Introduction Making Contact
'Making Contact' is a 1984 American science fiction film written and directed by Michael Apt, starring Richard Burton, Kate Burton, and Beau Bridges. The movie is set in a remote location in Africa, where a group of scientists are conducting an experiment to make contact with extraterrestrial life. The story begins when a young man named John Burroughs (played by Beau Bridges) discovers a mysterious message on his computer that leads him to the African research station. He joins the team and soon realizes that they are trying to communicate with aliens who have been sending them messages through the stars. The scientists, led by Dr. Kathryn Leach (played by Kate Burton), believe that the messages are a call for help from an alien civilization that is dying. As the group continues their experiment, strange things begin to happen around the station. Equipment malfunctions, people start acting strangely, and there are reports of strange creatures lurking in the shadows. The team becomes increasingly paranoid and starts to turn on each other as they try to figure out what is happening. Meanwhile, John falls in love with one of the scientists, Dr. Kathryn Leach, but their relationship is complicated by her involvement with the alien project. As tensions rise, the group discovers that they are not alone in the world and that there are those who will stop at nothing to get their hands on the technology they have developed. 'Making Contact' explores themes of science, technology, and the human condition as it delves into the possibilities of extraterrestrial life. It is a thought-provoking film that raises questions about our place in the universe and our ability to communicate with other forms of life.
Plot and Themes Making Contact
'Making Contact' is a 1985 American science fiction film directed by Roland Joffé. The movie follows the story of Dr. Kathryn LeFleur, a scientist who discovers an extraterrestrial spacecraft in her backyard. Plot: The movie begins with Dr. Kathryn LeFleur (Jill Eikenberry), a botanist at a university, discovering a small alien spacecraft buried in her backyard. She decides to investigate further and manages to communicate with the aliens using a modified radio transmitter. As she learns more about the aliens' intentions, she discovers that they are on a mission to collect plant samples from Earth. Themes: 1. Human Connection: The movie explores the idea of human connection and how we can connect with beings from other worlds. Kathryn's ability to communicate with the aliens highlights the potential for understanding and cooperation between humans and extraterrestrials. 2. Science vs. Emotion: The film also touches on the conflict between scientific curiosity and emotional attachment. As Kathryn becomes more emotionally invested in her relationship with the aliens, she struggles to balance her desire for knowledge with her growing feelings for them. 3. Fear of the Unknown: 'Making Contact' examines our fear of the unknown by portraying the initial reactions of humans as they discover the presence of extraterrestrial life on Earth. Overall, 'Making Contact' is a thought-provoking science fiction film that explores the possibilities and implications of human contact with otherworldly beings.
Performance and Direction Making Contact
'Making Contact' is a 1984 American science fiction film directed by William Richert. The film features a small cast, including Craig T. Nelson, Karen Savage, Matt Craven, Richard McKenzie, and John W. Howard. The performances of the actors in 'Making Contact' are generally adequate but not exceptional. Craig T. Nelson is the most notable actor in the film, playing a radio astronomer who accidentally contacts an alien civilization. His performance is straightforward and lacks depth, making it hard to fully invest in his character's plight. Karen Savage plays the role of Nelson's love interest, but her performance feels wooden and lacks chemistry with Nelson. Matt Craven and Richard McKenzie play supporting roles as friends of the main character, but their performances are forgettable. John W. Howard has a small role as a government agent, but his performance is over-the-top and adds to the film's overall campiness. William Richert's direction in 'Making Contact' is also lacking. The pacing of the film is slow, making it feel like a slog to get through. Richert's use of special effects is dated and looks cheesy by today's standards. He relies heavily on stock footage and compositing, which detracts from the overall believability of the alien encounter. Richert also fails to create tension or suspense in key moments of the film. The climax of the movie feels rushed and lacks any real sense of urgency or danger. Richert seems more interested in showcasing his special effects than in telling a compelling story. Overall, 'Making Contact' is a disappointing sci-fi film with average performances from its cast and subpar direction from William Richert. While it may have been an interesting concept at the time of its release, it has not aged well and is best left to fans of 1980s science fiction.
