The best Science Fiction movie since "2001: A Space Odyssey"

Rating: 9/10 (10 April 2005)

This movie reminds us how superb Science Fiction can be when done properly. It belongs in the same league as a handful of SF classics such as Kubricks 2001: A Space Odyssey.
This is an intelligent and convincing story that for once pleases the science buffs as well as the mass audiences. The script is intelligent and thought provoking. The movie does not rely on seducing the viewer with special effects, as so many do these days.
Excellent performance from Jodi Foster as the dedicated scientist who believes in her work. John Hurt's Haddon is simply superb. However, I found Matthew McConaughey's character Palmer Joss unconvincing and the fact that he finds his way into the Whitehouse struck me implausible. Tom Skerrit's character "Drumlin" was also weak and stereotyped. The rest of the performances were OK, and it's even got Bill Clinton in it playing himself!!!
The message of this movie is interesting, and gives it a philosophical dimension: That there is a uncrossable gulf between the mind that can only accept empiricism as reality, and the mind that can knows that subjective experience can be just as real. Jodi Foster's character is given an experience comparable to a subjective experience that is quite real but which she cannot share or prove, and through this she is able to finally understand that there may be something in spiritual reality after all.
In summary, I'd say this movie is as a good a science fiction film as you're going to get.