Contact provokes thought.

Rating: 10/10 (2 April 1999)

For me, this movie cannot merely be classified as a Sci-fi film, it's much deeper than that. I see it as an exploration, not only into the depths of space, but also into the depths of human religion and the science that compliments or confronts it. Through Ellie, it chronicles the individual's personal spiritual odyssey, an evolution and maturation. At the same time, it shows us our place in the Universe and presents possibilities of a far-reaching and awe inspiring reality. Contact provokes thought.
So essentially, my love for this film emanates from the fact that it encourages you to think. (I would say "makes you think", however, there are those who can't be "made" to.) Of course there are different levels at which this film's contents can be thought through and analyzed. On one level it may cause you to realize things about the world you never saw before; question long held religious beliefs, causing them to change or become affirmed. It may turn your brain on to the wonders of space and you may ponder the possibility of intelligent life elsewhere in the Universe. On a deeper level, it may turn on your soul to the inherent awe inspiring beauty of the cosmos and your own place in it's vastness- opening your spirit and finding your connection to a greater energy.
Like a good book, this movie is interpreted and experienced in different ways by different people; but I think on all levels this is a wonderfully engaging movie that plays on human emotions by capturing imagination. At the center of it all we find Jodie Foster, who I feel, plays a major part in what makes this movie so wonderful. She portrays Eleanor Arroway with the perfect blend of a scientific mind and a longing, lonely heart. She truly did an exceptional job, doing justice to the deep character Sagan created, and I literally cannot envision Contact with any other actress.
Again, as I've said, this movie, its characters, situations, and deeper meaning can be pondered and analyzed for many conclusions on multiple levels. For instance, the role of Palmer Joss can be thought of as representing religious faith, with Ellie representing scientific questioning. These two entities can, at times, be so far apart, each seeing the world from an opposite context. However, in one of the wonders and perfections of the world, these critically different entities can come together in a union of thought and emotion, science and spirituality, by seeking to understand the other point of view and creating the beautiful possibility of mutual acceptance.
I could go on and on about my further thoughts on Contact (but don't worry, I won't!), for the fact is, if you like a movie experience- not just movie viewing- this film will engage you. There is so much Contact has to offer, its brilliant blend of an incredible story, convincing screenplay, thought out directing, and perfect casting, makes for an unforgettable movie experience- that is, if you let it. Not everyone finds so much depth and inspiration in Contact as I do, therefore, I continue to believe that a movie is what you make of it. But I promise, if you open yourself up to wonder, let yourself succumb to awe, and place yourself in the context of the Cosmos, you can get more than you ever expected out of this film. Contact provokes thought.
-JuggleGirl (age 14)