Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)

Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
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Steven Spielberg followed Jaws (1975), his first major box-office success, with this epic science fiction adventure about a disparate group of people who attempt to contact alien intelligence. Roy Neary (Richard Dreyfuss) is an electrical lineman who, while sent out on emergency repairs, witnesses an unidentified flying object, and even has a "sunburn" from its bright lights to prove it. Neary's wife and children are at first skeptical, then concerned, and eventually fearful, as Roy refuses to accept a "logical" explanation for what he saw and is prepared to give up his job, his home, and his family to pursue the "truth" about UFOs. Neary's obsession eventually puts him in contact with others who've had close encounters with alien spacecraft, including Jillian (Melinda Dillon), a single mother whose son disappeared during her UFO experience, and Claude Lacombe (celebrated French filmmaker François Truffaut), a French researcher who believes that we can use a musical language to communicate with alien visitors. Lacombe's theory is put to the test when a band of government researchers and underground UFO enthusiasts (including Neary) join for an exchange with alien visitors near Devil's Tower, Wyoming. In 1980, a "Special Edition" was released. While its primary selling point was the addition of scenes inside the alien spaceship, Spielberg claimed that he also cleaned up some choppy editing in the second act. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Starring:
Richard DreyfussFrançois Truffaut, (more)
Director(s):
Steven Spielberg
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG
Format(s):
DVD  |  Blu-ray  | Digital SD
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Synopsis of Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Steven Spielberg followed Jaws (1975), his first major box-office success, with this epic science fiction adventure about a disparate group of people who attempt to contact alien intelligence. Roy Neary (Richard Dreyfuss) is an electrical lineman who, while sent out on emergency repairs, witnesses an unidentified flying object, and even has a "sunburn" from its bright lights to prove it. Neary's wife and children are at first skeptical, then concerned, and eventually fearful, as Roy refuses to accept a "logical" explanation for what he saw and is prepared to give up his job, his home, and his family to pursue the "truth" about UFOs. Neary's obsession eventually puts him in contact with others who've had close encounters with alien spacecraft, including Jillian (Melinda Dillon), a single mother whose son disappeared during her UFO experience, and Claude Lacombe (celebrated French filmmaker François Truffaut), a French researcher who believes that we can use a musical language to communicate with alien visitors. Lacombe's theory is put to the test when a band of government researchers and underground UFO enthusiasts (including Neary) join for an exchange with alien visitors near Devil's Tower, Wyoming. In 1980, a "Special Edition" was released. While its primary selling point was the addition of scenes inside the alien spaceship, Spielberg claimed that he also cleaned up some choppy editing in the second act. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
137 mins

Complete Cast of Close Encounters of the Third Kind


Director(s):
Steven Spielberg
Writer(s):
Steven SpielbergJerry Belson
Producer(s):
Michael PhillipsJim BloomJulia Phillips
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG(Adult Situations, Mild Violence, Adult Language)
Categories:
Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Close Encounters of the Third Kind Awards:
  • 1998 - American Film Institute - 100 Greatest American Movies
  • 1978 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Art Direction
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Patience B.

A must see for any fan of science fiction, or any moviegoer. It is a beautifully crafted tale and everyone should at least see it once in their lives. It is just so original, too. But I'll be honest. I found the alien costumes for the little aliens to a bit...cheap. But other than that it is definitley in my top five best sci-fi movies. So, if you have read this review, I suggest you watch Close Encounters of the Third Kind. You won't be disappointed. -Critic of the House

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Yvonne S.

A+

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MARY H.

A Classic that we need to purchase to add to our home collection.

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Read All 41 Reviews