Steven Spielberg famously stated, “If you believe it, it’s scientific fact. If you don’t, it’s science fiction. I sit between these beliefs, viewing it as scientific speculation.”

These words came from Spielberg in 1977, reflecting on one of his cinematic masterpieces: Close Encounters of the Third Kind. This film encapsulates scientific wonder while seamlessly blending spirituality and grounded elements. With the release of Spielberg’s latest film, Information Release Date, a conspiracy thriller highlighting a whistleblower revealing extraterrestrial evidence, “Close Encounters” is a must-see companion piece.

In Close Encounters, we follow Roy Neary (Richard Dreyfuss), an ordinary electrical worker in pursuit of truth amidst an unfulfilling life in Muncie, Indiana. His family, filled with love yet marked by tension, transforms into an unhappy unit.

Struggling with a sense of purpose, Roy’s life takes a dramatic turn when a UFO appears during a power outage investigation, igniting an obsession to uncover the truths beyond our world.

Roy is not alone in his experience; three-year-old Billy (Cary Guffey) begins to witness his toys moving at night, nearly lured into a spaceship by a force his mother, Gillian (Melinda Dillon), intervenes to stop.

Both Gillian and Roy are among the few who have encountered a UFO firsthand. They are drawn to a mysterious flat-topped object of unknown origin. Meanwhile, an enigmatic government agent disrupts a group of enthusiastic sky watchers, while scientists work secretly to explain the bizarre return of missing planes and ships, devoid of their crews.

Close Encounters is notable for popularizing UFO researcher J. Allen Hynek’s classification system for alien sightings. The film’s strengths lie not only in its captivating storyline but also in its stunning visuals. It epitomizes Spielberg’s signature style, effortlessly navigating moments of irony.

Despite this darker layer, Close Encounters remains timeless and relevant today. The complexities of a family in crisis resonate even more now. Spielberg has indicated a desire to alter the film’s bittersweet conclusion, but for many, it remains the pinnacle of his narrative.

Since 1977, Spielberg’s views have evolved. In a recent statement, he expressed, “I have a strong suspicion we are not alone,” sharing this insight at the South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin. His journey from speculative fiction to a belief in extraterrestrial existence exemplifies a shift in perspective.

No matter your conclusions, the insights behind Close Encounters will undoubtedly inspire you to gaze up at the sky.

Additional Recommendations…

Spielberg: Retrospective
Richard Schickel
Thames & Hudson

This comprehensive guide chronicles Spielberg’s illustrious career through 2022, providing fascinating insights into his early works, including his directorial debut, Firelight, which, intriguingly, was also a UFO-themed film.