Close Encounters of the Third Kind Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A lineman sees some weird lights, becomes obsessed with mashed potatoes and a rock, abandons his family for a cosmic field trip with some musically inclined aliens.

🍿 Close Encounters of the Third Kind: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Strange Occurrences and Investigations

The film opens with a series of unexplained events around the world. In the Sonoran Desert, a team led by French scientist Claude Lacombe discovers Flight 19, a squadron of WWII-era planes that disappeared decades ago, perfectly intact but without pilots. Simultaneously, a cargo ship, the SS Cotopaxi, is found stranded in the Gobi Desert, adding to the growing mystery. These events pique the interest of scientists and government officials, hinting at a larger phenomenon at play.

Roy Neary’s Close Encounter

In Muncie, Indiana, electric lineman Roy Neary experiences a life-altering event while investigating a power outage. He encounters a UFO, an experience that leaves him with a burning curiosity and an unshakeable vision of a mountain-like shape. This encounter sets Roy on a path of obsession, driving him to understand the meaning behind the images implanted in his mind. His behavior becomes increasingly erratic, straining his relationship with his family.

Jillian Guiler and the Abduction

Parallel to Roy’s story, Jillian Guiler, a single mother, also experiences paranormal activity. Her young son, Barry, is drawn to the mysterious lights and ultimately abducted by unseen beings. This traumatic event fuels Jillian’s determination to find her son and understand the forces at work. Both Roy and Jillian are driven by a shared vision, unknowingly heading towards the same destination.

Converging at Devil’s Tower

Driven by their shared vision of Devil’s Tower, Roy and Jillian converge in Wyoming, defying government warnings and risking their safety. Meanwhile, Lacombe and the U.S. military prepare for a momentous event at Devil’s Tower, establishing a landing zone for the extraterrestrial visitors. Roy’s family, unable to deal with his increasingly obsessive behaviour, leave him. He continues trying to recreate the mysterious shape in his mind, using whatever he can get his hands on. They are drawn to the location, despite efforts to keep them away.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Roy Neary (Richard Dreyfuss): An Indiana electric lineman whose close encounter with a UFO leads to an all-consuming obsession.
• Claude Lacombe (François Truffaut): A French scientist leading the investigation into UFO phenomena, seeking to communicate with extraterrestrial life.
• Jillian Guiler (Melinda Dillon): A single mother whose son’s abduction by a UFO leads her on a quest for answers alongside Roy.
• Ronnie Neary (Teri Garr): Roy’s increasingly frustrated wife, struggling to cope with his growing obsession and erratic behavior.
• Barry Guiler (Cary Guffey): Jillian’s young son who is abducted by aliens, playing a central role in the unfolding events.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Claude Lacombe: “This means something.” – Lacombe says it when considering the global and collective human response to the alien contact.
• Roy Neary: “I just gotta know what it is!” – Roy’s obsessive need to understand the vision he keeps seeing drives him to the point of madness.
• Old Man: “The sun came out last night. It sang to me.” – This is what the old man kept repeating to the government scientists in Sonara Desert.
• Ronnie Neary: “You aren’t going out there anymore! This has to stop!” – Ronnie expresses her fear and frustration with Roy’s obsession and the impact on their family.
• David Laughlin: “Those aren’t stars.” – Said with awe as he and Lacombe observe the UFOs approaching Devil’s Tower, realizing their significance.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $135,189,114
• Worldwide Gross: $306,889,114

💥 Close Encounters of the Third Kind Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this as a kid and being completely mesmerized. The scene where Barry’s toys come to life still gives me chills! Dreyfuss’s performance perfectly captures the obsession and wonder that comes with such an encounter. It made me believe that maybe, just maybe, we aren’t alone.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of science fiction films”
  • “Those interested in UFOs and extraterrestrial life”
  • “Viewers who appreciate Spielberg’s storytelling and visual style”
  • “Audiences who enjoy thought-provoking and emotionally resonant stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Some intense scenes of abduction and obsession”
  • “Brief moments of peril”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “A thrilling and visually stunning exploration of the unknown, Close Encounters of the Third Kind remains a landmark in science fiction cinema, seamlessly blending wonder and suspense to create an unforgettable experience.
• The New York Times: “Spielberg’s vision of alien contact is both awe-inspiring and deeply personal. The film captures a sense of wonder and mystery, anchored by Richard Dreyfuss’s compelling performance as a man driven by an inexplicable calling.
• RogerEbert.com: “A truly groundbreaking film, Close Encounters perfectly balances spectacle with human emotion. It’s a cinematic achievement that explores the universal yearning for connection and understanding beyond our world.

