# Contact

> 1997 film by Robert Zemeckis

**Wikidata**: [Q270215](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q270215)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contact_(1997_American_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/contact

## Summary
Contact is a 1997 science fiction film directed by Robert Zemeckis, based on Carl Sagan's 1985 novel of the same name. The film stars Jodie Foster and Matthew McConaughey, exploring themes of science, religion, and extraterrestrial communication. It was produced by Warner Bros. and ImageMovers, with a budget of $80 million, grossing over $100 million worldwide.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: July 11, 1997 (U.S.), October 9, 1997 (Japan), November 7, 1997 (Sweden)
- **Director**: Robert Zemeckis
- **Based on**: Carl Sagan's 1985 novel *Contact*
- **Starring**: Jodie Foster, Matthew McConaughey, David McCallum, John Hurt
- **Production Companies**: Warner Bros., ImageMovers
- **Budget**: $80 million
- **Box Office**: $101.5 million (worldwide)
- **Runtime**: 144 minutes (2 hours 24 minutes)
- **Genre**: Science fiction, Drama
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Language**: English
- **Music**: Alan Silvestri
- **Cinematography**: Don Burgess
- **Editing**: Arthur Schmidt
- **Studio**: Warner Bros.
- **Distributor**: Warner Bros.
- **Awards**: Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film (1998)
- **Nominations**: Academy Award for Best Visual Effects (1998), Golden Globe Award for Best Actress (Jodie Foster, 1998)
- **Wikipedia Sitelinks**: 57 language editions
- **Wikidata ID**: Q11424
- **IMDb ID**: tt0118884
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 69%
- **Metacritic Score**: 62/100
- **Amazon Product ID**: B001AH6ZWY
- **MusicBrainz Release Group ID**: 6.9/10
- **Google Books ID**: 6.9/10
- **Internet Movie Database Title ID**: tt0118884
- **Box Office Mojo Page**: movie/contact
- **Allociné ID**: 118242
- **AFI Catalog ID**: 507270
- **BFI Film & TV Database Work ID**: 15131
- **Cineplex ID**: 1711
- **Douban Movie ID**: 1389
- **EIDR Record**: 10.5240/58A5-2590-A2E9-62D1-5E42-I
- **El Portal de Música ID**: 92626
- **Filmweb film ID**: 15131
- **HKMDb film ID**: 2002065
- **IMDb title ID**: tt0118884
- **KinoPoisk film ID**: 118242
- **Movie Walker ID**: 1711
- **OFDb film ID**: 1389
- **Portuguese Films ID**: t0006801
- **TMDb movie ID**: 118242
- **TV Guide ID**: 507270
- **TheTVDB ID**: 15131
- **Yle Areena ID**: 686

## FAQs
**What is the plot of Contact?**  
Contact follows Dr. Eleanor "Ellie" Arroway, a scientist who discovers a message from extraterrestrial life, leading to a journey that challenges scientific and religious beliefs.

**Who wrote the novel that inspired the film?**  
The film is based on Carl Sagan's 1985 novel *Contact*, which explores the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI).

**What awards and nominations did Contact receive?**  
Contact won the Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film (1998) and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects (1998) and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress (Jodie Foster, 1998).

**How was the film received commercially and critically?**  
With a budget of $80 million, Contact grossed $101.5 million worldwide. It received mixed reviews, with a 69% Rotten Tomatoes score and a 62/100 Metacritic score.

**What themes does the film explore?**  
The film delves into the intersection of science and religion, the search for extraterrestrial life, and the societal implications of first contact.

**Who composed the film's score?**  
Alan Silvestri composed the music for Contact, contributing to its emotional and philosophical tone.

## Why It Matters
Contact is significant for its thought-provoking exploration of humanity's place in the universe, blending science fiction with philosophical inquiry. It brought Carl Sagan's seminal novel to the screen, reaching a broad audience and sparking discussions about the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). The film's technical achievements, including its visual effects, were recognized with an Academy Award nomination. As a cultural artifact, Contact reflects late 20th-century anxieties and hopes regarding space exploration and the potential for alien contact, cementing its role in science fiction cinema history.

## Notable For
- **Adaptation of Carl Sagan's Novel**: Faithfully translating Sagan's scientific and philosophical ideas into a visual medium.
- **Groundbreaking Visual Effects**: Nominated for an Academy Award, enhancing the film's depiction of space and alien communication.
- **Jodie Foster's Performance**: Earned a Golden Globe nomination, highlighting her portrayal of a driven scientist.
- **Scientific Accuracy**: Consulted with scientists to ensure authenticity in its depiction of SETI and astrophysics.
- **Cultural Impact**: Contributed to public interest in space exploration and the SETI Institute's work.
- **Philosophical Depth**: Explored complex themes of faith, science, and humanity's existential questions.
- **Direction by Robert Zemeckis**: Demonstrated his versatility in handling both scientific and emotional narratives.
- **Influence on Science Fiction**: Inspired later works in the genre, emphasizing intellectual curiosity over action.

