Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) Directors Cut
Added 2024-09-11 16:05:01 +0000 UTCWell. Steven has done it again.
This movie truly touched my heart and soul. Whether you're a fan of sci-fi or not, the storytelling here is extraordinary, and to me, it's what filmmaking is all about. That’s a testament to the brilliance of Steven Spielberg. Yes, I may have a soft spot for all things alien, but this script and story go far beyond that. There are so many layers woven into it- a captivating journey filled with adventure, mystery, wonder, and curiosity. It's a deeply compelling experience from start to finish. I am still so torn, heartbroken, and exhilarated by the ending. I can't stop thinking about it. But what an beautiful concept for a movie about first contact with aliens.
I’m in awe of the performances-Teri Garr as Ronnie, a wife grappling with her husband’s breakdown, Richard Dreyfuss as Roy, and the eldest son's raw emotions as he witnesses his father’s unraveling. Melinda Dillon as Jillian delivers an arc filled with such beautifully subtle moments-her portrayal of a mother who’s lost her son and endured so much is something I could never imagine. The cinematography was breathtaking; I was especially captivated by the UFO scene hovering over Roy’s car and, of course, the iconic white light at the end (no spoilers!). And let’s not forget the score! John Williams has been the soundtrack of my life—from Star Wars and Indiana Jones to Jurassic Park-and now, as an adult, Jaws, E.T. and this masterpiece. The five-tone musical motif will forever be an iconic moment in cinema, burned into my brain and a fascinating way to depict communication with another life form.
I could easily pour my heart out some more here.. but, maybe you will be able to feel it in my post-reaction. I tried to keep it as unedited as possible. Usually, I cut out my thinking pauses (the 'uhs,' 'ums,' and 'likes'), but for this, I wanted to capture my experience in its purest form-even if I spoke a little more slowly at times.
Thanks for being here supporting my channel. It is truly a pleasure to share these first time watches with you all! Means a lot to have you here.
xx
ames
Comments
I love the railroad crossing scene! (esp when he freaks himself out with the flashlight) The build-up to the tower creation is intense! I like how he just throws the plants directly through the window (can't pause two seconds to walk to the front door, this is urgent!) Nice parallel between the two mothers, never thought of that. Yup, I would also put Close Encounters on the list 👍
JM63
2024-09-15 13:41:12 +0000 UTCSo enjoyable to see this movie again with you, Ames! The wonder of seeing this film for the first time is not to be missed!! Spielberg did such a masterful job of storytelling and directing. I remember the first time I saw the scene where the bright lights pull up behind Roy's truck at the railroad crossing, and Roy tries to wave them around, only to have the lights move up vertically instead of to the side. That totally freaked me out the first time I saw it! So good! So many amazing details to the story! Roy's determination to recreate Devil's Tower in his home is frightening and painful to watch! Definitely time to pack up the kids and take them to Ronnie's sister's place! (I have to admit though, Roy's home version of the Tower is pretty spectacular!) The connection between Roy and Jillian is very sweet and really highlights the strength of their shared experience and obsession. Jillian's drawings of the Tower are amazing!! (Melinda Dillon did a wonderful job as Jillian! I find a lot of similarities between Melinda's performance and Dee Wallace in her role as Elliot's mother in E.T.) The pièce de résistance for me was using musical notes to communicate with the aliens. So delightful yet powerfully emotional (to me at least). So creative. The film definitely belongs on the AFI list! Great reaction, Ames! Loved it!!
John Courtright
2024-09-15 07:07:07 +0000 UTC❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️thanks for sharing this
Amalia Wolf
2024-09-13 02:37:13 +0000 UTCNo one quite does nostalgia like Spielberg. He just has a way of capturing feelings we didn't know we had or those that we had forgotten long ago. If anyone hasn't seen his semi-autobiographical film, The Fabelmans, you must. He was even able to make me feel nostalgic for a time period I didn't experience. For this one, I always get caught up in the "This Means Something" language. I imagine how I would feel having a vision placed in my head that I couldn't explain. I can't even escape it in my dreams. Awake or asleep, it's always there, taunting me, challenging me to continue searching for answers or some sort of clarity that I can share with all the others. It becomes an obsession that affects every personal relationship I have, because they will never understand that it isn't something I can just ignore. Yes, I still love you, but this is eating me alive, and I'll never be myself again until I can find peace.
Shawn Goforth
2024-09-13 02:26:32 +0000 UTCLove this thanks Shawn !!
Amalia Wolf
2024-09-13 01:47:07 +0000 UTCI didn't see anyone else mention this, so I thought I would share. For anyone who didn't quite understand the hand signals that were being used in the film, the Kodaly signs, or solfege, are used when studying music to emulate/communicate non-verbally what notes on the scale are being played. Think Sound of Music (Do, Re, Mi), for anyone who has seen that. Adding a link to the visual chart. The first hand sign in the chart represents the lowest register of the scale, progressing one step higher with each subsequent sign. https://www.musictheorytutor.org/2013/03/25/solfege-hand-signs/
Shawn Goforth
2024-09-13 01:40:36 +0000 UTCSee ya there!
