Contact is a thoughtful and profound sci-fi drama directed by Robert Zemeckis, adapted from Carl Sagan’s novel of the same name. The film explores themes of faith, science, and humanity’s place in the cosmos, anchored by a powerful performance from Jodie Foster.
Detailed Summary
Discovery of the Signal
The story kicks off with Dr. Ellie Arroway (Jodie Foster), a dedicated scientist working on the SETI project to detect extraterrestrial intelligence. Her tireless efforts finally pay off when a mysterious signal is received from the star system Vega. The signal contains a complex transmission, including blueprints for building an enigmatic machine.
The Race to Build the Machine
Governments and scientists worldwide become involved in deciphering the message and constructing the machine. Ellie faces political and personal obstacles, including skepticism from religious groups and government officials. She works alongside physicist Palmer Joss (Matthew McConaughey), who challenges her views on faith and existence, creating a compelling dynamic.
The Journey Through the Machine
Once the machine is built, Ellie volunteers to be the first human to travel using it. The film’s visual effects shine here, portraying a mind-bending journey through wormholes and other cosmic phenomena. Ellie experiences something extraordinary that transcends human understanding, sparking intense debate about the nature of her experience.
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Movie Ending
The ending of Contact is deliberately ambiguous and open to interpretation, making it one of the most discussed conclusions in sci-fi cinema. After her journey, Ellie returns with no measurable evidence that anything happened during her time inside the machine. Despite her detailed account, skeptics dismiss her experience as a hallucination or a trick.
The film leaves viewers wondering about the nature of faith versus empirical evidence. It raises questions about how we define reality, truth, and belief—whether something can be real even if it cannot be scientifically proven. The interaction between Ellie and Palmer Joss underscores this central tension, emphasizing that both science and faith are vital parts of human understanding.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
Contact does not have any post-credits scenes. The story concludes within the main runtime, and the credits roll after the final scene without additional material.
Type of Movie
Contact is a science fiction drama that blends scientific inquiry with philosophical and spiritual questions. It’s a cerebral film with strong emotional undertones, focusing on the intersection between science and faith.
Cast
- Jodie Foster as Dr. Ellie Arroway
- Matthew McConaughey as Palmer Joss
- Tom Skerritt as David Drumlin
- James Woods as Michael Kitz
- John Hurt as S.R. Hadden
- Angela Bassett as Rachel Constantine
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Alan Silvestri, whose music provides an emotional and epic backdrop to the film’s cosmic themes. The score emphasizes both the grandeur of space and the intimate human moments of the story.
Filming Locations
The film was shot in various locations, including:
- Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico — a real-life radio telescope crucial to the SETI narrative, lending authenticity.
- Virginia — scenes of research facilities and government meetings were filmed here.
- Washington, D.C. — for the political and congressional scenes.
The use of real scientific facilities grounds the film’s story in reality and enhances the credibility of Ellie’s work.
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Awards and Nominations
Contact received several nominations, including:
- Academy Award nomination for Best Sound.
- Saturn Award nominations for Best Science Fiction Film and Best Actress (Jodie Foster).
Although it didn’t win major awards, it was praised for its intelligent storytelling and Foster’s performance.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Carl Sagan, the author of the original novel, was involved in the early development stages before his death in 1996.
- Jodie Foster prepared extensively to portray a scientist realistically, consulting with real astronomers.
- The wormhole sequence was groundbreaking in visual effects, combining practical and digital effects to create a believable cosmic journey.
- The script underwent multiple rewrites to balance scientific accuracy with emotional storytelling.
Inspirations and References
The film is based on Carl Sagan’s novel, which itself was inspired by his lifelong passion for the search for extraterrestrial life. The story draws on real scientific projects like SETI and philosophical questions about humanity’s place in the universe. Themes also echo classic sci-fi works like 2001: A Space Odyssey and Contact’s emphasis on faith mirrors elements from The Tree of Life and other contemplative films.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There were early drafts with more explicit political intrigue and longer sequences showing the global impact of the signal, but these were trimmed to keep the focus on Ellie’s personal journey. Some deleted scenes explore Ellie’s backstory and her relationship with her father, deepening her motivations.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The movie stays largely faithful to the novel but streamlines the plot for cinematic pacing. Some characters and subplots were simplified or omitted, including more detailed political machinations and a broader global response. The novel dives deeper into philosophical discussions, while the film uses visual storytelling to convey those themes.
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Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The discovery and decoding of the signal from Vega.
- Ellie’s emotional encounter with her father through a flashback.
- The visually stunning wormhole travel sequence.
- The intense congressional hearing challenging Ellie’s credibility.
Iconic Quotes
- “For small creatures such as we, the vastness is bearable only through love.” — Carl Sagan (quoted in the film)
- Ellie: “The universe is a pretty big place. If it’s just us, seems like an awful waste of space.”
- Palmer Joss: “Faith is not science, and science is not faith. But they can be partners.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The phone number Ellie uses during a key scene is a real working number at the Arecibo Observatory.
- The depiction of SETI’s technical equipment was based on actual designs.
- The book Ellie reads during the congressional hearing is Carl Sagan’s Cosmos, a nod to the author.
Trivia
- The movie inspired a generation of scientists interested in astronomy and SETI.
- Jodie Foster was personally involved in some of the scientific consultations during production.
- The role of Ellie Arroway was originally offered to other actresses before Foster signed on.
- The film’s release coincided with increased public interest in space exploration and alien life.
Why Watch?
Contact offers a rare blend of thrilling sci-fi and deep philosophical questions. It’s a movie that encourages viewers to think about science, faith, and the unknown. If you enjoy intelligent storytelling with emotional depth and spectacular visuals, Contact is a must-watch.
Director’s Other Movies
- Forrest Gump (1994)
- Cast Away (2000)
- Back to the Future (1985)
- Back to the Future Part II (1989)
- Back to the Future Part III (1990)
- The Polar Express (2004)