What a movie. This captures the spirit of Steven Spielberg like no other movie he has made. Sure some people thought it was boring, some people didn't "get" it. But this should be regarded as Spielberg's 2001. The people who didn't "get" it are probably those people who only looked at the surface of the film which is a story about human's first encounter with extra-terrestrials. The deeper meaning of the movie and one which elevates this film to greatness is the struggle of man's search for meaning, wonder, magic, and ultimately God. It is no accident that the aliens in this film have an angelic glow to them. Richard Dreyfuss' character goes on a spiritual journey where he is trying to escape his mundane life. He is searching for meaning in his life. One of the main elements in the movie is the idea that one must be as a child before God. The little boy in the movie is completely receptive to the aliens....he sees them as toys. The adults in the film, some are frightened, some curious, others trying to be practical about it, finally let go of their adult inhibitions and become "open" as well. Spielberg adds some wonderful touches. John Williams music is as usual magnificent, and the addition of legendary French New Wave director Francois Truffaut in an important role is great. He is known for his films about children (Small Change, The Four Hundred Blows) and his presence adds to the childlike qualities of Spielberg's film. It has one of the most spectacular and beautiful endings ever committed to film and it is a movie that everyone who has a little magic in their hearts should see.
