6. 2001: A Space Odyssey

RZ: It’s brilliant. So many times Kubrick takes classical music that’s difficult to listen to, like Ligeti or ‘Also Sprach Zarathustra’, and makes them household themes. He makes difficult music really accessible. Something like Strauss’ ‘The Blue Danube’, with the spaceships dancing around. That was a really cheesy waltz for old people at the time, but it became really dark with that scene.

I always find it amazing that Kubrick didn’t have a composer to tailor-make the music for his scenes. He knew there was an endless source of music, and it’s as if he chose his temporary music and then kept it. Again, he makes things accessible. As soon as you think of the monolith in 2001 the music is in your head. A lot of people wouldn’t otherwise have come across that piece.