It is her journey there that is the true highlight of the film. Outstanding special effects, excellent sound and vision again recaptures that sense of wonder and power achieved so well in the compelling opening. Worth the price just for this sequence, it is fascinating, frightening and overwhelming. Thus, Ellie s position at the conclusion of the film carries greater impact for the audience we too have experienced, and share the knowledge. This is perhaps Contact s greatest triumph, in encouraging the audience to participate, to identify so well with Foster s Arroway.
Some scenes are less successful and marr what is basically a decent film.
The JFK courtroom scene has become something of a clich , and Contact could have done without their uninspired obligatory take on it, and the absurd relationship with Tongue Boy detracted from what is essentially Foster s film. Yet whilst not perhaps the best directed or most seamlessly edited film, Contact still works in countless other ways, and whilst the journey may be long, it is a journey worth taking.