Close Encounters of the Third Kind: The Making of Steven Spielberg's Classic Film [Paperback]

Ray Morton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2007

"Morton has written the definitive book on this innovative movie by Steven Spielberg...Meticulous research of this caliber is not found in other books on Close Encounters. Fans will find Morton's take informative and fascinating." - Library Journal. Steven Spielberg's 1977 masterpiece used all of the power and magic of cinema to tell a story of man's first meeting with extraterrestrial beings. Renouncing the fear and pessimism of the day, writer/director Spielberg boldly envisioned this as a peaceful, spiritual event full of hope and possibility. This awe-inspiring message made a powerful impact on audiences desperate for something to believe in. The film was a massive box-office hit and revolutionized the movie industry; along with Star Wars, it helped to create the modern blockbuster and ushered in a new era of hi-tech effects. Based on in-depth research and the recollections of many of the film's principal creators, Close Encounters is the first book to chronicle the making of this classic film from its inception through its tumultuous production to its many releases in "special" editions. The book features new interviews with star Teri Garr, producer Michael Phillips, photographic effects supervisor Douglas Trumbull, production designer Joe Alves, and several cinematographers, screenwriters, and special-effects legends. John Hill, Jerry Belson, Hal Barwood, and Matthew Robbins; and special effects legends Richard Yuricich, Robert Swarthe, Dennis Muren, Scott Squires, Greg Jein, and Rocco Gioffre.

Product Details

• Paperback: 382 pages
• Publisher: Applause Theatre & Cinema Books (November 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557837104
• ISBN-13: 978-1557837103
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,063,545 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A WELL-DETAILED LOOK INTO A SCI-FI CLASSIC, January 1, 2008

By 

Angel Orona Rodriguez "Broken Halo" (Alhambra, Ca.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Close Encounters of the Third Kind: The Making of Steven Spielberg's Classic Film (Paperback)

I literally grew up on Spielberg's early films and was lucky enough to enjoy in my youth such classics as JAWS (an all-time fave), E.T. and CLOSE ENCOUNTERS. I can't put into words how amazing it was to see these films in a theatre with a fresh audience. Most prominent in my mind is CLOSE ENCOUNTERS for the simple fact that I got to see it at one of the best movie houses in L.A. -- The Cinerama Dome in Hollywood which featured a massive, arched screen (this was decades before IMAX) and incredible sound system.

Ray Morton has been able to bring back such fond moviegoing memories with his well detailed book on CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND that explores virtually every aspect of this movie's genesis. I felt like a kid again as I found myself reliving an incredible movie that has stood the test of time. And now there is a book to stand proudly at its side.

I should also mention that Mister Morton has another book called KING KONG: THE HISTORY OF AN ICON that I also found very entertaining and taught me pretty much every thing there is to know about the furry icon.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent read, June 24, 2008

By 

Janet Andrews - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Close Encounters of the Third Kind: The Making of Steven Spielberg's Classic Film (Paperback)

One can tell that Mr. Morton is not just a wonderful writer, but an
great fan of Mr. Spielberg and "Close Encounters." He delves into
the movie so completely that you almost feel you were there when the
movie was being made.
This is not just a great book for Spielberg fans, but should be a must
read for all film students out there.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A remarkable tome, December 6, 2009

By 

Damien Slattery (Dublin, Ireland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Close Encounters of the Third Kind: The Making of Steven Spielberg's Classic Film (Paperback)

Ray Morton has done the impossible..He has managed to convey a movie that is so particular an experience in sound and vision, as to be almost inexpressible in words. This is an extraordinary book! The detail is vast and comprehensive, and written by a man who fell in love with this Spielberg-jewel as a child. His affection pours from every paragraph of this 383 page love letter to CE3K. I cannot think of any error in fact or judgement Mr. Morton has made. A flawless chronicle! The choice of photographic material is all rare and from personal archive. The interviews are soo many as to be dazzling. I never would have imagined that Ray Morton was not actually there, way back in 1977! And for that achievement alone.. this book is a marvel.