MGM had been seen as a stodgy studio whose glory days were far behind it. Its purchase by a casino magnate who sought to strip mine the studio's value and slap its name on the first themed casino resorts didn't help things. As a result of this behind the scenes drama, the studio began taking more risks than it might have just five years before. The early result was 2001: a space odyssey. The film heavily used special effects and unconventional plotting to craft an intriguing story. At first, the film drew mixed reviews and so-so box office. Since this was at a time when studios were willing to be patient with a release, the movie steadily grew notice, resulting in amazing box office receipts. MGM's patience paid off with the number one film of the year.
