Ok well 2001 was kind of an outlier… you’re not wrong. It was slow when I watched it in the 90s lol.
But, watch something like The Maltese Falcon. Which I did recently.
I had no issue following. It didn’t plod along in my view (of course I’m middle aged and don’t do tiktok). But it also wasn’t rapid fire constant clamor. There was space to absorb and reflect as the story evolved. And you need that space because it’s mentally challenging.
One thing that hit hard is how it is a good, interesting story above all else. Definitely gives theater vibes and made me realize how hollow a lot of movies are.
Anyway. There are lots of examples from the 60s and 70s that are slower paced and a lot less busy and chaotic than modern films for sure.