'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' trivia and fun facts

Gérard Depardieu, Philippe Noiret, Jean-Louis Trintignant were considered for the role of Claude Lacombe.

Included among the '1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die', edited by Steven Schneider.

Amy Irving auditioned for the role of Veronica.

Michael Kahn's first special effects movie.

Steven Spielberg edited the film secretly, not at the studio but in a rented apartment in Marina del Rey under guard.

François Truffaut was continually trying to improve his English during production, and he was self-conscious of his heavy French accent.

Re-relase

The film will be re-released on September 1, 2017 in the United States because of its 40th anniversary.

Roy Neary was originally meant to be 45 years old.

The first collaboration between Steven Spielberg and his editor Michael Kahn.

Jerry Belson, Matthew Robbins, Hal Barwood, David Giler, and Walter Hill all worked on the screenplay at some stage.

Actors Lino Ventura and Yves Montand were considered for the role of Lacombe.