“Close Encounters of the Third Kind”, directed by Steven Spielberg, is a film that sparks the interests and possibly much of the conspiracy behind human relation with the extraterrestrial. Spielberg not only gave his viewers a sense of wonder and what if’s, but it also began to start a controversy in question of religion. Through his larger than life special effects, visual deception, and an exceptional cast of actors that were just as effective, Spielberg wowed his audience.

Steven Spielberg was always rethinking and redeveloping the industry of cinema as a whole. This is very apparent through the many blockbusters that he composed throughout the duration of his career. “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” was so successful that it was comparable to the box-office popularity of Star Wars. This is not very surprising when the theater’s screen is filled with an entire spaceship that seemingly dwarfs the surrounding landscape. Spielberg discusses how much of his information is based off of individuals experiences with the extraterrestrial and his interpretation of these possible creatures. A common misconception of the film is that it is of the horror genre. The film is actually a Drama/Fantasy, but throughout the screen play and special effects it is just as chilling and mystifying. With an eerie feeling that makes the hair on your neck stand up, Spielberg truly connects with his viewers on an emotional level that leaves them with the underlying question of what if. This effect was gained through the process by which he Brough the story to Earth. With his previous work in the production of Star Wars, Spielberg takes his audience to a far away galaxy where the fantasy and sense of wonder has no bounds letting their imagination run wild. Bringing the set to Earth allowed for viewers to connect with it on a more personal level. What is something as massive as this event were to happen on Earth itself? This is where much of the controversy regarding religion and the scientific evidence backing the information itself. Conspiracy theories were not only sparked in religion but also a possibility of government involve and coverup of the ideas behind extraterrestrial life. Nonetheless, Spielberg was successful in knowing his and using it to his advantage to draw in the crowds. Even his trailer that was developed for the films promotion immediately sucks you into question.

It sparks your interested by starting with a slow pan along a long desert road that not only creates the setting of the story but also gives a brief overview of the film. The trailer also introduces you to the cast and gives you only a tastes of Spielberg’s magic with special effects. With a glimpse of the spaceship dwarfing the landscape while the main characters are almost literally being blown away by the ship. If that wasn’t enough, the booming communication between the ship and the people shakes the very foundation of the surrounding buildings. Are we alone in this universe? That is an ongoing debate that will never end until there is feasible evidence that one or the other is proven right. For those who do believe, this will be an easy concept for you but for those who do not, this film may spark that wonder within you.

Works Cited

‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’: THR’s 1977 Review (Critical)

‘Close Encounters’ Was When the Movies Got New-Age Religion (Critical)

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND – Official Trailer (Historical)

Steven Spielberg 1977 interview (Historical)