The sci-fi genre has been experiencing something of a revival in recent years, although it’s mainly been more at home on the small screen rather than in movie theaters. While I understand that more time spent with sci-fi characters and concepts can greatly benefit a storyline, there’s no denying how thrilling a feature-length sci-fi production can be. Some of the most influential and beloved all-time great movies within the genre were all directed by the same man.
Although he’s been away from sci-fi for the better part of a decade, Hollywood legend Steven Spielberg makes his return to the genre this week. Sure, he’s still been busy with other kinds of storytelling, but considering how huge sci-fi movies like 1982’s E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial and 1993’s Jurassic Park were for Spielberg when they premiered (and have remained since), the idea of another sci-fi movie from the iconic director is a thoroughly exciting thought.
‘Disclosure Day’ Is Steven Spielberg’s First Sci-Fi Movie Since 2018’s ‘Ready Player One’
The Premiere Is This Friday (June 12)
Sci-fi can take many forms, but there is often quite a lot of overlap in viewership between the various sci-fi subgenres. For example, time travel is likely to appeal to someone who loves alien stories, and vice versa. Spielberg has helmed a variety of sci-fi projects, but his career shows an affinity for the idea of life beyond our planet. In this way, Disclosure Day sits neatly in the director’s filmography alongside 1977’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind, E.T., and his 2005 remake of War of the Worlds.
Although not marketed as a Close Encounters sequel, there are many who aredubbing Disclosure Day a spiritual successor or unofficial follow-up to the sci-fi 1977 classic. While I can certainly see the parallels between the two storylines, Disclosure Day seems to have more of a fantastical element to its formula. The surreal dream-like shots of a little girl befriending a moose and other animals add an exciting level of mystery that I don’t think would be quite at home in a Close Encounters sequel. Regardless, it’s just great to finally have such a cool-looking sci-fi project on the big screen, especially one that comes from such a proven name in the genre.
Spielberg’s Involvement Isn’t the Only Reason To Be Excited About ‘Disclosure Day’
The movie’s star-studded cast is led by the likes of Colin Firth, Emily Blunt, and Josh O’Connor (Wake Up Dead Man). In other words, Disclosure Day has pulled out the big guns for Spielberg’s sci-fi comeback. However, one name that more casual moviegoers may not recognize has also made a key contribution to Disclosure Day. Although the story’s general concept is Spielberg’s, the director reunited with long-time collaborator David Koepp, who wrote the movie’s script. This writer/director combo has been responsible not only for Jurassic Park and its 1997 sequel, but also for 2005’s War of the Worlds.
They also worked together on Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of Crystal Skull, but I think I was one of the 12 people to actually enjoy that movie. Away from Spielberg, Koepp has also contributed scripts for 2002’s Spider-Man, 2005’s Zathura: A Space Adventure, and, more recently, has been tasked with writing Warner Bros.’ upcoming Westworld remake. What I find particularly interesting is that Disclosure Day is the first Spielberg/Koepp collab that isn’t a remake, an adaptation, or a sequel in a pre-established franchise – I wonder how/if that will impact the end product.
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
