2. CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND (1977)

Close encounter of the 1st kind: seeing a UFO Close encounter of the 2nd kind: UFO leaves physical trace Close encounter of the 3rd kind: actual contact with alien

This movie has been analyzed, re-analyzed, and re-re-analyzed by countless academics. Is the film a religious metaphor, and if so, what is it saying about God? Or is it symbolic of the Cold War, where the aliens represent Russia, at first inspiring militaristic reaction, but proving to be peaceful and friendly? Or is it about man losing himself in technology? Whatever your interpretation, it's a great sci-fi flick.

The plot focuses on Roy (Richard Dreyfuss), who sees something strange in the sky while driving down a darkened road. The object flies away, but Roy becomes obsessed with visions of a weird rock formation. Across the country, several others saw objects in the sky and are experiencing similar reactions. What are these visions, and how is the government involved?

Kudos must be given to Spielberg for making an alien movie that does not focus on the aliens, but rather, to people's reactions to them. How do you really think the US government would react if aliens sent a message that they were getting ready to visit the Earth? What if a few random people somehow "knew" that they were coming? How would the aliens communicate, and how would we communicate back? Without giving anything away, let us say that the best parts of this movie are watching these different little clues pop up.

A nice touch: take note of Roy's kids. They are obnoxious, talk while he's trying to talk, and generally get in the way. In short, they act like real kids.

Notes:

  • Nominated for 9 Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Melinda Dillon, Score, and Director (Spielberg's first nomination)

  • Won 2 Academy Awards: Best Cinematography and Sound Effects Editing

  • Steven Spielberg also wrote the screenplay

  • After the movie was a hit, Spielberg was given another $2 million to re-shoot some scenes inside the ship. His director's cut was released in 1980, and is the only one you can rent

  • Placed #64 on the American Film Institute's "100 Greatest Movies" List