In November 1977, just six months after George Lucas’ Star Wars took America by storm, another newbie director, Steven Spielberg, wrote and directed one of cinema’s most hopeful, eerie and visually astounding sci-fi movies. These were the days when story and character took precedence over special effects, and yet, like Lucas, Spielberg managed to pull off such spectacular eye candy that audiences were left dumbstruck. Packing the flick with talents such as Richard Dreyfuss (hot off Jaws), Teri Garr, Melinda Dillon and the illustrious François Truffaut, Spielberg’s vision of what might really happen when we make first contact is as humbling, compelling and gorgeous today as it was back then—maybe even more so.
Wed., Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m., 2010
