Contact

Contact

Year: 1997

Runtime: 150 min

Language: English

Director: Robert Zemeckis

Sci-FiDramaMysteryThriller

As reality begins to fray, Jason's grip on the truth starts to slip when his loved one inexplicably disappears, plunging him into a desperate search for answers that blur the lines between the familiar and the unknown.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Contact yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

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

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