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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

I would say that my all time favorite sci-fi movie would be "Contact"

Written by Carl Sagan, it has good science interwoven in the movie, but I think it fell apart at the end, when the alien entity takes form as her father. It was too easy a way out. The battle of the deserving and the connected is so true, along with the domineering attitudes of the higher echelon. The religious slant is also an interesting sub-plot. Too often, it is the religious beliefs that hinder scientific progress.

I also enjoy the rich philanthropist who distrusts NASA and allows Foster to go on her adventure. This movie provides a lot of thought and pondering. My "non-astronomer" aquaintences didn't get it. I'm not surprised.

[stargazer]

Hi Joe,

I loved this movie. I thought the trip into the worm hole was great. I agree with you on the father being an alien. But Over all it was a good.

I think the whole movie was well thought out and well acted.

B

[Al Degutis]

I listened to the audiobook earlier this year and although they book and movie were similar, the movie/screenplay presented the story better. In the audiobook, Ellie character had a relationship with someone else, Drumlin or the Kitz I think, and the Palmer Joss character was rougher around the edges.

Definitely one of my favorite movies.

Al

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Al,

Welcome to the Chicago Astronomer Forum and thank you for your first post.

I have the book here, but never have read it. I'm always waiting for the right moment and time, but it never comes.

"Contact" is good so so many levels. Well written and acted, the movie not only embraces many positive attributes, but also has the ability to offend and anger the narrow minded.

At the very beginning when they receive the "Whoomp Whoomp" from the Vega system. It is later realized that they are sending us back our great emissary to the Stars...Hitler....D'oh! Like it or not, this is a truism, and I'm sure it bothered many.

The religious belief cross examination also shows the ignorance of what mainstream/blind faith can do to progress. She got knocked off the list for challenging common beliefs and other factors. Funny how a religious zealot destroyed the first machine. It's so true.

I always feel a lump in my throat when she begins her voyage. It seems familiar to me somehow. And the cover-up at the end, also quite poignant

Such a good movie.

[Kalvis]

Joe:

I read the book this past spring and rented the movie last week. The movie is fine for its images, but the book's story line and discussions of astronomy, cosmology and extra terrestrial life are much more satisfying. I recommend the latter. You're welcome to borrow my copy if you wish.

The only thing I didn't understand in either the book or the movie is why no one else took a ride in the Machine after she did.

Kalvis

[martyn2005]

Kalvis,

I totally agree. I loved the first hour and three quarters of this movie and then it started to fall apart. It felt to me like they just backed off on the whole alien civilisation thing - like they didn't have the courage to see the story line through to a logical conclusion.

Anyway you are right, if they wanted concrete evidence why didn't they send someone else? Even a government official. It doesn't make any sense.

A great film, don't get me wrong, and I loved all of the cosmology but a weak ending with LOTS of holes!

Martyn