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Hello there film lovers, welcome to my blog! Today we’re diving deep into the making of one of the most iconic science-fiction movies of all time, Close Encounters of the Third Kind. From the visionary mind of director Steven Spielberg, this movie brought audiences a whole new level of intergalactic magic.

So how exactly did this masterpiece come to be? Let’s take a behind-the-scenes look!

Writing the Script from Scratch

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As with any movie, it all starts with the script. But did you know that Spielberg had to basically write the entire plot from scratch, since his original concept was deemed too expensive to produce? He started by jotting down basic ideas and themes that had inspired him, such as the idea of communication with extraterrestrial life forms. He then fleshed out the story and created the characters we would come to love, such as Roy Neary (played by Richard Dreyfuss).

A photo of Spielberg sitting at a typewriter, deep in thought

Building a Massive Spaceship

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Once the script was finalized, it was time to start building the physical components of the movie. And what was one of the biggest challenges the production team faced? Creating the massive spaceship which served as the centerpiece of the movie’s climax. Production designer Joe Alves had to get creative and utilize whatever materials he could find, including airplane parts and even trash cans, to bring the ship to life.

A photo of the massive spaceship prop being built in a warehouse

Shooting on Location

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Now it was time to start filming. Spielberg knew he wanted to shoot on location in Wyoming to capture the beautiful natural landscapes that would serve as a backdrop for the movie. This presented its own set of challenges, including unpredictable weather and having to coordinate with Native American tribes who held sacred land rights in the area.

A photo of the production crew setting up a shot in the middle of a Wyoming field

Perfecting the Iconic Musical Score

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One of the elements that truly sets Close Encounters apart from other movies is its incredible musical score. The legendary John Williams was brought on board to compose the iconic music that would elevate the movie to new heights. Spielberg and Williams worked closely together, with Spielberg even showing Williams rough cuts of the movie to give him a better understanding of the tone and feel he was going for.

A photo of John Williams conducting the score while Spielberg looks on

Bringing the Aliens to Life

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Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about the aliens themselves. Spielberg wanted to portray them in a way that was both mysterious and awe-inspiring. He brought in makeup artist Rick Baker to help create the distinctive look of the extraterrestrial beings, using airbrushing techniques and prosthetics to bring the elaborate designs to life.

A photo of some of the alien costumes lined up on a rack

And there you have it, folks! A look behind the scenes at what it took to bring Close Encounters of the Third Kind to life. From scriptwriting to prop-building to location scouting, it truly was a Herculean effort that resulted in one of the most beloved and influential movies of all time.

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An image of the poster for Close Encounters of the Third Kind