2001 A Space Odyssey: Still Odd In 2011

To cap off a full D, C. day, we joined about 200 of our neighbors tonight to view 2001: A Space Odyssey, the final film in this summer's Crystal City Outdoor Film Fest.

Each Monday since June, the free films have been shown at the the Bell Street quad site, an open space surrounded by high-rise office buildings, but this was the 1st Monday we had been able to attend. Residents with blankets and beach chairs, and many with snacks or even full home-prepared or store-bought dinners, converge on the quad before dusk to find a good viewing spot.

This is the 5th year for the festival, which each year features movies with a specific theme. This year's theme was By the Numbers. For the record, here is what we missed:

• The Sixth Sense

• District 9

• Oceans 11

•  Apollo 11

• 16 Candles

• The 40-Year-Old Virgin

• 50 First Dates

•  (500) Days of Summer 

Now for the film that we did see. I first viewed 2001 in 1968 and while I recognized its superior visual artistry, I really didn't get the story line. I blamed the drugs. But my seeing the Stanley Kubrick's classic, which many critics believe fits solidly in to any list of the 10 most influential films of all-time, definitely drug-free for decades still leaves me clueless about exactly what Kubrick was really saying. As our master of ceremonies said at the conclusion of the film: "I hope you enjoyed our series. And I hope you'll be back next year. And if anyone out there can explain the ending,would you please come up here and see me." 

Travelers' Tip:
Free outdoor film festivals like the one here at Crystal City are happening all over the country.  They make a great, relaxing way to conclude a day of site seeing.  Just remember to bring some popcorn.