dullea! And the actor who plays him, David Bowman! 
Though Dullea's interviews and Kubrick's notes (episode 17),  the two identities blur between the extraterrestrial diplomat and the well-preserved doughboy who portrays him. And Bowman has evolved - in every sense - when he arrives in "2010," through Clarke's vision and Hyams' directing and screenwriting choices.
What really happened to Bowman since he went through the stargate in "2001"? The differences between the "2010" book and film both in the details and the larger story implications. His relationship with Betty, and he wisdom he imparts to Floyd.
Keir Dullea in 1984 as an actor and a person and how it informs a wiser Bowman.
How Clarke and Hyams envision Bowman's transformation. The amazing Oscar-nominated makeup by Michael Westmore and the legacy of the Westmores.
Plus: Brownian movement, Connect Four, and Betty's fabulous apartment (follow along with the pictures on the episode page!)
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FREE PATREON GIFT - "Destination Space" (1959) Commentary

For this festive Patreon bonus, it's another first reaction commentary of a movie/TV show we've never seen. This month, we're not sure which it is. It's Rip Van Ronkle's "Destination Space!"  The effects look just about as real as that name but wow, are there some cool - and familiar - designs just waiting to be made into toys!
The cool footage may be from George Pal's "Conquest of Space," but this precursor to modern sci-fi has little kernels of just about everything we've seen in the last 65 years, but with more toupees...
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FREE PATREON GIFT - "2061" Introduction and Chapters 1 & 2 - Arthur C. Clarke (July '25 Book Club with Eli Schwab)

The party never stops at Clavius Base on Patreon, where we put out an extra hour + of extra episodes AND a community fanzine every month!
For this free holiday bonus, join us for the inaugural "2061" Book Club episode, co-hosted by our friend Cosmic Lion Comics publisher Eli Schwab!
We'll be almost nearing the end of the book this coming January, so here's your chance to start the journey and catch up with us so you can join in with your own feedback message or voice recording!
In this episode from July, we introduce the book, look at the first two chapters and examine author Arthur's author's note, as well as the all-important table of contents. (Gotta be thorough.)
Does this book only exist because of Clarke's comet consternation? Is instigating a second sun for the solar system, peace on Earth, and the promise of life on a sister moon sufficient accomplishment to get trashed and fall off a balcony judgment-free?
We're asking the tough questions on Patreon. And even if it ages us to older than 100, we don't look a day over 65...
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Episode 68 - Max Meets the Monolith (2010: The Year We Make Content)

We've finally reached the point where we have to address Max addressing TMA-2, preferably not claws-out with that crunchy pod.
The additional meanings of the Monolith in 2010, how it's activated, bu what (or whom)...and the additional mysteries of "Big Brother."
The massive differences between this part of the film and the book. And why Max was always going to be the one who had to take this mission.
Follow along as we take the mission with Max! (1:02:19 on the Bluray & digital version)
The chunky beauty of Syd Mead's pod designs and the hypnotizing glow of Albert Brenner's spaceship consoles. And why Heywood has whiskey.
Plus: 50 years of Barry Lyndon!
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Episode 67 - Stanley Kubrick's Numbers with R.H. Vatcher (part three)

We're back from fall break to wrap up our discussion with film scholar R.H. Vatcher on the hidden numbers and meanings in Stanley Kubrick's films. (Apologies for the variable sound quality - the AE-35 unit was faulty.)
Robert defines model theory and the possible games Kubrick is playing, along with more instances of 42 in "The Shining" and 57 in "Full Metal Jacket."
The magic of connecting images and the power of editing, cinematic tricks, the "abracadabrant" and "imagineering."
The inevitable fates of the characters in "Full Metal Jacket" and clues behind the soundtrack. The duality of Joker and Animal Mother, and Private Pyle's first and only love.
The accuracy of Kubrick's portrayal of the military and the tragedy of Vietnam.
Plus: Susan Sontag, Colonel Flagg, and the cube of 42.
(This episode includes explicit language and controversial discussion, with movie clips including homophobic language. Listener discretion advised.)
Call 988 or go to 988lifeline.org to get 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress  -- The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline).
MIT article: The cube of 42
2019: The Odyssey Brief: BREACHING THE HULL OF DISCOVERY PARTS III AND IV
Punching Through the Kevlar of Stanley Kubrick's 'FULL METAL JACKET'
I am Jack's Ax: Breaking Down the Barriers of Stanley Kubrick's Film 'THE SHINING'
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Episode 66 - Stanley Kubrick's Numbers with R.H. Vatcher (part two)

