Review of Contact (1997) by Alison C — 07 Oct 2011

Fantastic movie! I'm kinda surprised by what the critics say. There's a strong theme about religion vs. science. And though (to me) its a bit unrealistic, I think Palmer and Ellie's relationship is meant to show how science and religion can coexist.

What's interesting is how Ellie is so sure God does not exist but at the same time shows "faith" that there's life out there and has "faith" that they know what their doing.

I know to her its founded in a search for truth and its based in logic, ie "its an awful waste of space". But she still has no proof and is trusting in something that she has no real solid reason to believe.

and then she has her awesome experience and its so delicious that all those questions and theories she had for Palmer about God are now being turned on her. and then at the end when she's talking to the kids and one asks her if there are aliens she encourages the kids to believe what they want to believe.

Even though she knows darn well that there are. at least she believes so. That's pretty big of her. This movie is just so loaded with so much great content and good stuff. The opening scene is freaking epic.

and there's some sweet through window shots. but the best is when young Ellie is running from downstairs to upstairs for her dad's medicine and that holy-crap-how-did-they-do-that?! shot of her with the mirror to the cabinet.

Wow. good stuff. Its long but loaded. Love it.