If you want to understand better what is happening in "2001, A Space Odyssey," just read the Arthur C Clarke book of the same name, which was written concurrently with the production of the film. Kubrick and Clarke worked together on the story, and, while there isn't 100% match of the plots of book and the film, they are very, very close. The ending of the film is much more understandable after reading the book. In the phone interview, Kubrick is just briefly relating what is spelled out in the book.
If you want to understand better what is happening in "2001, A Space Odyssey," just read the Arthur C Clarke book of the same name, which was written concurrently with the production of the film. Kubrick and Clarke worked together on the story, and, while there isn't 100% match of the plots of book and the film, they are very, very close. The ending of the film is much more understandable after reading the book. In the phone interview, Kubrick is just briefly relating what is spelled out in the book.
Great book, awesome film.