The Rewatchables ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Sean Fennessey
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May 20, 2025 The hosts dive into the emotional depths of 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' examining character motivations and its unique alien portrayal. They humorously discuss the film's Oscar snubs, particularly Richard Dreyfuss's performance, and reflect on Spielberg’s familial themes. Anecdotes about Hollywood chaos add a lighthearted touch while they ponder the lasting cultural impact of the film. The conversation blends insightful analysis with playful banter, exploring themes of trauma, parenthood, and even delightful speculations on cosmic sequels.
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Spielberg's Visual and Thematic Mastery
- Close Encounters is a visually stunning film with no bad shots, showcasing Spielberg's matured directorial skill at just 29 years old.
- The movie blends dark, mature themes of obsession with a sense of childlike wonder and hope about extraterrestrial life.
Optimistic Alien Representation
- Close Encounters flipped the traditional idea that aliens are a threat to humans to an optimistic, hopeful view of extraterrestrial interest.
- This movie reflects 1970s optimism about space, contrasting with later films that portrayed aliens as hostile invaders.
Focus on Character, Not Job
- Don't overemphasize a character's occupation in storytelling if it doesn't serve the narrative.
- Spielberg chose Roy Neary's job as a power company worker to make him relatable and focus on the story, not the role.