'Fourth Kind' portrays real story of alien abductions in Alaska
Samantha Blee
Issue date: 11/10/09 Section: Arts & Society
Now, you don't necessarily have to be confident that alien abductions have occurred, or even that any kind of other life form exists, in order to enjoy this film. It's both entertaining, slightly disturbing and based on real life facts. Right?
Well, the film is certainly entertaining and disturbing, but other aspects might not be as accurate as we hope. Though the film claims to be based on real people and events, using actual footage acquired during Dr. Tyler's sessions, accusations that Dr. Tyler doesn't even exist have emerged.
An Alaska state licensing examiner cannot find any records of Tyler being licensed in Alaska, and both the CEO of the Alaska Psychiatric Institute and the president of the Alaska Psychological Association claim they've never heard of her. Universal Pictures has refused to discuss the film with local journalists.
So what exactly did the film mean during it's opening minutes when it suggested viewers believe as much as they want to? That they could be hesitant in their belief in encounters of the fourth kind? Or that they should be hesitant in believing the truth behind the film's real-life plot line?
Fortunately for "Fourth Kind", the film is strong enough that it can be enjoyed whether it is or is not based on actual occurrences. Alien abductions are events that humans have speculated over for a long time, and one more invented story is not going to change that. Open-minded viewers will appreciate the nature of the film, simply because it is an interesting take on the story.
Whether or not viewers will keep this open-mindedness, if filmmakers admit to fabrication, will prove to be a story of its own.
Well, the film is certainly entertaining and disturbing, but other aspects might not be as accurate as we hope. Though the film claims to be based on real people and events, using actual footage acquired during Dr. Tyler's sessions, accusations that Dr. Tyler doesn't even exist have emerged.
An Alaska state licensing examiner cannot find any records of Tyler being licensed in Alaska, and both the CEO of the Alaska Psychiatric Institute and the president of the Alaska Psychological Association claim they've never heard of her. Universal Pictures has refused to discuss the film with local journalists.
So what exactly did the film mean during it's opening minutes when it suggested viewers believe as much as they want to? That they could be hesitant in their belief in encounters of the fourth kind? Or that they should be hesitant in believing the truth behind the film's real-life plot line?
Fortunately for "Fourth Kind", the film is strong enough that it can be enjoyed whether it is or is not based on actual occurrences. Alien abductions are events that humans have speculated over for a long time, and one more invented story is not going to change that. Open-minded viewers will appreciate the nature of the film, simply because it is an interesting take on the story.
Whether or not viewers will keep this open-mindedness, if filmmakers admit to fabrication, will prove to be a story of its own.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 4
storm
posted 11/10/09 @ 12:52 PM EST
if you remember, at the end of the film, they stated that "Dr. abigail tyler" was not her real name. all the names were changed, so therefore of course there was no Dr. (Continued…)
SeekingTreasures
posted 11/10/09 @ 2:21 PM EST
The wonder that what this movie presents may actually be too difficult to confirm in tangible, concrete ways. I wonder why it's not postulated that perhaps Authorities don't want concrete confirmation of these events available and have expunged Dr. (Continued…)
ever g
posted 11/12/09 @ 6:50 PM EST
i do belive in ufos cause my causin and i saw one and a big one at that very clear and unmistakingly visable about the forth kind well not yet but i do belive !!!
Post a Comment