Technical Aspects Making Contact
'Making Contact' is a science fiction film directed by Roland Emmerich that was released in 1984. The movie follows the story of a group of scientists who try to make contact with extraterrestrial life forms. The technical aspects of 'Making Contact' are noteworthy, particularly in terms of cinematography and visual effects. Here are some details: Cinematography: The film's cinematographer was Karl Walter Lindenlaub, who worked on several notable films during the 1980s. He used a combination of practical lighting techniques and electronic flash to create a unique look for the movie. The opening scene of the film is particularly impressive from a cinematographic standpoint. It features a sweeping shot of the Earth from space, which was achieved by combining footage of the planet with models of satellites and other space objects. Another notable aspect of the cinematography in 'Making Contact' is its use of close-ups to create tension and suspense. This technique is used throughout the film, particularly during scenes where the characters are interacting with the alien life forms. Sound Design: The sound design for 'Making Contact' was handled by Richard Hymns, who worked on several films during the 1980s. He used a combination of practical sound effects and electronic music to create an otherworldly atmosphere in the movie. The film's score was composed by Michael Convertino, who has worked on numerous films and television shows throughout his career. The score features a mix of electronic and orchestral elements that helps to build tension and suspense during key scenes. Visual Effects: The visual effects for 'Making Contact' were created by several companies, including Lucasfilm Ltd. (now known as Industrial Light & Magic) and Fantasy II Associates. The film's most impressive visual effect is probably the depiction of the alien life forms. These creatures are shown in detail throughout the movie, and they were created using a combination of practical makeup and prosthetics, along with digital effects. Another notable aspect of the visual effects in 'Making Contact' is its use of compositing to create seamless transitions between different scenes. This technique allows the film's editors to combine footage of the actors with digitally generated backgrounds or objects, creating a more cohesive and immersive viewing experience. In conclusion, 'Making Contact' is a science fiction film that features impressive technical aspects in terms of cinematography, sound design, and visual effects. The combination of practical lighting techniques, electronic flash, and compositing creates a unique look for the movie, while the score and sound effects help to build tension and suspense during key scenes. Overall, 'Making Contact' is a notable example of 1980s science fiction filmmaking.
More Details Making Contact
'Making Contact' is a science fiction film released in 1985, directed by Michael Apted. Here are some key facts about the movie's production: **Cast:** * Judd Hirsch as Dr. Mark Powell * John Lithgow as Roy Neary * Debra Winger as Jillian Guiler * Oliver Robins as David Guiler * Richard Dysart as Ernest Brown * Dick Miller as Don **Production Companies:** * Amblin Entertainment * Warner Bros. **Interesting Trivia:** 1. The film was initially planned to be part of a trilogy, with 'E.T.' (1982) and 'Making Contact' forming a duology. 2. The story was inspired by the real-life experiences of Travis Walton, who claimed to have been abducted by aliens in 1975. 3. Michael Apted worked closely with Steven Spielberg on this film, with Spielberg even providing some input on the script. 4. The iconic flying saucer used in the film was built at a cost of $500,000 and took over 100 days to construct. 5. Judd Hirsch had never seen a UFO movie before being cast as Dr. Powell, so he had to learn about the subject matter for his role. **Production:** * Filming took place from August 1984 to January 1985 in various locations across California and Utah. * The film's budget was around $20 million, relatively modest compared to other sci-fi films of the time. * The special effects were handled by Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), who worked closely with Michael Apted to create realistic UFO sequences. **Reception:** * 'Making Contact' received mixed reviews from critics at the time of its release, with some praising its thought-provoking themes and others criticizing its pace. * Despite this, the film has since become a cult classic among fans of science fiction and the works of Steven Spielberg.
Conclusion Making Contact
'Making Contact' is a thought-provoking sci-fi thriller that explores the implications of first contact with extraterrestrial life. The film's strongest aspect is its thought-provoking premise, which raises questions about humanity's place in the universe and our responsibility to other intelligent beings. The performances by Richard Dreyfuss and Charlie Sheen are also noteworthy, bringing depth and emotional resonance to their respective characters. The film's direction by Roland Emmerich is generally effective, with a sense of tension and urgency that keeps the viewer engaged. The special effects hold up surprisingly well for a 1980s sci-fi film, adding to the overall sense of wonder and excitement. However, 'Making Contact' also has its weaknesses. At times, the pacing feels slow and plodding, making it difficult to stay fully invested in the story. The supporting characters are somewhat one-dimensional, which can make them feel like mere puppets rather than fully fleshed-out people. Ultimately, 'Making Contact' is a film that will appeal most to fans of sci-fi and those who enjoy thought-provoking, philosophical explorations of complex ideas. While it may not be a perfect film, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a worthwhile watch for anyone interested in exploring the human condition through science fiction.