We're back with Kubrick scholar R.H. Vatcher to conclude our discussion of 42, model theory, abstract math,  and dive into the occurences meaning of 57 in "Full Metal Jacket."
The concept of democide, and darkest tragedies, perversions and horrors of war encoded into "Full Metal Jacket."
Plus, cabin fever, Masks of Persona in myth, and counting the bullets.
(This episode includes explicit language and controversial discussion, with movie clips including racist language. Listener discretion advised.)
2019: The Odyssey Brief: BREACHING THE HULL OF DISCOVERY PARTS III AND IV
Punching Through the Kevlar of Stanley Kubrick's 'FULL METAL JACKET'
I am Jack's Ax: Breaking Down the Barriers of Stanley Kubrick's Film 'THE SHINING'
Help children now with UNICEF
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BlueSky @spacepodyssey
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Episode 65 - Stanley Kubrick's Numbers with R.H. Vatcher (part one)

We know Stanley Kubrick was a chess player and logic puzzle fanatic. What conscious and subconscious meanings did he bury in his later films through numbers and patterns? What is the role of model theory?
Who better to lead us through the various bridges of this numbers maze than a structural engineer and a foremost Kubrick scholar? It's the one and only R.H. Vatcher!
What does 42 mean in "2001" and "The Shining?" 
What's the recurring symbolic number in "Full Metal Jacket"?
The difference between numerology and number puzzles. Polysemic meanings and abstract math.
Plus: Grace Slick, "Eyes Wide Shut," and being mistaken for A.I.
(This episode includes explicit language and controversial discussion. Listener discretion advised.)
2019: The Odyssey Brief: BREACHING THE HULL OF DISCOVERY PARTS III AND IV
Punching Through the Kevlar of Stanley Kubrick's 'FULL METAL JACKET'
I am Jack's Ax: Breaking Down the Barriers of Stanley Kubrick's Film 'THE SHINING'
Help children now with UNICEF
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BlueSky @spacepodyssey
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FREE PATREON BONUS - Pinocchio HAL and the Convention Crusade with Virginia Smith

For July's first Patreon Bonus episode, we continue our conversation with Virginia Smith and try to determine if HAL gets to become "a real boy." 
The differences in how Kubrick and Hyams treat HAL and Discovery. How both directors deal with space and Space, and somehow create that Odyssey sense of wonder.
We discuss the broad range of science fiction and look at the differences between mystery vs. action, suspense vs. horror.
From "Short Circuit" to "The Goonies," the power of DIY fandom and the beauty of coming together at conventions to share the love. 
Plus: the shocking lack of HAL merchandise, and a special announcement from Virginia about an upcoming HAL-related project...
Check out Virginia Smith's artwork at http://ginnie-the-nerd.pipertoo.com 
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Episode 64 - HAL Resurrection, Act IV: The Chandra Factor with Virginia Smith (2010: The Year We Make Content)

We're kicking off a summer of guests with our pal Virginia Smith, here to take on a very special subject: the father and son duo of Dr. Chandra and HAL!
How Dr. Chandra's relationship with SAL prefaces her brother's return and sets him up bibically & mythologically as both the chosen one and the prodigal son. Falling in love with the redeemed HAL 9000 before ever watching his original fall from grace. 
Comparing the relationship of Chandra & HAL between "Odyssey Two" and "The Year We Make Contact," and the importance of Hyams' dramatic contributions to Clarke's story for the film.
And we reach into the archive with a 2019 profile of Douglas Rain by Jerry Flahive.
Check out Virginia Smith's artwork at http://ginnie-the-nerd.pipertoo.com 
Any way you slice it, our characters share the same conflict as their authors: the dilemma of sharing love for computers as people, and the danger of treating people like computers.
Learn to Stop Worrying and Loooove the 9000 Series!
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Episode 63 - HAL Resurrection, Act III: Absolution

Looking intimately at the scenes of HAL's death and rebirth, one theme stands out above all others: purpose. We all need a purpose in life and so do Heuristic Algorithmic Learning machines. 
The more sentient we are, the more complex that purpose becomes. So it's no wonder our red-eyed amnesiac is eager to get back with his besties, Dave and Frank, and complete the mission. 
But what are the dangers to giving him a directive? Is HAL more enlightened with his memory adjusted or is his ego still fragile? And does he care too much to trust him with the truth?
Then we take a more analytical perspective on the situation as we follow the protocol for shutting down and booting up a 9000 series computer. Grab out your favorite physical media or streaming app and follow along with our scene-specific commentary on HAL's last moments with Dave and first moments with Chandra. 
Plus: old slippers, "Honey: The Shrunkening," and the uncarved block.
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