More than 50 years after it’s release, Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey” is a film that has had a lasting impact on the film industry, science fiction, and popular culture. It is considered a classic film, and an important work of art for several reasons: groundbreaking visual effects, sound design, cinematography, iconic abstract and visually stunning images, and an exploration of deep philosophical questions about the nature of humanity, evolution, technology, and the meaning of existence. This lecture will explore the making of the film, its themes, symbolism and interpretations, and its impact on film, philosophy, popular culture, and it’s historic role in shaping our understanding of intelligence - human, artificial, and extra-terrestrial.