## Body

### Production and Release
Contact was directed by Robert Zemeckis and produced by Warner Bros. and ImageMovers. The film premiered in the United States on July 11, 1997, with subsequent releases in Japan (October 9, 1997) and Sweden (November 7, 1997). With a budget of $80 million, it grossed $101.5 million worldwide, achieving moderate commercial success.

### Cast and Crew
The film stars Jodie Foster as Dr. Eleanor "Ellie" Arroway and Matthew McConaughey as Palmer Joss. The cast also includes David McCallum and John Hurt. Key crew members included cinematographer Don Burgess, editor Arthur Schmidt, and composer Alan Silvestri, whose score received critical acclaim.

### Themes and Reception
Contact explores the intersection of science and religion, the search for extraterrestrial life, and societal reactions to first contact. The film received mixed reviews, with a 69% Rotten Tomatoes score and a 62/100 Metacritic score, reflecting divided opinions on its pacing and philosophical depth. Despite this, it was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and a Golden Globe Award for Jodie Foster's performance.

### Awards and Legacy
Contact won the Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film in 1998, recognizing its contribution to the genre. The film's visual effects, nominated for an Academy Award, were notable for their time, depicting complex astronomical concepts and the protagonist's journey through a wormhole. Its legacy includes influencing public interest in space exploration and the SETI Institute's mission.

### Technical Specifications
- **Runtime**: 144 minutes
- **Language**: English
- **Music**: Composed by Alan Silvestri
- **Cinematography**: Don Burgess
- **Editing**: Arthur Schmidt
- **Studio**: Warner Bros.
- **Distributor**: Warner Bros.

### Cultural and Scientific Impact
Contact brought Carl Sagan's novel to a wider audience, popularizing discussions about the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). The film consulted with scientists to ensure accuracy in its portrayal of astrophysics and the SETI project, enhancing its credibility. It remains a cultural touchstone for exploring humanity's place in the universe, balancing scientific inquiry with emotional and philosophical depth.

### Connected Entities
- **Robert Zemeckis**: Director known for *Back to the Future* and *Forrest Gump*.
- **Warner Bros.**: Production company behind major films like *The Matrix* and *Harry Potter* series.
- **ImageMovers**: Production company founded by Robert Zemeckis, associated with films like *The Polar Express*.
- **Carl Sagan**: Author of the novel *Contact* and prominent science communicator.
- **Jodie Foster**: Acclaimed actress known for *The Silence of the Lambs* and *Elysium*.
- **Matthew McConaughey**: Actor recognized for *Dallas Buyers Club* and *Interstellar*.

### Historical Context
Released in 1997, Contact emerged during a period of renewed public interest in space exploration, following the Mars Pathfinder mission and the discovery of exoplanets. The film tapped into these themes, offering a narrative that resonated with both scientific communities and general audiences. Its release coincided with the rise of the internet, which facilitated broader discussions about the film's themes and scientific accuracy.

### Adaptation and Fidelity
The film adaptation of *Contact* stayed largely faithful to Sagan's novel, capturing its scientific rigor and philosophical questions. However, some subplots and characters were simplified for cinematic pacing, a common challenge in literary adaptations. This balance between fidelity and storytelling contributed to its mixed critical reception but ensured accessibility for a wider audience.

### Educational and Academic Significance
Contact has been used in educational settings to explore themes of science, religion, and critical thinking. Its depiction of the scientific method and the challenges faced by women in STEM fields (through Ellie Arroway's character) adds to its academic relevance. The film is often cited in discussions about science communication and the portrayal of scientists in media.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=contact.htm)
2. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
3. The Movie Database
4. Contact. Rotten Tomatoes
5. [Source](http://www.sfi.se/sv/svensk-filmdatabas/Item/?itemid=33189&type=MOVIE&iv=Basic)
6. [IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118884/releaseinfo)
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. Contact
9. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118884/parentalguide)
10. [Source](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3578430977/)
11. [Box Office Mojo](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0118884/)
12. Kinopoisk
13. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/contact/)
14. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
15. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=15753.html)
16. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
17. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/92626)
18. Online-Filmdatenbank
19. [Source](https://movie.douban.com/subject_search?search_text=%E8%B6%85%E6%97%B6%E7%A9%BA%E6%8E%A5%E8%A7%A6)
20. Bechdel Test Movie List
21. mymovies.it
22. IMDb
23. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/58A5-2590-A2E9-62D1-5E42-I)
24. Danish Film Database
25. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/88511)
26. [Contact (1997) MBTI Personality Type - Movies](https://www.personality-database.com/profile?pid=2&cid=3&sub_cat_id=4446)
27. TheTVDB
28. Trakt.tv
29. FilmVandaag.nl