Contact: Production Notes

Exploring the Frontier of the Human Spirit

Even though the message and the Pod invite exploration of the limitless frontiers of space, it is the search for answers in the heart, spirit and mind of Dr. Ellie Arroway that compels her journey. Astonishing scientific theory and exhilarating special effects notwithstanding, "Contact" is, according to its director, about Ellie and ultimately, about all of us.

"What fascinated me is the question, 'what if this really did happen? What would we do?' The most fascinating and compelling part of 'Contact' to me is how it becomes about us and what we do on Earth in response to a communication from another civilization."

"There are so many areas the film looks at," concludes Foster. "There are the effects, and very adventurous parts to it -- the idea of space travel and all the things you would associate with science fiction, action and big Hollywood films, but I think it's much, much more than that. It's really a story about people and their passions and how beautiful the human condition really is."

Ann Druyan observes, "It's tremendously poignant that, at the end of Carl's life, he was given the biggest canvas of all to convey the ideas that were most important to him. It is my belief that 'Contact' manifests something of the enormous humanity and brilliance that Carl had. 'Contact' is not just about the mind, but it's also not just about the heart. It's about a place where the mind and the heart work together equally -- Carl's life was all about that. It's equally important to have both, because just one of them is not enough."

Warner Bros. Presents A South Side Amusement Company Production of A Robert Zemeckis Film: Jodie Foster and Matthew McConaughey in "Contact," starring James Woods, John Hurt, Tom Skerritt and Angela Bassett. The music is by Alan Silvestri; the film is edited by Arthur Schmidt; the production was designed by Edward Verreaux; the director of photography is Don Burgess, A.S.C. The co-producers are Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan, and the executive producers are Joan Bradshaw and Lynda Obst. "Contact" is based on the story by Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan, and based on the novel by Carl Sagan; the screenplay is by Michael Goldenberg. "Contact" is produced by Robert Zemeckis and Steve Starkey, and directed by Robert Zemeckis. It is distributed by Warner Bros., A Time Warner Entertainment Company.