Awe-inspiring, fascinating science fiction drama.

Rating: Null/10 (2 July 2003)

`Contact' is one of the most thought-provoking, realistic and remarkable movies I have seen in quite a while. It falls into the often-ignored sub-genre of the sci-fi drama. Of course this is something which isn't attempted very often, because it is so hard to get the mixture just right. On a normal basis, the science fiction movie is a gung-ho `man vs. aliens' affair, but it could not be further away from that in `Contact'. This is truly one of the most intelligent, remarkably executed sci-fi movies you will see in quite a while.
It is the thinking mans movie, but that's not to say that it's anything like the over-rated and often pretentious `2001: A Space Oddessy'. Unlike that picture, `Contact' engages the mind from the very start- and a fantastic opening at that. We see the planets flying past as we move further and further away from the Sun, whilst gradually hearing a radio signal move back in time until it eventually disappears. This is a very hard act to follow, but it maintains that thrilling peak for the entire 153 minute running time. The pace is a noticeably slow one, but that adds to the degree of intensity and interest.
I have always been a fan of Robert Zemeckis' movies and this is right up there with `Back to the Future' as one of his best movies. Mastered almost every genre by now, he perfectly balances science fiction and drama, science and religion, interest and thrill, satisfaction and entertainment. Of course all other supporting work from behind the camera is as good as one could possibly expect. A brilliant, but and always evident score plays throughout, courtesy of Alan Silvestri. The cinematography and art direction were always going to be a hard thing to handle in a film like this. It is a serious and realistic sci-fi that has to lose the gung-ho effect. The serenity of space and the planet `Vega' is a consistent treat for the eyes and a tranquil image (different from the one that we're probably used to).

Backing this is up is superb and consistently humane performances from the cast. Obviously leading the pack is Jodie Foster giving yet another mesmerising performances. While this type of film wouldn't be considered as an actor's piece, she brings just the right amount of gusto, determination and deep down vulnerability. This is definitely one of Matthew McConaughey's better movies- far superior to the likes of `EDtv' and `How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days'. Tremendous support from the likes of Tom Skerritt (Alien, Top Gun), James Woods, Angela Bassett, David Morse, John Hurt, Rob Lowe and William Fichtner. Also a bunch of cameos from CNN presenters, reporters, scientist, even Bill Clinton himself! It's original and highly convincing how they digitally added him in to certain scenes, instead of using some fictitious President.
A realistic, thought-provoking and often astonishing piece of work, `Contact' is one of the best science fiction movies in years. If you want an `Independence Day' like action movie working on the principle of `Die- aliens-die!' then this probably isn't the film for you. Otherwise, this is a remarkable, unpretentious piece of work that should rightfully be in the IMDb Top 250. My IMDb rating: 8.1/10.