Movie Trivia: The Square Song
Steven Spielberg's Close Encounters of The Third Kind is not only a cinematic landmark in science fiction cinema, but a well-crafted exploration of man's compulsion to solve the mysteries of the universe. It is founded on a very seventies notion that there are concepts, ideals and aspirations that are greater than our individual need and that are worth pursuing regardless of any personal sacrifice required. In this instance the film ends with the lead character, Roy Neary (Richard Dreyfuss) happily abandoning his family and the life he has, for the opportunity to be part of something unique and greater than himself. Hence, at the iconic movies climax we see him board the mothership and leave with the aliens. It is a bold and challenging philosophical stance. One that Spielberg has stated he would not now champion, as a father.
Movie Trivia: The Wilhelm Scream
In the 1951 movie Distant Drums starring Gary Cooper, a small band of soldiers are crossing a swamp in pursuit of Seminole Indians. While wading through the Everglades, one unnamed soldier is attacked and dragged underwater by an alligator. His last sound is an agonised, startled scream. Two years later in The Charge at Feather River, a soldier named Private Wilhelm screamed as he’s struck by an arrow in his leg. So began the cinematic legend that is the “Wilhelm Scream”, a sound effect that has punctuated a multitude of films over six decades.