Science. Art. Film.: Close Encounters of the Third Kind: Public event curated & moderated by Dr Anna-Sophie Jürgens

Abstract

Presented as part of our Science. Art. Film. series in partnership with the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science, Australian National University.

1977 | 4K DCP | USA | D: Steven Spielberg

Directed by Steven Spielberg at the height of the New Hollywood era, this visionary science-fiction classic stars Richard Dreyfuss as a suburban father drawn toward an inexplicable encounter. Blending awe, suspense and groundbreaking visual effects, this film redefines cinematic depictions of extraterrestrial life, favouring wonder over fear.

Both intimate and spectacular, Close Encounters of the Third Kind remains a landmark of 1970s American cinema and a touchstone for generations of filmmakers.

‘A movie that dares to be awesome in the true sense of the word’. — Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Don’t miss this whirlwind panel discussion with a film music expert and composer and a philosopher, uncovering how the film’s themes and sounds shape the way we think about aliens, ourselves, and our place in the universe. Show more