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Was author Whitley Strieber telling the truth about extraterrestrial visitations in his bestselling book, Communion? Perhaps no one can really prove or disprove it, making the enigma of Strieber himself more interesting than his allegations. That's precisely the angle taken by this film adaptation, in which Christopher Walken's richly eccentric performance becomes a fascinating portrait of something more important than rumors of alien abduction--that is, human resistance and surrender to transformation. The script does an end run around the deductive process and research Strieber employed in his book to substantiate his claims. Instead, the story concentrates on the impact of those experiences on Strieber's own psyche: the disbelief, the repressed memories, the mounting helplessness and futility as the years go by.
Walken makes it all terribly compelling, from his childlike compliance to the diminutive aliens who turn up in his home at night to an unexpected story climax in which Strieber demystifies the little buggers on his own surprisingly comic terms. The supporting cast is terrific, including Lindsay Crouse as Strieber's concerned wife, Frances Sternhagen as a doctor, and Joel Carlson as Strieber's son. This is not an offering that panders to today's alleged abductees, but rather a study of a sole survivor who finds his peace on his own terms. --Tom Keogh
From the Contributor
A truly independent feature, Communion continues to be a controversial film for anyone with a closed mind. At the time it was made, as filmmakers we had to fight for the right to make it ambiguous and agnostic in regard to the issue of an alien presence. Various powerful film companies wanted a straight horror film or an outright affirmation of alien existence which would have undermined an unbiased point of view. The psychological dimensions of Whitley Strieber's extraordinary book upon which the film is based continue to fascinate me and the issues raised in the film continue to engage millions. A man approached me at a UFO conference and said, "Your film is a fraud." I replied, "How can you say that?" He answered, "The aliens told me!" -Philippe Mora
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
By gaterbait
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Christopher Walken is simply great in this type of film. His presence is quite important in this film, it just wouldn't be the same without him!
By Allen
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is a movie that I used to have on VHS (remember that format). I don't particularly like the main character but anything UFO related is worth watching.
It is a fair representation of the UFO abduction experience and also the family line aspect of UFO abductions. The hypnotic regressions and the group help aspects are also key points in getting help and others to believe what you have experienced.
It is a fair representation of the UFO abduction experience and also the family line aspect of UFO abductions. The hypnotic regressions and the group help aspects are also key points in getting help and others to believe what you have experienced.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Ralph Brown
Format:DVD
Forget about whether Whitley Strieber is pulling everyone's leg (Big City family abducted by aliens at Upstate New York vacation home and the aftermath) and don't expect Independence Day or The X-Files, and you'll find yourself watching a fine movie. I'm about the last person who wants to talk about subtext and the lot with movies (I'm all for entertainment), but you can't miss some interesting ideas about creativity, family bonds, and the fact that close people can share almost the same experience and come away with something different (much like movie audiences).
Anyway, if you miss all that, there's still the great Christopher Walken (yes, he manages to throw in a dance step or two here), a terrific supporting cast, and one of the most haunting musical themes in a movie (care of Eric Clapton). I've rewatched the end titles quite a few times just to hear this memorable piece.
The DVD extras are all interesting and worth your time. Recommended to all, essential viewing for Walken fans.
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3.8 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
glad i found this
happy with purchase. glad to have this in my movie collection. always enjoy christopher walken. this movie freaked me out when I was a kid, is a must to have.
Published 17 months ago by jessica beauprez
1.0 out of 5 stars
WORST MOVIE EVER MADE!
I wasted my money, even though it was like 10 dollars, but still I feel so robbed. I'm an amateur film maker, and this movie has absolutely nothing going for it. Read more
Published on Jun 24 2004 by Adam Johnson
3.0 out of 5 stars
WALKEN ABDUCTED BY ALIENS
Great moody film with the excellent Christopher Walken being abducted by aliens. Supposedly based on true events (yeah right) but Walken as always is very intense and... Read more
Published on Jan 24 2004 by MICHAEL RUMNEY
5.0 out of 5 stars
WATCHERS and Watching ........
DREADFUL DVD AND SOUND ....[shame!] BUT AN ABSOLUTELY 'MUST HAVE'.
WALKEN IS SUPERB AS THE MULTIFRACTURED HERO ..... Read more
Published on Nov 16 2003
1.0 out of 5 stars
Horrendous Letdown
It truly mystifies me how there could possibly be any good review of this film. I read the book, became engrossed in it for days, and enjoyed it immensely. Read more
Published on Sep 15 2003 by Shane C. Cooper
5.0 out of 5 stars
A MAN PLAGUED BY ENDOGENOUS DMT DIMENSIONAL ENTITIES?
A TRUELY CREEPY film starring the wonderful Christopher Walken.
But after reading the book DMT: THE SPIRIT MOLECULE by Dr. Rick Strassman, maybe Mr. Read more
Published on Jun 23 2003 by Unlucky Frank
4.0 out of 5 stars
walken rules
offbeat, thought provoking, weird, best of all, walkens million dollar facial expressions. :)
Published on Dec 27 2002
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Freaky Little Movie
Don't expect large-scale entertainment from this one, and don't expect definitive answers regarding aliens. The attractions here are low-key but satisfying. Read more
Published on May 21 2002 by Allie Kat
3.0 out of 5 stars
Well-Acted, Sometimes Effective, not bad.
"Communion" the movie is a well-acted and sometimes effective drama. Christopher Walken does a good job here, though I've seen him do much better, but here he totally... Read more
Published on Aug 1 2001 by Mr. Bakunin
3.0 out of 5 stars
Walken through the Alien Sunset
Let me begin this review by stating that I am a huge fan of Christopher Walken. OK, I'm done. Do yourself a huge favor and buy the VHS version of this movie. Read more
Published on Dec 29 2000 by "walkencomputerfund"
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