Writer/Director: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Richard Dreyfuss, Teri Garr and Francois Truffat
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many directors in Hollywood have built a career as successful as Steven Spielberg. Following his rise toward fame in the 1970’s, Spielberg has been a commemorated icon. Whether it’s troubled WWII soldiers, famous business figures or terrifying alien creatures, Spielberg has established many characters. Arguably, Spielberg’s strength as a director has always been his commitment toward his craft. He is one of those directors which has often poured his soul into every film making it his goal. Despite having reached the age of retirement, Spielberg has scarcely lost his passion for entertainment. Through passion for filmmaking, Spielberg has built a legacy that is long-lasting. Throughout his career, Spielberg has made many memorable films that are worth talking about without a single doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Spielberg and adore all the movies he has made in his career. However, “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” is my favourite. Released in 1977, Spielberg’s film offered a strong portrait of frightening alien invasions. Packed with breathtaking visuals, engaging storytelling and powerful acting, it is one of the best science fiction films ever made. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance from Richard Dreyfuss, who plays a scientist inspecting alien invasions that are dangerous. Ultimately, what mass “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” a true masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most alien invasion movies, it tackles bold themes everyone would relate to. A riveting science fiction masterpiece, there are many reasons why “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” is a commemorated film that’s worth watching.
Set in 1970’s America, “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” tells the story of a dire alien invasion which threatens mankind. Richard Dreyfuss portrays Roy Neary, an intelligent electrician drawn towards technology that is precious. Roy has always been passionate about investigating technology which has a tendency to destroy. However, Roy’s life is drastically changed when he witnesses an alien invasion causing disaster. Faced with the shocking sighting of a UFO, Roy soon questions whether it’s possible to survive alien invasions causing sorrow. As all odds are stacked against his favour, Roy begins to wonder whether it’s truly possible for his family to survive disaster.
Steven Spielberg has always been drawn to stories of extra-terrestrial aliens. His iconic movie “E.T.” offered a powerful portrait of an alien forming a strong friendship with a child causing adversity. With “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”, however, Spielberg made his first UFO movie. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture UFO sightings that cause the world to face catastrophe but he succeeded tremendously. Through stunning cinematically, Spielberg captures terrifying alien invasions causing adversity. Evoking Ridley Scott’s “Alien”, Spielberg effectively uses point of view shots to capture tense hardships that alien invasions are causing. For instance, POV shots enhance the alien discoveries scene. During this memorable scene, Roy faces tension when he uncovers evidence of an alien invasion catastrophe. Through captivating POV shots, Spielberg creates a portrait of aliens that’s engaging. POV shots are tricky techniques. As “Jaws” suggested, POV shots enhance films about sharks. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Using stunning visuals, Spielberg captures alien invasions which prove to be terrifying.
Another strong aspect of “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” that merits appreciation is the production. For a movie made during the 1970’s, it has aged extremely well. Inspired with Philip Kaufman’s “Invasion of the Body Snatchers”, Spielberg successfully employs cross-cutting to capture tension that aliens are facing. For instance, the cross-cutting enhances the alien attack scene. During this intense scene, Roy discovers evidence of an alien attack causing catastrophe. Through cross-cutting, Spielberg creates a portrait of alien invasion that’s engaging. Moreover, the musical score is dazzling. John Williams’ music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden aliens bear. Using strong production, Spielberg captures the lives of aliens causing tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” is a sci-fi film that’s engaging. The film is very well-written, and effectively uses silence to capture tensions that survivors of an alien invasion experience. For instance, silence enhances the aliens consequences scene. During this unforgettable scene, Roy faces tension when he discovers consequences of alien invasions. Through silence, Spielberg creates a portrait of alien invasions which audiences can easily relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use in films. As “Saving Private Ryan” suggested, silence enhances World War II movies. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through a strong screenplay, Spielberg captures frightening alien invasions which come with a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Richard Dreyfuss gives one of his best career performances as Roy. Dreyfuss earned appreciation for portraying the survivors of shark invasion. With “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”, however, Dreyfuss took on his most tricky role. It’s challenging to portray the survivor of an alien invasion causing catastrophe but he succeeds tremendously. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him in the past before: intense, charming and emotional in his most memorable role. With captivating expressions, he captures the angst, bravery and resentment and electrician inspecting alien invasions. It’s a brilliant performance from one of the most commemorated actors working today.
While the film is mainly a strong showcase for Dreyfuss, the supporting cast is great and worthy of praise. Francois Truffaut is fantastic, capturing the charisma of a bold businessman seeking to overcome tense dilemma. Teri Garr is terrific, capturing the emotional personality of a housewife that struggles to cope with tense alien invasion catastrophe. Lastly, Bob Balaban merits appreciation. As a scientist, he brings an air of authority to the movie.
Finally, “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” would earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing alien invasions threatening fate of mankind. Unlike most sci-fi films, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It discusses bold themes including ambition, health and trauma which resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” is one of those rare sci-fi movies everyone would adore.
Fans of Steven Spielberg would definitely enjoy “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and so would movie-goers that seek bold entertainment. A spectacular sci-fi drama, it honours an actor with charisma.
Nearly 50 years following the release of a groundbreaking science fiction film about alien invasions causing destruction, it’s an awe-inspiring reminder of a filmmaker with dedication that has made memorable films that are absolutely without a doubt worthy of recognition.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 