CONTACT
Jack Choo
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Distributed by Warner Brothers
Screenplay by: James V. Hart Michael Goldenberg
Based on a novel by: Carl Sagan
Director of Photography: Don Burgess
Cast: Jodie Foster, Matthew McConaughey, James Woods, John Hurt, Tom Skerritt, William Fichtner, Angela Bassett, Rob Lowe
Running Time : 2hrs 30mins
Ratinng : **** out of *****FAITH, LOVE, HOPE AND SCI-FI
When I first heard of CONTACT, it was hyped as a sci-fi blockbuster. Now, with that in mind, coupled with the knowledge of Jodie Foster's involvement in the project, I thought "What in the world is Foster doing in a sci-fi blockbuster???" As it turned out , my expectations were completely nullified and turned topsy-turvy. Robert Zemeckis, back from the euphoria created by his last film, FORREST GUMP, once again proves his mastery in fusing tales of adventure along the endearing lines of human spirit.
Don't get me wrong, CONTACT is science fiction, but with a definite difference. Based on the late Carl Sagan novel of the same name, the story delves into questions on science and god, fact and faith. Allie (Foster) is a radio astronomer. She spends he r time listening to the stars, via ultra-huge communication dishes in search of intelligent life beyond the solar system. Her passion for "long-distance communication" is the result of her younger days being spent avidly in front of a ham-radio system (a hobbyist radio communication device) which her late-father bought for her. A scene which particularly strengthens the audiences' view of the passion is when she asked her father whether she could contact her late-mother through the ham-radio system in whi ch her father replied "Not even the most powerful radio in the world can do that, now".
Allie's research is based on the SETI project (Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence), one in which she listens to radio emissions from other galaxies in the hope of finding one which would suggest intelligent manipulation. Her work has never been off the scrutiny of the US government, which considers it a waste of taxpayer's money and politically unviable, her supervisor (Tom Skerritt) pulls the plug on SETI. Undaunted, Allie manages to gather a loyal group of "believers" and eventually receives f unding from a large private corporation. The following months are treacherous to their hopes and research as they are contantly pressured by the government but all that changed when one day, she caught an emission of a seemingly intelligent repeating soun d-wave. The news of her find attracts hordes of alien believers, cultist, the media and of course, the government. The situation becomes intense on her discovery of pictorial plans on building a form of transport which were embedded within the repeating s ound emission.
As the worlds join forces to build this transport, Allie is desperate to be the one to go. She enrols herself among a few hopefuls, to represent the world when the transport is ready for operation. Her eligibility for the spot fails when she is questio ned on her beliefs in the existence of God by the President's spiritual advisor (McConaughey). Allie, being an atheist, a result of her belief in fact and science, refuses to budge upon questioning. At this point the movie plot thickens considerably as sh e is romantically involved with the Presidentís spiritual advisor.
A strong point which propells the movie is the depth of its main characters played by Foster and McConaughey. From the very first meeting scene, it is obvious that the two of them are kindred spirits but are worlds apart in almost all aspects, Foster b eing a person drawn to science and facts and McConaughey being one who believes in faith, hope and the power of the unseen. The meeting of their worlds combines with the situation which they are in makes the entire storytelling process near flawless. Many people who read the synopsis of this film would find it a tad too ridiculous, but if you immerse yourself in it, it gives you an entirely different perspective. Zemeckis and his team of screen writers have done a remarkable job in telling this tale.
CONTACT works by *not* emphasizing controversy but, rather, touching the thinking audience, urging them to ponder questions raised in the film concerning fact and faith; whether one can actually find compromise within. I consider CONTACT one of the mus t-sees for this year. One thing though, do not expect action and special effects ala JURASSIC PARK, for you will be disappointed.
The Flying Inkpot's Rating System
* Wait for the TV2 broadcast.
** A little creaky, but still better than staying at home with Gotcha!
*** Pretty good, bring a friend.
**** Amazing, potent stuff.
***** Perfection. See it twice.
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From: std ()
the only thing that made contact in this movie was my ass to the seat!
From: Flavio Ribeiro (flavio@hackpalace.com)
this movie rules. now, seriously, it's not like the "independence day" we're going to be invaded crap. it goes inside the psychological aspects of the theme.... it's really a work of art.
