Welcome, friend! 👋 Today, we uncover the hidden symbolism in the Steven Spielberg classic, Close Encounters of the Third Kind. 🎥🍿 Released in 1977, the film has remained a sci-fi staple to this day. But did you know that the film was layered with symbolism? Let’s delve deep and explore!

🌎 Earth & Heaven’s Angle

Firstly, the film’s title itself is significant. Close Encounters of the Third Kind refers to a UFO sighting where witnesses have direct contact with extraterrestrial life forms. But why the “third” kind? Spielberg chose to categorize the encounters into three kinds, based on the amount of interaction between aliens and humans. The first kind refers to merely witnessing a UFO, the second kind involves physical evidence such as burn marks or crop circles, and finally, the third kind involves contact with the creatures themselves.

But there’s more to it. Spielberg drew inspiration from the ancient Hindu text, Bhagavad Gita. The aliens are depicted as benevolent, with their spaceship as a modern equivalent to the story’s “chariot of the gods.” Spielberg wanted to convey a message of hope and the possibility of benevolent beings beyond Earth.

Illustration of UFO encounter

🚀 Spaceship & Mothership

The spacecraft in the film is one of Spielberg’s most memorable creations. Its shape and design are intricately symbolic. The ships look similar to the pills used in ultrasonic therapy, which redefine the body’s vibrations and promote healing. The emphasis on the ships’ lights is also intentional. It is a symbol of hope, which invites the humankind to transcend their limited beliefs.

And let’s not forget about the mothership. Its significance lies in the majesty and awe-inspiring size, representing the vast universe’s absolute grandeur and immensity.

Spaceship and Mothership illustration

🎶 Musical Theme

The iconic five-note motif in the movie’s score is perhaps the most recognizable aspect of the film. Spielberg chose the notes and their sequence based on their similarity to communication signals. The film’s music is as much a character as the human protagonist and the extraterrestrial visitors. It brings the audience on a journey, enhancing the emotional impact of the visual narrative.

Illustration of the five musical notes and their sequence

🈁 Communication & Unity

In the final scene, the audience sees the humans and the aliens making contact and communicating, although they do not share an existing language. The language of music and movement unites them, bringing together cultures that are light-years apart. Spielberg expresses a message of hope for our planet by highlighting the theme of universal communication.

Combined with the mothership’s grandeur and benevolent aliens, one can not help but feel a sense of oneness with the entire universe.

Illustration of humans and aliens communicating using music and movement

And there you have it, folks. The hidden symbolism in Close Encounters of the Third Kind is robust and layered. From Bhagavad Gita to music and the shape of the spaceship, Spielberg intentionally included different symbols to convey a message of hope, unity, and communication. A true sci-fi classic that continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike! 🚀🎬

Illustration of Close Encounters of the Third Kind poster