Movie · 1977 · Science Fiction, Drama · 2h 17m · PG · English
Curator score: 8.0/10 (558.6K ratings)
We are not alone.
Overview
After an encounter with UFOs, an electricity linesman feels undeniably drawn to an isolated area in the wilderness where something spectacular is about to happen.
Ratings
Curator score: 8.0/10
IMDb: 7.6/10
Letterboxd: 3.82/5
Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
Metacritic: 90
TMDB: 7.4/10
Director
Steven Spielberg
Production
Julia Phillips and Michael Phillips Productions, Columbia Pictures, EMI Films
Cast
Richard Dreyfuss, François Truffaut, Teri Garr, Melinda Dillon, Bob Balaban, J. Patrick McNamara, Warren J. Kemmerling, Roberts Blossom, Phil Dodds, Cary Guffey, Shawn Bishop, Adrienne Campbell, Justin Dreyfuss, Lance Henriksen, Merrill Connally, Amy Douglass, Gene Dynarski, Carl Weathers, Norman Bartold, F.J. O'Neil
Where to watch
Peacock Premium, TCM, Peacock Premium Plus
Curator Review
Verdict
A masterful blend of science fiction and drama, 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' explores humanity's fascination with the unknown and the personal sacrifices made in pursuit of understanding. Spielberg's iconic storytelling and visual artistry create a captivating experience that resonates with audiences.
Best for
Science fiction enthusiasts
Fans of classic cinema
Those interested in themes of family and exploration
Skip if
Prefer fast-paced action films
Dislike slower, contemplative narratives
Not interested in themes of alien encounters
Overview
Steven Spielberg's 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' is a landmark film that delves into the human experience through the lens of extraterrestrial encounters. The film's protagonist, Roy Neary, played by Richard Dreyfuss, is drawn into a world of wonder and mystery after a series of inexplicable events. Spielberg masterfully balances the awe of discovery with the personal turmoil of Neary's family life, creating a poignant narrative that resonates on multiple levels.
Worth noting
The film's visual and auditory elements are equally striking, with John Williams' iconic score enhancing the emotional weight of the story. The use of light and sound to communicate with the unknown is a brilliant metaphor for the human desire to connect and understand. 'Close Encounters' remains a timeless exploration of the intersection between the ordinary and the extraordinary, inviting viewers to ponder the possibilities that lie beyond our world.
Top Letterboxd reviews
Lucy (3.5★) · 4527 likes
DO ᵈᵒ ᴅᴏ dₒ do
Adam Kempenaar (4.5★) · 4064 likes
In the doc that precedes the 40th anniversary release, director Denis Villeneuve suggests the movie is a personal one for Spielberg beyond his obvious fascination with the material. He says the movie is about movie-making too, which struck me as a little trite – and cliche – in the moment. I mean, how many directors and their films has this been/could it be said about?
And yet, watching this time, I was struck by Roy Neary's journey from blue-collar electric… more
laird (5★) · 3829 likes
A movie about the importance of leaving your wife and kids in order to pursue your passion (to fly in a UFO).
James (Schaffrillas) (4★) · 3037 likes
Oh so THAT'S where that scene in Monsters vs Aliens came from
karen h. (4.5★) · 2003 likes
Our debt as a society to Steven Spielberg is completely unpayable.