My father took me and my about-to-be-traumatized friends to

Yes — that quote is correctly attributed to David Hewlett, the Canadian actor, director, and writer, best known for his role as Dr. Rodney McKay on the science fiction television series Stargate Atlantis.

“My father took me and my about-to-be-traumatized friends to Stanley Kubrick's 2001 for my 10th birthday party.”
— David Hewlett

Context and Background

David Hewlett made this remark in a humorous recollection of his childhood, describing a memorable experience with his father. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), directed by Stanley Kubrick, is a visually stunning but psychologically intense film — particularly for a 10-year-old. Many have found the film’s abstract and slow-paced storytelling to be challenging, especially for younger audiences. Hewlett’s quote humorously reflects how the film, while a masterpiece, might not have been the best choice for a children's birthday party, resulting in what he describes as a "traumatizing" experience for him and his friends.

Interpretation

• “My father took me and my about-to-be-traumatized friends” — Hewlett uses humor to describe the film’s intense effect on him and his friends, implying that Kubrick's thought-provoking and sometimes disturbing film was a bit too much for young viewers.

• “Stanley Kubrick's 2001 for my 10th birthday party” — highlights the incongruity of taking children to see a film that is often considered complex and philosophically heavy — an unexpected choice for a celebration.

Summary

David Hewlett’s quote provides a humorous reflection on childhood and how certain experiences, while intended to be memorable, can be deeply unsettling, especially when the material is more adult-oriented. It also underscores the power of Kubrick’s 2001 to leave a lasting impression, albeit not always in the way one might expect at a 10th birthday party!