E62: Sci-Fi Classics, Vol. 1 - 2001: A Space Odyssey & Close Encounters of the Third Kind
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In the first installment of our Sci-Fi Classics Series, we explore two foundational science fiction films that helped to define the genre: Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey and Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind. These legendary filmmakers shaped the language of modern sci-fi, and, here, we break down what makes each film so special.
In the second half of the episode, we discuss Spielberg’s wide-ranging influence on the genre, our personal favorite films of his, and the connective tissues that run throughout his work.
With the trailer release for Spielberg’s newest film, Disclosure Day, we also dig into our theories on the movies themes, how the aliens might fit into the story, who the antagonists may be, and how the religious undertones of this trailer echo elements of Spielberg’s other extraterrestrial films.
Chapters
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:09 Episode Overview
00:02:12 2001: A Space Odyssey
00:02:26 Background Overview with Paul
00:04:17 The Influence on Star Wars and Other Movies
00:06:00 Some People Will Not Like It
00:11:39 The Impressiveness of the Filmmaking Shots
00:15:41 The Novel
00:18:20 HAL & Artificial Intelligence (AI)
00:25:35 The Monolith
00:26:18 The Inspiration of the Sci-Fi Classics Series
00:28:06 The Ending - Annihilation & Charlie & the Chocolate Factory
00:32:39 The Impact
00:36:53 Close Encounters of the Third Kind
00:37:05 Background Overview with Paul
00:39:30 Dan’s Review
00:40:45 Spielberg's Influence
00:42:48 Alien Communication Through Lights & Music
00:45:25 The Characters & Actors
00:49:40 The Optimism
00:52:49 Theatrical Cut v Special Edition v Director’s Cut
00:54:47 Favorite Scenes, Sequences, & Shots
01:01:51 Our Favorite Spielberg Movies
01:05:59 Steven Spielberg’s Analysis of the Family Unit
01:08:26 Columbia Pictures & Final Thoughts
01:10:04 Disclosure Day Trailer & War of the Worlds Discussion
01:18:15 Theories on the Aliens
01:21:42 The Eye Changing Scene (with Stargate Universe Reference)
01:23:02 Religion & Aliens
01:25:14 Paramount Ownership of Indiana Jones Distribution Rights
01:25:51 Episode Wrap
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