Contact (Snap Case)
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Movie Reviews of Contact (Snap Case)
Movie Review: No words can tell..
Summary: 5 Stars
Actually i, personally, didn't think that the novel "Contact" could be applied to a motion picture for it had multiple levels of storytelling. Moreover, it presented a long time period with ingenious connections, references and, of course, memories which could turn out as a disadvantage for a film to grasp it all. However, Zemeckis' demiurgical blend of Sagan's novel with conventional Hollywood approach makes this film an experience to enjoy. What's so striking is that, the film and the book almost enrich one another. For example, in order to visualize the Machine (of course not fully, because it's a bit altered in the film) described in the book, you have to see the film. On the other hand, if you want to touch a deeper level of meaning & cross-references (through a magnificent choice of quotes, flawlessly constructed storyline, and the unique perspective of the universe & life itself that Sagan makes us witness) you have to read the book. But beware: if you read the book 1st, then you may find the film less satisfying. Because, after all, this is a Hollywood production. It has to address the public taste with a pinch of a love story, injustice & redemption sequences, and of course a "comprehensible" finale. But no matter what, it's a sparkling film with an unforgettable performance from Foster. Check out the book for a more puzzling ending. But don't miss this beautiful "visual" version of the novel. Because Ellie says it all: "no words can tell.."Movie Review: a genuine tribute to the wonder of the cosmos
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a movie for anyone who's spent a night gazing up at the stars in the sky and wondered if there is other intelligent life in the universe. Contact perfectly captures the awe and wonder of realizing just how small and insignificant we are on Earth in comparison to the rest of the universe.Jodie Foster conveys an infectious enthusiasm for knowledge that is such a refreshing change from the usual scientist-type normally depicted in science fiction films. You can't help but get caught up in her quest for signs of intelligent life in the universe and sympathize with her frustrations from fellow colleagues and government types.
The supporting cast is also excellent -- in particular, William Fichtner as a blind scientist (based on a real person, btw) is a real stand-out. He normally plays psychos or bad guys in movies and so it is really great to see him cast completely against type as a gentle soul who is very loyal to Foster's character.
The DVD is quite good in quality -- although, the extras do tend to lean to the special effects aspects of the film, which gets a little dull after awhile. However, the film's three audio commentaries are all good listens -- especially Jodie Foster who talks about her own personal passion for the project.
Contact makes a great double bill with another film, October Sky, which is also another story about a character in love with gazing up into the stars. Both of these films are based on real stories and are very well made. Definitely worth a look.
Movie Review: So beautiful!
Summary: 5 Stars
I read the book but the film did not dissappoint. Of course as a film it is designed to appeal to Americans - frankly the film was more entertaining than the book which included about five people visiting the alien world - more scientifically credible by all means.
This film is a tremendous breakthrough in CG animation and the use of realistic news casts and video inserts to convey a sense that it really happened. If it did happen, how would it unravel and the book is a masterly portrayal of how things could change. The script also analyses the scientific method, Occam's Razor and the problems with truth and the bugbear of science and relgion - veering rightly in my view towards science against the dogmatic aspect of religion.
How accurately the film foretold the tragedies of suicide bombers. How lovingly it showed the whole of a dessert community madly celebrate the message from outer space, in so diverse a fashion and hyperbole as only Americans could.
The best bits were views of our solar system and such extraordinary footage of young Ellie - rushing down a corridoor to open the medicine chest.
The best film of 1997 and perhaps the 90s sadly underated and comparable to other Zemeckis treats like Forest Gump.
Entertaining, educational and the depiction of a golden age for the US and Americans, the best in its civilisation which was set to change in the Post Clinton era. Thank you!
Movie Review: Superb movie by one of the best contemporary scientists
Summary: 5 Stars
"Contact" is a fantastic movie intended to ask questions, and has a lot of fun doing it.
Some people seem to miss the point, in that they think they're being provided with answers. This movie doesn't give any answers. It doesn't show "the alien", though it shows -a representation- of an alien, from the main character's memory. It says so right in the dialog, but I guess that since "Contact" doesn't come pre-chewed and digested, there are a lot of people who can't understand it. This movie is aimed at people who are willing to think. Others need not apply.
What the movie -does- do is ask questions, and really interesting questions at that. An example: any answer to questions like, "are we all alone in the universe" would be bogus, because we don't know. Instead, it asks, and shows an example, of how humans might react to a "first contact" situation. It asks questions relating to science vs religion. It speaks to us of "the world as it is" rather than "the world as we'd like it to be". The only thing it adds is "the message", whatever that really is.
I've read the book, and found that this movie is one of those rare examples where the movie is better than the book.
The DVD is fantastic, because not only do you get the awsome movie, but you get all the commentary which allows you to extract every iota of meaning from it. I seriously recommend this movie.
Movie Review: A Movie of Faith
Summary: 5 Stars
This is an incredible movie, by far on my top 10 list of my all time favorites. I purchased this movie on DVD over a year ago, and I can't count how many times I have seen it. Jodie Foster is majestic in this film. She plays a very complex character, as per usual for Jodie, but this role suits her very well. Throughout the enitre film you will be cheering her on, as you quickly realize she is the "outcast" of the scientific world. The movie made me think of the possibilities, the "what if's" of the universe. The overall message is faith and the power of believing in one's self, science, and the universe. Because of this movie, I had to stop and think many times, about the power of faith. The movie made me realize that we as humans are a tiny incriment of the universe. Are we the only intelligent life in the universe? Can faith and science coincide with one another?
Robert Z. is the perfect director for this. Jodie was the PERFECT Ellie. Robert pieced this enitre movie with such grace and precision, and Jodie was so realistic as Ellie. Ellie challenged the normal views of the world, she grew as a person, she saw somewhat of a "different light." I truly loved this movie, and I reccomend it to everyone, even if they're not into sci-fi, that's only a fraction of the movie. The message will strike you, the performances will amaze you, and you will think.