Delve into a fantastical journey as we unravel the allure and enigma of UFO movies from the 1970s, a cinematic era steeped in intrigue and fascination for the extraterrestrial. This piece takes an in-depth look at six seminal films that redefined the UFO genre and left an indelible impact on viewers. From Steven Spielberg’s “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” that chronicles an ordinary man’s extraordinary obsession with alien life, to the suspenseful narrative of “The Andromeda Strain,” where a deadly extraterrestrial microorganism wreaks havoc. Moving forward to the thrilling conspiracy theories in “Hangar 18,” and the chilling alien invasion portrayed in “Invasion of the Body Snatchers.” These films provide a smorgasbord of narratives, replete with action, mystery, suspense, and thought-provoking undertones. Together, they encapsulate the 70s ethos of curiosity and apprehension towards the unknown, presenting a captivating exploration of life beyond our planet.
1. ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’ (1977)
“Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” directed by Steven Spielberg, explores the story of Roy Neary (Richard Dreyfuss), an ordinary electrical lineman in Indiana. After an encounter with a UFO, Neary becomes obsessed with extraterrestrial life. This obsession leads him to Devil’s Tower in Wyoming, where he has a close encounter with extraterrestrial beings.
Pivotal Aspects
- Richard Dreyfuss’s Portrayal of Roy Neary: Dreyfuss excellently portrayed the transition of Roy Neary from a family man to a man obsessed with the extraordinary, which strikes a chord with the audience;
- The Special Effects: The UFOs and the scenes featuring interactions with extraterrestrial beings were visually stunning, even by today’s standards;
- The Musical Score: The iconic five-note motif composed by John Williams that served as a means of communication between humans and aliens has left an indelible mark in pop culture.
Impact
“Close Encounters of the Third Kind” not only enjoyed box office success but also earned multiple Academy Award nominations. The film’s success catapulted Spielberg’s reputation as a master storyteller and is regarded as one of the best UFO movies to date.
| Movie Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Director | Steven Spielberg |
| Lead Actors | Richard Dreyfuss, François Truffaut, Teri Garr |
| Genre | Science Fiction |
| Running Time | 135 minutes |
| Release Date | November 16, 1977 |
2. ‘The Andromeda Strain’ (1971)
“The Andromeda Strain,” directed by Robert Wise, is an adaptation of Michael Crichton’s novel of the same name. The film explores the story of a team of scientists who investigate a deadly extraterrestrial microorganism that hitched a ride to Earth via a returning satellite.
Pivotal Aspects
- Scientific Detail: The film pays careful attention to scientific methods and lab procedures, adding an extra layer of realism;
- The Extraterrestrial Microorganism: The film breaks away from the trope of sentient alien beings and introduces the concept of an extraterrestrial microorganism, providing a fresh take on the UFO genre;
- The Slow-Building Suspense: The suspense of the movie isn’t built on action but on the escalating dread of the unknown organism and its lethal capabilities.
Impact
“The Andromeda Strain” is celebrated for its unique take on the UFO genre, its emphasis on scientific accuracy, and its suspenseful narrative. The film has retained its charm and remains a must-watch for science fiction enthusiasts.
| Movie Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Director | Robert Wise |
| Lead Actors | Arthur Hill, David Wayne, James Olson, Kate Reid |
| Genre | Science Fiction, Thriller |
| Running Time | 131 minutes |
| Release Date | March 12, 1971 |
3. ‘Hangar 18’ (1980)
“Hangar 18,” directed by James L. Conway, revolves around a government conspiracy covering up a UFO collision with a space shuttle. After the collision, the UFO is hidden in Hangar 18, and the government begins its efforts to keep its existence a secret from the public.
Pivotal Aspects
- Conspiracy Theory Theme: The theme of government secrecy and conspiracy theories resonate with audiences who are intrigued by such narratives;
- The Government Cover-up: The film implies that the government is not only aware of extraterrestrial existence but is actively working to suppress this information, adding a sense of authenticity;
- The Thrilling Plot: The story is filled with action, suspense, and mystery, keeping audiences engaged throughout.
Impact
While “Hangar 18” might not have been a critical success, it has since gained a cult following due to its thrilling plot and its exploration of government conspiracy theories around UFOs.
| Movie Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Director | James L. Conway |
| Lead Actors | Gary Collins, Robert Vaughn, James Hampton |
| Genre | Science Fiction, Thriller |
| Running Time | 97 minutes |
| Release Date | July 11, 1980 |
4. ‘Invasion of the Body Snatchers’ (1978)
“Invasion of the Body Snatchers,” directed by Philip Kaufman, is a remake of the 1956 film of the same name. The narrative is centered around Matthew Bennell (Donald Sutherland), a San Francisco health inspector who discovers that people around him are being replaced by emotionless duplicates – a result of an extraterrestrial invasion.
Pivotal Aspects
- The Concept of Alien Infiltration: The film does not rely on flying saucers or aliens; instead, the alien invasion is subtle, with humans being replaced by alien duplicates;
- Paranoia and Horror: The fear of infiltration and the increasing paranoia add to the movie’s intense and thrilling atmosphere;
- Social Commentary: The film uses the invasion as a metaphor for societal changes and critiques the loss of individuality in society.
Impact
“Invasion of the Body Snatchers” has been praised for its unique blend of horror, sci-fi, and social commentary. The movie’s ability to evoke fear and paranoia through its narrative, rather than relying on special effects, makes it a classic in the genre.
| Movie Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Director | Philip Kaufman |
| Lead Actors | Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, Leonard Nimoy |
| Genre | Science Fiction, Horror |
| Running Time | 115 minutes |
| Release Date | December 22, 1978 |
Conclusion
The UFO movies from the 1970s stand as sci-fi classics that continue to captivate and intrigue audiences. From the awe-inspiring encounters in “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” to the scientific suspense of “The Andromeda Strain,” and the conspiratorial intrigue of “Hangar 18,” to the chilling invasion portrayed in “Invasion of the Body Snatchers,” each film leaves a lasting impact on the genre. The fascination with extraterrestrial life and the unknown has remained a timeless theme, making these films not only products of their time but also enduring contributions to science fiction cinema. So, if you find yourself yearning for a journey through the cosmos, exploring the possibilities of life beyond Earth, these 70s sci-fi classics are a must-watch, taking you on a fantastical journey that transcends time and space.
FAQ
While all these movies are about extraterrestrial life or entities, not all of them feature traditional UFOs. Some focus more on the effects or implications of the presence of these entities on Earth.
These films often reflect the societal concerns and scientific curiosity of the 70s. For instance, “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” is a commentary on societal conformity, while “The Andromeda Strain” mirrors the increasing interest in space and extraterrestrial life.
“Close Encounters of the Third Kind” was one of the highest-grossing films of 1977 and was nominated for several Academy Awards. However, “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” also had substantial box office success, and both films have significant cultural impact.
While some of these films are family-friendly, others contain mature content or themes that may not be suitable for younger viewers. It’s advisable to check the film’s rating before watching with children.
