Is Contact Has Begun: A True Story With James Gilliland Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2008)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Documentary cinema, the 2008 release of Contact Has Begun: A True Story With James Gilliland stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into This documentary explores near death experiences, UFO’s, ORBs, global changes, and extra terrestrial encounters. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "This documentary explores near death experiences, UFO’s, ORBs, global changes, and extra terrestrial encounters. With live UFO footage and first hand accounts of other-world encounters, this film is among the first to explore questions such as where did they come from? And why are they here? The film features James Gilliland, an expert in the area of E.T. phenomena, who has appeared regularly on the popular radio show “Coast to Coast A.M.” It's filmed at Gilliland’s ranch in Trout Lake, Washington which serves as the primary location for Gilliland’s E.T. encounters. The movie delves into Gilliland’s life story, his own near death experience, his personal encounters with other worldly beings, and also includes interviews with physicists and other experts who have visited the ranch and share their perceptions of these phenomena. The films includes appearances by Dr. Miceal Ledwith, Neil Freer, Dr. Brooks Agnew, Afred Webre, and Dr. Michael Salla."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of James Gilliland, the performance in Contact Has Begun: A True Story With James Gilliland feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Micheal Knight is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 86 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Contact Has Begun: A True Story With James Gilliland truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Contact Has Begun: A True Story With James Gilliland explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2008 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Micheal Knight respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Contact Has Begun: A True Story With James Gilliland is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of James Gilliland or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Contact Has Begun: A True Story With James Gilliland is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.