Audience Reactions

The ending at Devil’s Tower is a visual masterpiece.: Viewers praise the film’s sense of wonder, the believable performances, and the groundbreaking special effects, especially the climatic arrival of the mothership.

Dreyfuss’s performance as a man consumed by a vision is captivating and relatable.: Many appreciate the film’s exploration of human curiosity and the desire to understand the unknown, even at the expense of personal relationships.

Overall Consensus: Close Encounters of the Third Kind is a beloved science fiction classic that continues to inspire awe and spark the imagination, despite some criticism of its pacing and character development.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Cinematography)- 1978
2. Academy Award (Special Achievement Award (Sound Effects Editing))- 1978
3. Golden Globe Award (Best Director)- 1978

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The five-note sequence was developed by John Williams from hundreds of permutations, with Spielberg ultimately choosing his favorite.”
• “During filming, security was extremely tight to prevent details about the aliens from leaking.”
• “The film’s original release did not include scenes inside the mothership; these were added in a later special edition.”
• “The coordinates received by the scientists (40°36’10” N, 104°44’30” W) aren’t very close to Devils Tower at all. The coordinates are actually in a farm paddock about 200 yards east of hwy 85, half way between the towns of Pierce and Ault, Colorado (17mi [27km] east of Ft. Collins, Colorado), 276 miles (444 km) due south from the Devils Tower monument (they got the north latitude wrong by 4 degrees, it SHOULD have been 44°35’25″N. In addition the longitude is incorrect, it should be 104°42’54″W)”

🖥️ How to Watch Close Encounters of the Third Kind?

Close Encounters of the Third Kind is readily available for streaming rental or purchase on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings for potential broadcast options on cable networks. For physical media collectors, the film is available on Blu-ray and DVD through major retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Close Encounters of the Third Kind, you might like these similar films:

• 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968): Deals with themes of humanity’s place in the universe and encounters with beings beyond our comprehension.
• Contact (1997): Shares the theme of humanity attempting to make contact with extraterrestrial life through scientific means and personal obsession.
• Arrival (2016): Explores communication with aliens through language and the profound effect it has on human perception.
• Fire in the Sky (1993): Offers a darker and more disturbing take on alien abduction, contrasting with the ultimately benevolent tone of Close Encounters.
• Starman (1984): A benevolent alien makes contact with a human, resulting in a heartwarming journey and exploration of what it means to be human.

🛒 Close Encounters of the Third Kind Related Products

• Close Encounters of the Third Kind (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital): Experience the wonder and awe of Spielberg’s masterpiece in stunning 4K resolution. This edition includes behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
• Close Encounters of the Third Kind – Devil’s Tower Model Kit: Build your own replica of the iconic Devil’s Tower. This detailed model kit is a must-have for any serious fan of the film.
• Close Encounters of the Third Kind – Five Tone Electronic Keyboard: Play the iconic five-note sequence from the movie with this electronic keyboard. Includes light-up buttons and sound effects.
• Close Encounters of the Third Kind – Movie Poster: Adorn your walls with this classic movie poster.

🎧 Soundtrack

Close Encounters of the Third Kind features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Theme From Close Encounters” – performed by John Williams
• “Chances Are” – performed by Johnny Mathis

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Close Encounters at Devils Tower – That’s WY

Ever wonder how they found the perfect location for the iconic scene at Devils Tower? This video takes you on a journey with the production designer to see the real-life inspiration behind the film.

Why Is “When You Wish Upon A Star” In Close Encounters of the Third Kind?

Did you ever notice that song in Close Encounters? This video dives into the fascinating reason behind its inclusion, giving you a whole new perspective on the film.

Looking back on Teri Garr’s memorable career

Teri Garr’s performance in Close Encounters was unforgettable. This video takes a look back at her incredible career and the impact she’s made on the film industry.

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS FAIL, WHAAAAA 😂#shorts

Need a laugh? Check out this hilarious short that takes the famous musical communication scene from Close Encounters and gives it a comedic twist. It’s a refreshing and entertaining take on the classic film.

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