Blank Check with Griffin & David Episode Summary: Close Encounters of the Third Kind with J.D. Amato Release Date: January 26, 2025
Episode Overview
In this episode of Blank Check with Griffin & David, hosts Griffin Newman and David Sims, alongside guest J.D. Amato, delve deep into Steven Spielberg’s iconic film Close Encounters of the Third Kind. As part of the "Decade of Dreams" miniseries, the trio examines the film’s production, thematic depth, and its place within Spielberg’s illustrious career. The discussion intertwines personal anecdotes, critical analysis, and behind-the-scenes insights, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the movie and its enduring legacy.
Introduction of Guest: J.D. Amato Timestamp: [00:29 – 01:30]
The episode kicks off with a lively exchange between Griffin, David, and newcomer J.D. Amato. Amid playful banter and attempts at creating podcast taglines, J.D. is introduced as a seasoned movie enthusiast and critic. The hosts set the tone for the episode by highlighting their intent to revisit and analyze Spielberg's early work, emphasizing the significance of Close Encounters of the Third Kind in Spielberg’s filmography.
Notable Quote:
- Griffin [01:04]: "Close encounter of the first kind. Sighting of a UFO. Close encounter of the second kind. Physical evidence. Close encounter of the Third kind podcast."
Historical Context of 1977 and Close Encounters Timestamp: [29:44 – 35:38]
J.D. Amato shares his early memories of watching Close Encounters of the Third Kind with his parents during childhood. He reflects on the film as his first “adult movie,” noting its profound emotional impact and the lingering sense of fear it instilled. The discussion segues into Spielberg’s personal inspirations, particularly his childhood experience of witnessing a meteor shower with his father—a pivotal moment that fueled his fascination with extraterrestrials and the cosmos.
Notable Quotes:
- J.D. Amato [29:44]: "This is one of my first adult movie memories simultaneously."
- Griffin [30:22]: "This is a movie that is scary and foreboding for 75% of its running time. But then the answer in this sort of people later sort of decry kind of Spielbergy way is like, no, no, it's all good."
Behind the Scenes: Production of Close Encounters Timestamp: [35:38 – 55:22]
The trio delves into the intricate production process of Close Encounters, highlighting the challenges Spielberg faced, such as budget overruns and shifting visions. J.D. Amato references the Robert Benton’s The Balaban Diaries, which provide an insider’s look into the tumultuous making of the film. They discuss the innovative practical effects, particularly the "cloud box" technique developed by special effects artist Douglas Trumbull. This method involved layering saltwater and freshwater to create dynamic cloud movements without CGI, a groundbreaking approach at the time.
Notable Quotes:
- J.D. Amato [44:32]: "But this cloud box was like the beginning of this effect that then they started using in all these, you know, famous movies."
- David [47:02]: "Clams, capitol controls, like, I have to think out of the box here."
Spielberg's Vision and Challenges Timestamp: [55:22 – 74:43]
The conversation shifts to Spielberg’s evolving directorial style and his quest to balance personal storytelling with blockbuster appeal. They examine how Close Encounters served as a bridge between Spielberg’s early works like Jaws and his later, more personal films such as E.T. and The Fabelmans. J.D. Amato argues that Close Encounters reflects Spielberg’s internal struggle with his own unresolved familial issues, particularly his parents' divorce, which is subtly woven into the film’s narrative.
Notable Quotes:
- J.D. Amato [63:54]: "It was like a movie about how he wanted to make something this overtly. I don't want to say personal, but in a certain way, it feels like revealing again."
- Griffin [79:22]: "Steven Spielberg, this young filmmaker who is like, no, we're gonna build the biggest set that's ever been built. No, no, no, no. We're gonna use effects that have never been done before."
Themes and Personal Reflections Timestamp: [74:43 – 117:43]
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to unpacking the film’s themes, such as the search for meaning, the impact of trauma, and the complexities of parent-child relationships. The hosts and J.D. explore how the alien encounters in the movie serve as metaphors for Spielberg’s own experiences with family discord and loss. They debate the film’s portrayal of benevolent extraterrestrials amidst human vulnerability, emphasizing the emotional resonance over the sci-fi spectacle.
Notable Quotes:
- David [84:27]: "What this movie's tension is just, can we like, touch that membrane?"
- Griffin [116:44]: "Spielberg wanted the aliens to be played by like 12-year-old girls, like dancers."
Legacy and Impact Timestamp: [117:43 – 175:08]
In the concluding segments, the discussion turns to the enduring legacy of Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The hosts highlight its influence on future sci-fi films and Spielberg’s subsequent works. They reflect on how the movie paved the way for a more introspective and emotionally driven approach to blockbuster filmmaking. Additionally, they touch upon the continued relevance of the film in contemporary cinema and its place in Spielberg’s overall oeuvre.
Notable Quotes:
- J.D. Amato [147:03]: "These are the films where people are sort of making it up while they're in production."
- Griffin [174:12]: "Yes. It's a great movie I think it's a five-star movie."
Conclusion
Blank Check with Griffin & David successfully navigates the multifaceted aspects of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, offering listeners an insightful examination of the film’s production, themes, and lasting significance. Through engaging dialogue and expert analysis from J.D. Amato, the episode underscores Spielberg’s ability to blend personal narrative with universal themes, cementing Close Encounters as a cornerstone of modern cinema.
Notable Closing Quote:
- David [174:57]: "I think a lot of them are on display in Close Encounters in a really interesting way."
End of Summary