Contact

Contact

Year: 1997

Runtime: 150 min

Language: English

Director: Robert Zemeckis

Sci-FiDramaMysteryThriller

Jason finds his world unraveling when his loved one vanishes without a trace. Driven by desperation, he embarks on a relentless search for answers. As he investigates, the lines between reality and illusion become increasingly blurred, forcing him to question everything he thought he knew. The search plunges him into a bewildering journey where the familiar transforms into the unknown.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Contact (1997)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Contact (1997). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1990s

The movie is set in the 1990s, a decade during which the world experienced immense technological advancements and growing interest in space exploration. It was a time marked by both optimism and skepticism regarding the potential existence of extraterrestrial life and the implications of such a discovery for humanity.

Location

Arecibo Observatory, Puerto Rico, Very Large Array, New Mexico, Kennedy Space Center, Japan

The Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico is renowned for its large radio telescope, which is pivotal in the search for extraterrestrial signals. The Very Large Array in New Mexico is another significant facility that supports advanced astrophysical research. The Kennedy Space Center, located in Florida, symbolizes human ambition in space exploration, serving as a launchpad for monumental missions. In Japan, the discovery of a second machine presents an opportunity for global cooperation in understanding the universe.

🏞️ Observatory 🌌 Space 🏗️ Construction

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:09

Main Characters – Contact (1997)

Meet the key characters of Contact (1997), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dr. Ellie Arroway (Jodie Foster)

Dr. Ellie Arroway is a determined scientist devoted to the search for extraterrestrial life. Her passion for her work stems from her father's influence, driving her to overcome skepticism and challenges in her quest. Throughout the film, Ellie embodies logical reasoning yet grapples with emotional and spiritual dilemmas.

👩‍🔬 Scientist 🌟 Determined 💔 Complex

Palmer Joss (Matthew McConaughey)

Palmer Joss is a Christian philosopher and Ellie's love interest, who brings a contrasting perspective to her scientific worldview. His belief in the intersection of faith and technology challenges Ellie to confront her own views. Palmer's character oscillates between support and doubt, reflecting the complexities of love and belief.

💔 Philosopher 🔄 Supportive 🤔 Skeptical

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:09

Major Themes – Contact (1997)

Explore the central themes of Contact (1997), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌌 Exploration

The theme of exploration is central to 'Contact,' showcasing humanity's unyielding desire to understand the universe. Dr. Ellie Arroway embodies this quest, driven by scientific curiosity and the hope of connecting with other life forms. The film posits that exploration can foster connections, both with the cosmos and within human relationships.

🕊️ Faith vs. Science

The film navigates the complex relationship between faith and science, as Ellie grapples with her atheism against Palmer's spiritual beliefs. This theme plays out through their interactions and presents a commentary on how humanity seeks meaning in the unknown. It illustrates the struggle to reconcile personal belief systems with empirical evidence.

🎭 Love and Relationships

The exploration of love and relationships is crucial to the narrative, especially through Ellie's connection with Palmer. Their dynamic showcases the tension between personal convictions and the complexities of relationships when faced with existential questions. It highlights how love can evolve amid challenges and differing worldviews.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:09

Unlock the Full Story of Contact

Don't stop at just watching — explore Contact in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Contact is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Contact Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Contact, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Contact Summary

Contact Timeline

Track the full timeline of Contact with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Contact Timeline

Contact Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Contact that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Contact Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Contact

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Contact: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Contact

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