Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey is sprawling and arcane and admits of many different readings. But one of its clearest throughlines is the danger of giving goals and instructions to an unknowable mind without fully understanding how it will fulfill them. So, with due deference to HAL, we decided to let ChatGPT write the plot synopsis for this film. What follows is the result.

“2001: A Space Odyssey is a visually stunning and thought-provoking cinematic masterpiece that takes audiences on a journey through space and time. The film explores humanity’s relationship with the universe and our quest for knowledge and understanding. Directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on a novel by Arthur C. Clarke, the film is a collaboration between two great minds in science fiction. One of the most impressive aspects of the film is its groundbreaking visual effects, which were created using innovative techniques that still hold up today. From the iconic spinning spacecraft to the mysterious black monolith, every detail is meticulously crafted to transport viewers to another world. With a hauntingly beautiful score by composer Richard Strauss, 2001: A Space Odyssey is a cinematic experience that stays with you long after the credits roll. If you’re a fan of science fiction or simply appreciate stunning cinematography, this film is not to be missed.”

Then we asked it to summarize the film using only emojis, and we got this: 🚀👨‍🚀👩‍🚀🌌🌠🪐💫👽🤖👁️🔲💥

Watch your back, Leonard Maltin!

Guests are invited to stick around after the screening for a post-show Film Talk and audience Q&A with retired Tampa Bay Times film critic Steve Persall.