Meaning within the time the explosive bolts -- well, exploded to when Bowman re-pressurized the airlock, it took him about 15 seconds to do so he had JUST enough time. Now as I said he took deep breaths to exhale as much carbon dioxide as possible, and probably held on only long enough to give him that added second or two before he would lose consciousness.
In short, that scene would be realistic based on simple google searches.
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Morningfox say: No, his head would not explode. But the air in his lungs would be pushing VERY hard to get out, and the lower pressure would cause oxygen in the blood to come out. In 1966, Jim LeBlanc lost consciousness after 15 seconds of vacuum. Extrapolation from experiments on animals shows that paralysis would set in about 30 seconds, and death after 90 seconds.
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Johnny Cook say: It is possible for few seconds. It happend during an experiment in vacuum chamber. The guy survived without permanent damage.
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Nyx say: For a few minutes, then your eyes begin to freeze over, you might panic when your body compels you to take a breath, and there's nothing there. Basicly, you suffocate, while freezing.
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Iridflare say: Kubrick delayed filming that sequence because he needed proof that it was possible - he got it! There have been a number of accidents and experiments that show that survival for a couple of minutes is possible.
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quantumclaustrophobe say: It's said your lungs would rupture - and that you do *not* want to hold your breath.
Same with submarine emergency evac drills - "You sound like Santa Claus - because you go 'ho, ho, ho' all the way to the surface... DON'T hold your breath!" You get a breath full of air at depth, (under pressure), and let it go as you rise - that is, as external pressure falls. Space would be very similar.
Try this page: http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/...
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Starrysky say: Somewhat accurate. For a few seconds it might be possible.
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