Synopsis

SETI scientist Ellie Arroway discovers a repeating signal from the star Vega containing instructions for constructing an enormous machine. As governments and private interests compete to control the project, Ellie is chosen to make the journey. Her experience challenges her understanding of science, faith, evidence, and humanity's place in the universe.

Factoids & Trivia

• Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan originally developed Contact as a film treatment in 1979-80. When the movie stalled in development, Sagan turned the concept into the 1985 novel.

• The film was still in production when Sagan died on December 20, 1996. The closing dedication, "For Carl," honors him.

• Location filming took place at the Very Large Array in New Mexico and the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico. The VLA remained an active scientific facility, so the production had to coordinate the movement of its radio dishes.

• The film incorporates footage of President Bill Clinton from a real 1996 White House press conference. The remarks were edited to appear relevant to the discovery of extraterrestrial intelligence.

• More than 25 CNN journalists appeared in the film, and programs including Larry King Live and Crossfire were used to give the story a contemporary news-broadcast atmosphere.

• Jodie Foster met SETI scientists, including Jill Tarter, while preparing for the role. Tarter was not presented as the direct inspiration for Ellie Arroway.

• Visual effects work involved Sony Pictures Imageworks, Weta, and Industrial Light & Magic. The film combined anamorphic photography with 65mm and VistaVision material for effects shots.

• Contact received the 1998 Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation and two Saturn Awards.