Stanley Kubrick’s classic film, “2001: A Space Odyssey” is turning 50 this year, and to celebrate, Cannes Classics is hosting a special screening of the film during the Festival, introduced by none other than Christopher Nolan.
If you just so happen to be in Cannes on May 12, you can watch the screening of the film, brought to you in unrestored 70mm glory. Surprisingly, this marks the first time that Christopher Nolan has attended Cannes, and what better way to bring a director known for his visually stunning epic films to Cannes than to have him introduce what is perhaps the most groundbreaking, and visually stunning, film of all time?
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The “Interstellar” director also had a hand in overseeing this new version of ‘2001.’ He worked closely with a team from Warner Bros. to create a new 70mm version that was struck from new printing elements made from the original camera negative. This version of the film doesn’t have any updates or retouches, whatsoever. This will be the closest audiences will ever get to replicating the viewing experience 50 years ago.
“One of my earliest memories of cinema is seeing Stanley Kubrick’s ‘2001: A Space Odyssey,’ in 70mm, at the Leicester Square Theatre in London with my father. The opportunity to be involved in recreating that experience for a new generation, and of introducing our new unrestored 70mm print of Kubrick’s masterpiece in all its analogue glory at the Festival de Cannes is an honour and a privilege,” said Nolan.
Nolan will be joined at the screening by members of Kubrick’s family including his daughter Katharina, as well as long-time producing partner and brother-in-law Jan Harlan.
Christopher Nolan’s involvement in Cannes isn’t just with this ‘2001’ screening, either. He’s scheduled to participate in a Cannes Masterclass the following day. There he will discuss his filmography, and obviously, share his love of Stanley Kubrick.
If you’re not able to attend Cannes, but still want to see ‘2001’ in 70mm, then you’re in luck! Select theaters will have screenings of the film in the US starting May 18.