Why Wasn't 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' Rated a 'Close Encounter of the Fifth Kind'?

In Steven Spielberg's iconic film Close Encounters of the Third Kind, the encounters with extraterrestrial beings depicted are compelling and intriguing. However, despite the film's rich and immersive narrative, it is often not categorized as a 'Close Encounter of the Fifth Kind.' This article delves into the reasons why the film falls short of this classification, explores the history of the encounter kinds, and discusses the impact of the film's title and poster on public perception.

The Classification of Close Encounters

Close encounters, as a concept, have been categorized into three kinds by Jacques Vallée and J. Allen Hynek, a form that has been widely recognized and referenced in scientific literature and popular media. The three kinds are:

Close Encounter of the First Kind: This involves a sighting of an unidentified flying object (UFO) within 150 meters of the observer.
Close Encounter of the Second Kind: This refers to the physical evidence of a UFO's presence, such as markings or radiation.
Close Encounter of the Third Kind: This denotes direct contact with extraterrestrial beings, as depicted in the film and hypothesized in many other cases.

The film Close Encounters of the Third Kind indeed portrays the arrival and interaction with extraterrestrial beings. However, this does not constitute an intentional communication between humans and extraterrestrial beings, which is the defining characteristic of a 'Close Encounter of the Fifth Kind.'

The Fifth Kind: The Missing Encounter

The fifth kind, as described by Brazilian ufologist_DIRK, is defined by the intentional communication or interaction with extraterrestrial beings by humans. This kind of encounter would involve a deliberate attempt to communicate with the extraterrestrial entities, whether through signals, symbols, or direct dialogue. The film Close Encounters of the Third Kind focuses more on the awe and wonder inspired by the encounters rather than the structured communication that would be required for a fifth kind encounter.

The Film's Background and Significance

Steven Spielberg's Close Encounters of the Third Kind was released in 1977 and remains one of the most renowned and influential films in the field of UFO and alien encounters. The film captures the human aspect of such experiences, emphasizing the emotions and the mysterious allure of the otherworldly beings.

The film's poster, which prominently features the caption 'In 1977, there were no other kinds,' succinctly summarizes the classification at the time of the film's release. This catchy, singular vs. plural phrase has made the poster both memorable and impactful.

The poster is celebrated for its clever use of singular and plural forms, emphasizing the singular nature of the encounters depicted in the film while also alluding to the fact that these were the only kinds recognized at the time. This dual meaning has secured the poster's place as one of the best ever designed in the realm of film marketing.

The Evolution of Classification Systems

It is important to note that the encounter kinds numbered only three when Close Encounters of the Third Kind was created. The fourth through seventh kinds were added later but are still not widely accepted in the scientific and ufological communities. This evolution reflects the ongoing nature of research and the dynamic nature of knowledge in the field of ufology.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Close Encounters of the Third Kind effectively captures the essence of extraterrestrial encounters and their profound impact on humanity, it does not fulfill the criteria for a 'Close Encounter of the Fifth Kind.' The film's historical context and its contributions to popular culture must be considered when evaluating its place within the classification of close encounters.

For those intrigued by the ufological field, the exploration of these encounter kinds and the film's impact remains an engaging and thought-provoking topic.