10 Stunning Behind-The-Scenes Photos From "2001: A Space Odyssey"

A new book takes a spectacular inside look at the making of this iconic film.

Four years before we ever stepped foot on the moon, director Stanley Kubrick began work on 2001: A Space Odyssey–destined to become a landmark in science fiction and American cinema.

A new book by Taschen titled, The Making of Stanley Kubrick's '2001: A Space Odyssey', takes readers on a visual journey through the production of this iconic film. Bringing together an archive of interviews, film stills, behind-the-scenes photos, screenplays, and production notes, the book offers an unprecedented look into one of the most important films in the history of cinema.

Take a look at some of the remarkable pictures from behind-the-scenes of 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Stanley Kubrick Archives / TASCHEN

Actor Keir Dullea in the one-man space repair pod with glaring headlights.

Oliver Rennert / TASCHEN

A specially commissioned artwork demonstrates how the various interior sets for the Discovery would fit into the habitation sphere if the ship were constructed at full scale.

Dmitri Kessel / Getty Images

Actor Keir Dullea poses in the equipment storage corridor to one side of Discovery’s pod bay.

Stanley Kubrick Archives / TASCHEN

Briefcase containing all the components of a modern laptop computer (keyboard, camera, electronic stylus pen, modem, digital file storage module, and display screen), designed by Honeywell company for Heywood Floyd.

Stanley Kubrick Archives / TASCHEN

Stanley Kubrick gives instructions through a hatch at the “bottom” of the centrifuge, as actors Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood prepare for a scene.

Stanley Kubrick Archives / TASCHEN

Actor Gary Lockwood in the main command deck of 2001: A Space Odyssey's interplanetary spacecraft.

Stanley Kubrick Archives / TASCHEN

Shooting the final scenes of 2001 in the faux-luxurious bedroom.

Stanley Kubrick Archives / TASCHEN

Stanley Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke pose for publicity photographs inside the passenger deck set of the Aries lunar ferry.

Stanley Kubrick Archives / TASCHEN

Roy Carnon’s impression of the docking area at the hub of the space station, with a winged shuttle parked after arrival, its engine exhaust still glowing hot.

Stanley Kubrick Archives / TASCHEN

Stanley Kubrick directs the lunar monolith scenes over the Christmas of 1965 at Shepperton, on Europe’s second-largest shooting stage.

To learn more about The Making of Stanley Kubrick's '2001: A Space Odyssey' and to pick up your own copy, visit taschen.com.