There is an incredible power...
Illustration
There is an incredible power to visual confirmation. The movie, Contact, based on the novel by the late astronomer Carl Sagan, focuses on the character of Dr. Ellie Arroway (played by Jodie Foster). The film traces the journey between two visual epiphanies. The first begins with a view of the planets and stars reflected in the eyes of a young girl fascinated with the universe. In an exchange with her father about the possible existence of other life in the universe, he offers that if there is not other life, "it would be a great waste of space." The film ends with that same girl as an adult contemplating a handful of sand following life experiences that have caused her to contemplate realities both theological and temporal in life-changing ways. As she gazes at the sand she again visualizes the entire universe.
In between, there are conflicts with her love interest (played by Matthew McConaughey) over matters of theology and the place of God in the universe. Ellie's research leads to the discovery of signals from deep space describing a device. Her participation in an experiment utilizing the device leads to her experiencing confirmation of her belief that there are others "out there" through an encounter. Nevertheless, her version of the experience is at odds with the perception of others and she is left to her own witness to the experience confirmed by the visual encounter.
In between, there are conflicts with her love interest (played by Matthew McConaughey) over matters of theology and the place of God in the universe. Ellie's research leads to the discovery of signals from deep space describing a device. Her participation in an experiment utilizing the device leads to her experiencing confirmation of her belief that there are others "out there" through an encounter. Nevertheless, her version of the experience is at odds with the perception of others and she is left to her own witness to the experience confirmed by the visual encounter.
