I had the privilege of catching “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” for my first time over the weekend.  It’s a film I’ve long wanted to see, but never really got around to renting.

Steven Spielberg’s 1977 masterpiece is truly that, a masterpiece.  Aside from the hairstyles and clothing, the film stands up through time.  It’s well paced, which is typically the biggest problem in regard to the longevity of films.  They may be great, in their time and keeping that time in mind, but storytelling on film has evolved, particularly in pacing.  “Gone With the Wind” is a great film, but it’s slow and boring.  It’s not a perfect film, in that it’s great because it’s a classic, not because it’s universally great.  But, I digress.

Spielberg manages to create a true tension throughout “Close Encounters”.  As a viewer, I kept anticipating something terrible just around the next scene.  I was on edge, but anxious to know what’s coming next.

But, I can’t get over the pacing.  This film is more than three decades old, but doesn’t feel it.  It may look it, but I was so overwhelmed with the wonder of it all, the interweaving and separate storylines that strengthened the story and the tidbits that were a part of the film, but not blatantly hailed.  There are things left to discover that are not spoon-fed to us.  For instance, Amelia Earhart is among the missing people who exit the space ship when it lands.  Marvelous and exciting all at the same time!

As is “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”.  Truly a marvelous movie.

Posted: February 2nd, 2009 under Film.
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