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Schrader's rejected script, military noncooperation, the alien performers, the $3.3 million effects budget, motion-control advances, and Truffaut's response to the sets
In the discussion (13)
Approx. transcript time · 01:36:40Read transcript
- Spielberg is quoted calling Paul Schrader's screenplay one of the most embarrassing scripts submitted to a studio or director. — Bill Simmons
- Schrader's version reportedly followed an experiencer who threatened to expose the government after fifteen years of attempted contact. — Bill Simmons
- The Air Force and NASA reportedly refused to cooperate, which Spielberg interpreted as encouraging evidence for the film. — Bill Simmons
- Julia Phillips criticized Spielberg as a perfectionist before being removed from the production. — Bill Simmons
- Fifty girls, each six years old and from Mobile, were cast as aliens after puppetry failed. — Bill Simmons
- Douglas Trumbull supervised visual effects that advanced motion-control photography. — Bill Simmons
- The visual-effects work is reported to have had a $3.3 million budget. — Bill Simmons
- Ralph McQuarrie's contribution to the mothership is noted alongside his Star Wars work. — Bill Simmons
- Truffaut reportedly ignored the giant landing-site set but praised the small hotel-room set as familiar to his filmmaking experience. — Bill Simmons
- Truffaut's role is defended because communication beyond language is a central theme and his films influenced the filmmakers' generation. — Sean Fennessey
- The Searchers is cited as a visual influence, including its doorway and horizon compositions. — Sean Fennessey
- Topps reportedly issued sixty-six trading cards and eleven stickers, excluding Dreyfuss and Truffaut at their request. — Bill Simmons
- Jaws, Rocky, Rocky II, and E.T. are cited as other films with card sets. — Bill Simmons