Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
Will their visit be full of wonders or horrors?
Presentation:
In the era of Spielberg, he consistently made hit after blockbuster hit. This is one of those iconic moments in cinema where you can feel the gravitas and what it must have felt like on the big screen in 1977. But despite being a spectacle, its visuals don’t hold up by today’s standards. The miniatures and practical effects are fine, but the CGI is comical especially when actors are obviously just staring into empty space. I find it very difficult to defend the VFX of this film and if you don’t agree, what are you comparing it to? The reason it gets a pass is becomes of the globetrotting entertainment value of vast deserts, UFO lighting and excellent anamorphic framing by Spielberg. He really does have a great eye for composing frames, though still a tier below Sergio Leone. The acting and dialogue is unbearably corny especially Dreyfuss’s character. The film shines when no one is talking and the suspense builds, which is lasting legacy of this film. Spielberg often dances on the line of horror and blockbuster wonder and this is the apex of that style.
Story:
This film is basically reduced to regular people witnessing a UFO and receiving visions to make contact. Government gets involved, some convoluted and unnecessary beating around just so they can stare at each other and then leave. Arrival did this much better. Roy is frustrating and cringe, does he realize he can speak normally and doesn't have to act like a lunatic? It's also uncanny to see no soldiers or fear of threat from a first contact film. So basically it wants you to fill in your own imagination of meeting aliens with no realistic aftermath. And what the hell is that random final kiss?
Conclusion:
You can see many bits and pieces of Spielberg in this film. You have global action of Indiana Jones and practicals and lighting of E.T.. It’s definitely an entertaining blockbuster but the whole premise is honestly a bit silly and overwhelmingly unbelievable. The plot is pretty sparse, not much is expanded upon and it doesn’t really try to say anything. Unless you’re wooed by the spectacle, which isn’t likely in 2025, I think this film is super PG and underwhelms compared to alien films today. An unfair criticism because it would undoubtedly be incredible for its time, evidenced by the clear impact it has on Arrival. It has the chance you hypnotize you into experiencing an intergalactic dream, but if not, then you’ll probably just be scratching your head.
Recommendations
Will their visit be full of wonders or horrors?