2010: The Year We Made Contact is an American science fiction thriller written, produced, and directed by Peter Hyams. It’s a sequel to Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey and based on Arthur C. Clarke’s novel 2010: Odyssey Two. The film stars Roy Scheider, John Lithgow, Helen Mirren, Bob Balaban, Keir Dullea, and Douglas Rain. It was released on December 6, 1984.
2010 is a dense film that leaves you pondering its meaning and implications. It’s interesting and thought-provoking, much like its predecessor, 2001: A Space Odyssey. Kubrick’s 2001 was a masterpiece — influential, inspiring, and truly a tremendous film. This sequel, helmed by Peter Hyams, is also an impressive work. Hyams, known for his visionary work on films like Outland, proves a fitting successor to Kubrick, skillfully adapting Arthur C. Clarke’s work while delivering his own unique vision.
The film’s biggest flaw lies in the execution of certain effects, particularly the decision to use blue screen technology, which was not fully developed at the time. The sequence where the crew encounters the spinning Discovery One exemplifies this issue, with its reliance on tight shots and close-ups that feel limiting. This is a shame, considering Hyams’ artistic eye for cinematography, which is evident in the rest of the film. He masterfully captures the vastness and hopelessness faced by the characters, creating a visually compelling experience overall.
Hyams also excelled in adapting the screenplay, staying faithful to the original story. Keir Dullea reprises his role as Dave, now a being of pure energy. While not the main character, Dave plays a crucial role in the narrative. Roy Scheider, of Jaws fame, takes on the leading role and delivers an outstanding performance that deserves wider recognition.
John Lithgow and Helen Mirren also deliver solid performances, but Scheider and Dullea truly stand out. Bringing back Dave from the original film was a brilliant move, seamlessly tying the two stories together. Many sequels released years after the original often try to forge their own path, but Peter Hyams wisely chose to honor the legacy of 2001. While the reintroduction of HAL initially raised concerns, it’s executed with such care and respect that it feels completely natural and integral to the story. This is not a cheap or superficial imitation.
2010 delves into profound themes of artificial intelligence, interstellar travel, and the very nature of our existence — not just on Earth, but within the vast universe. It’s difficult to fully articulate the film’s achievements, but it undoubtedly serves as a fitting sequel to 2001: A Space Odyssey, further exploring the existential questions raised by its predecessor. Don’t approach this film with excessive expectations; instead, watch the original first, and then follow it with this sequel. This is the intended viewing order. RottenPop awards it four stars.
2010: The Year We Made Contact
Release Date: December 6th, 1984
RottenPop Rating: ★★★★
Director: Peter Hyams | Writers: Peter Hyams
Starring: Roy Schneider, John Lithgow, Helen Mirren, Bob Balaban, Keir Dullea. and Douglas Rain
Studios: MGM
Country: USA
Genres: Sci-Fi Thriller
