Close Encounters of the Third Kind

The year 1977 has been famous for science-fiction since that same year “Star Wars” was released, but there was another popular flick released that year: Steven Spielberg’s “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” Rafer Guzmán said in his review, “The two movies are in some ways polar opposites: one a swashbuckling space opera, the other a drama about humans who make contact with alien beings.” “Star Wars” has never left the world of pop culture, thanks to the number of re-releases, prequels, sequels and spinoffs, but “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” has become the well-known modern classic, brought back only for major anniversaries. This year marks the film’s 40^th and it’s going to have a 4K digital restoration and a re-release in theaters for one week.

Guzmán said, “It’s hard to overstate how good Spielberg’s movie is (this is the 135-minute Director’s Cut) and how contemporary it feels even today.” It’s a convincing, completely exciting story about a blue-collar family man, Roy Neary, played by Richard Dreyfuss, whose truck is almost teleported up by a spaceship on an isolated road one night. After that even, Roy starts acting unevenly and haunted by visions, even as his wife (Teri Garr) and children (Shawn Bishop, Adrienne Campbell and Justin Dreyfuss, Richard Dreyfuss’s nephew) leave him. What Roy doesn’t know yet is that a famous UFO researcher, Claude Lacombe, played by Francois Truffaut, is helping the U.S. government prepare for a historic meeting with aliens.

“Close Encounters of the Third Kind” is in certain respects three stories in one. It’s somewhat a space alien routine, a how-would-things-go setting that weighs the impact of alien encounter around the world, from Mexico to India to Wyoming. It’s also an exciting great horror movie, if only for the four minute part where the aliens take a child (Cary Guffey) from his mother (Melinda Dillon) in the middle of the night – a masterpiece of filmmaking that is among Spielberg’s best work. Guzmán said, “Finally, “Close Encounters” is a modern-day parable about an Everyman who becomes a much-mocked prophet.”

Guzmán continued, “The movie’s focus on communication — which surfaced again in last year’s Oscar-winning “Arrival” — is summed up beautifully in John Williams’ famous, five-note musical theme. Though it’s been spoofed by everyone from Roger Moore’s James Bond to the “South Park” kids, that little riff remains as shivery and evocative as ever.” It’s the perfect supplement to Spielberg’s amazing, breathtaking film.

Special note: Spielberg’s father was a Computer Scientist and his mother was a Musician. When the aliens land their ship, the humans make contact with them by making music on their computers. When James Lipton mentioned that scene when he was interviewing Spielberg, Spielberg said that he didn’t notice that he was intending it to be his parents until Lipton mentioned it on the interview. Good job there Mr. Lipton.

In the end, if you haven’t seen this movie, why are you reading this review? It’s one of the best and most classic movies ever made. I remember seeing parts of it when I was a kid, and it’s one of my brother’s favorite movies, and I can see why. I absolutely loved it, and I think everyone else will as well when they see the movie, so definitely see it if you haven’t.

Alright everyone tomorrow starts the final franchise that I will be looking at for this year’s “Halloween Month.” I’m excited for it, and I think everyone knows what franchise I’m talking about so stay tuned tomorrow to find out.