Close Encounters of the Third Kind poster
Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Picking Nits

Close Encounters of the Third Kind The Rewatchables

Barry's dog-door escape, Jillian's response, sleep-gassing the animals, the returned pilots' calm, and the friendly conspiracy are questioned.

In the discussion (7)
Approx. transcript time · 01:46:15Read transcript
  • Jillian allowing Barry to escape through the dog door during the abduction is criticized as implausible parental behavior.
  • Jillian is criticized for not immediately inspecting Barry when he returns from the spacecraft.
  • Putting the animals to sleep with gas is called an odd and weird choice.
  • The returned pilots are criticized for showing no shock or questions after learning that thirty-two years have passed.
  • The military and scientific conspiracy is criticized as implausibly kind and transparent.
  • After a separate Spielberg anecdote, the panel returns to government friendliness as the prevailing nitpick.
  • Lacombe's unusual authority on American soil is questioned.