Original artwork, not a still
What are you doing, Dave?
— 2001: A Space Odyssey • 1968
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
The machine that coolly killed a man now sounds like a frightened patient, and the whole film's menace flips into pity. The wording fans use is shorter than the real line, which is 'Just what do you think you're doing, Dave?', but the cadence is the same: a mild question asked by something that cannot stop what is about to happen. It is the standard joke for any smart device that wants to know your plans.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for 2001: A Space OdysseyShow the scene
Late in 2001: A Space Odyssey, Bowman has re-entered Discovery One through the emergency airlock and made his way to HAL's memory core. As he begins unplugging the memory modules one by one, HAL tries to talk him out of it. His first words are a calm protest, asking what Dave thinks he is doing and saying he is entitled to an answer. HAL then insists he feels much better and that all will be well, before pleading, saying he is afraid, and sliding into a slowed-down rendition of a song he was taught.
Sources (2)
- Wikiquote: 2001: A Space Odyssey (film), dialogueHAL's last lines, after Dave goes into the memory systemReference checked
- Wikipedia: HAL 9000Appearances sectionReference checked
Context reviewed