Amalia Wolf
2024-09-12 02:03:07 +0000 UTCI watched this interview! I loved hearing this!! So funny!!! TOYSSSSS
Amalia Wolf
2024-09-12 02:02:43 +0000 UTCLovely reaction. Sharing the love for cinema. As mentioned in the comments, Dreyfuss hounded Spielberg for the role and finally got it by saying he needed a (man) child for that part. In fact all the characters in the third act have some sort of childlike trade to them. The lack of cynicism is really refreshing still to this day. Little fun fact. To get the child actor to make those facial expressions of wonder when seeing the space ship, Spielberg got on a ladder to make him look up and slowly unwrapped a gift for him.
Pickupthepieces76
2024-09-12 00:46:01 +0000 UTCA heartwarming story about a man who abandons his family??? Think instead I'll be re-watching the South Park episodes Free Hat and The China Probrem. See you at the chariot races.
James Rogers
2024-09-11 22:58:22 +0000 UTCYESS I knew the name
Amalia Wolf
2024-09-11 20:59:52 +0000 UTCVery cool. Having Truffaut cast in the film really energized the cast, according to Dreyfus. It was like confirmation they were working on a special film. (PS: Mike, just saw a great, hilarious Truffaut film over the pandemic: "Stolen Kisses", 1968. It's the third in the series that starts with "400 Blows". Same actor/character, but when he's in his early 20s. Check it out if you haven't seen it!)
Toc
2024-09-11 20:26:55 +0000 UTCGreat making of, that's from the 30th Anniversary DVD, which is the definitive version. (better than the Blu Ray, which sucks!) Totally agree with capturing the late 70s/80s suburban family, and the evolution of it. We'll discuss this once we hit Poltergeist!!!
Toc
2024-09-11 20:24:25 +0000 UTCSeveral reasons why we love Spielberg so much. He was the first Director that I can think of that brought today's suburbia onto the movie screen. We see it here in spades as well as E.T. and POLTERGEIST. You look at Roy's family and we see our own. You cant look at his films and not relate to the characters onscreen because he's really showing US. Today's greatest Directors are always the greatest storytellers (Scorcese, Cameron, Villeneuve) but NOBODY in Hollywood can manipulate a viewers emotions like he can. His early use of strong backlightling (Close Encounters/E.T./1941) and the slow dolly-in shots became his trademark. Throw in his lifelong collaborations with John Williams and Editor Michael Kahn and you have the dynamic trio that are really the geniuses behind his filmography. Teri Garr desperately wanted the role of Barry's Mother Gillian but Spielberg didn't think she was right for it. Dreyfus was one of the last actors Steven wanted for the role of Roy (Spielberg's first choice was Steve McQueen) until Dreyfus correctly pointed out that you need a "child" to play Roy which Richard had in spades. The rest is history. Hard to picture anyone else playing Roy today. Want to see what really went down on this film? Here's the MAKING OF link on Youtube Ames.. It's a MUST SEE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XytWm9m9cY&t=6s
RFK Fan
2024-09-11 20:05:10 +0000 UTCThanks Mike! Talking Feelings… that’s what I’m good at I guess 😂😂😂 glad to have connected ❤️
Amalia Wolf
2024-09-11 19:59:29 +0000 UTCSo nice to hear! I will be watching DWW this fall! It’s a must !
Amalia Wolf
2024-09-11 19:59:10 +0000 UTCThis is what I love! Seeing 'you' have a similar or even 'greater' experience than I've had! I know I've been pushing "Dances with Wolves" (1990) with you and @AddieCounts for a long time now; and now even @Whimsory too. I just hope you all have similar feelings with that one. "This" is what I love to see, 'you' having a great, appreciative loving reaction! Whereas from what I've been seeing for many years now is 'others' liking/wanting jump scares, 'shocking content' etc. Nope, not me, they're fine and dandy but not what motivates me. As @Whimsory says, she wants 'you' to have fun and enjoy yourself. SAME SAME! From the late 60's to the late 80's is what I would definitely call as "Thee Golden Age of Cinema!" With a Reissuance in 1990; with some of thee greatest movies of all time from these periods in Cinema. It shouldn't matter what others people say about any given movie - "Life is like a box of chocolates. Ya never know what ya gonna get!" So thank you @Ames for sharing with all of us! And @AddieCounts And @Whimsory too!
Randolph Tirazona
2024-09-11 19:07:44 +0000 UTCFantastic analysis and outtro comments Ames
Mike Donovan
2024-09-11 18:45:23 +0000 UTCAmes, the french guy was played by Francois Truffaut, an incredibly influential French director who made The 400 Blows, Fahrenheit 451 and many other influential films. He also carried out an extensive series of interviews with Hitchcock, carried out over an entire week, which he turned into a book "Hitchcock/Truffaut". It was covered in a documentary by Wes Anderson, including discussions with Martin Scorsese, David Fincher, Wes Anderson and others, on the 2 legendary directors in the title. I hope you get to see some Truffaut films at some stage. One of the things I love most in life is connections between things. I have a kind of mind-map on my wall of stuff Involving this movie, Truffaut, French New-Wave, Bunuel, Surrealism, Salvador Dali and a whole lot more.
Mike Donovan
2024-09-11 17:02:05 +0000 UTC
