If "2001" was made today

Rating: 8/10 (6 May 2006)

"Contact" begins and ends on the same note. We still search for truth.
This astronomical adventure, directed by Robert Zemeckis, bases its characters on one single principle: if we're alone in the universe, why does it have to be so big? I find that question very interesting. It's food for thought for those who don't believe in extraterrestrials. Personally, I believe that aliens do exist, but I don't think that events such as those depicted in this movie will happen someday.
But even if this story is one of the craziest space quests ever presented, we must admire it for what it is. It feels like a modern re-telling of "2001: A Space Odyssey", which was made 30 years earlier. However, Zemeckis doesn't share Kubrick's pessimistic and cold view of human race and he shows us a metaphor which sends messages of hope, belief and wonder about universe.
The movie is about brilliant astronomer Ellie Arroway, who is magnificently played by Jodie Foster. Ellie's father died of a heart attack during a meteor shower when she was a child and since, she devoted her life to the search for an extraterrestrial intelligence in our universe. Her obsession seems to be granted when her team receives a strange message from Vega.
After a twisted series of deciphering, which includes prime numbers, the 1936 Olympic Games and an alien alphabet, scientists find out that the message contains instructions for building a transport machine. With the help of flamboyant and enigmatic billionaire S.R. Hadden (played by John Hurt), the machine is built and it sends Ellie in outer-space, much like Dave was sent through the star-gate in "2001".
But while Kubrick only focused on the scientific aspects of such an adventure, Zemeckis shows us what does humanity think about it. And not everyone shares the same enthusiasm than the world scientists. It is well represented by religious fanatics (even extremists) and Ellie's boyfriend, theologian and writer Palmer Joss (played by Matthew McConaughey).
It's unique, because no other movie has ever taken in consideration the delicate but strong opposition between science and faith. And it's presented in a very memorable way. I have to say that religion receives a mild cold shower in the movie, especially when a religious leader bombs the machine, so the scientific expedition would be aborted.
This divergence of opinion is very present within the two main characters, Ellie and Palmer. But in spite of their differences, the chemistry between them is strongly believable and much appreciable. And even if characters take second place prior to the visual effects, there are highlights. Beside Ellie and Palmer relationship, there is the bombing of the first machine, which gives to the viewer a sense of frustration and grief. And there's Ellie's unexplainable and mystic encounter with her father during her travel among the stars.
Even if emotions are a good substance, it's the visual effects that steal the show. It all begins with the opening sequence, which is a trip among planets, stars and galaxies all the way to young Ellie's eyes... Then, Zemeckis proves himself very good with television screens as he presents living personalities much like he did in "Forrest Gump". We can see Bill Clinton, Larry King, CNN journalists and broadcasters, but I strongly liked Jay Leno's appearance with one of the funniest jokes I've heard on screen.
And like "2001", the icing of the cake is the space travel sequence itself. We feel like we're stranded in a roller coaster car and we travel ourselves among the stars, the colors, the lights and every trick accomplished by Industrial Light & Magic.
With emotion, drama, mystery, science awareness, religion and visual spectacle, "Contact" can boast itself of being one of the greatest science fiction movies of recent years. It's a strongly realistic presentation of modern astronomy and it's far more convincing than other modern alien films in the mood of "Independence Day" which, in this case, shows data like if it was falling from the sky. So, whether you believe in aliens or not, and whether you are of scientific or religious mood, this film will definitely please every moviegoer in the universe.