The Incomplete Legacy of Carl Sagan: Scenes He Kept in 'Contact'

In the film adaptation of Carl Sagan's 'Contact', the visionary astronomer's impact was significantly diminished by the time of its completion. Sagan's involvement was limited to the initial concept and outline, after which the direction branched away from his original vision. Notably, a few scenes managed to stay true to his intentions, despite the extensive revisions and input from the director.

Carl Sagan’s Life and Legacy

Carl Sagan was a renowned astronomer, cosmologist, and astrobiologist, known for his contributions to the scientific community and for his popular books and television series. His work contributed greatly to the public understanding of the universe and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Sagan was deeply involved in the early stages of 'Contact', the movie based on his novel of the same name. Unfortunately, his involvement was cut short due to his untimely death before the film's completion.

The Evolution of 'Contact': From Novel to Film

Following the initial concept, 'Contact' was pitched as a movie but failed to secure funding for several years. When Sagan finally managed to create an outline, it was handed over to James V. Hart and Michael Goldenberg for further development. By this point, Sagan had no more control over the project, and the script underwent numerous changes and rewrites.

Rejected Ideas and Scenarios

During the extensive revising process, some of the ideas diverged significantly from Sagan's original vision. For instance, there were discussions about whether the protagonist, Ellie Arroway, would have a husband or son. Another idea that was considered was the conclusion where the wormhole might swallow up the planet, resulting in a burst of lightning bolts. However, these ideas did not make it to the final cut and were later discarded.

The Scenes Carl Sagan Kept

Despite these changes, a few scenes managed to stay true to Sagan's original intention. These scenes were pivotal in maintaining the core message and essence of the story, ensuring that the audacious pursuit of knowledge and the awe-inspiring journey of Ellie Arroway remained intact. One such scene that made it through the editing process was the famous monologue where Ellie Arroway explains the significance of the prime numbers discovered by the aliens.

Another noteworthy scene was the initial meeting between Ellie and her colleague,.stopPropagation(), as Sagan likely intended to keep these emotional and thought-provoking moments to capture the audience's imagination.

The Final Cut in Arthur Schmidt's Hands

Ultimately, it was Arthur Schmidt, the film's editor, who fine-tuned the final version of 'Contact'. Schmidt had the crucial task of assembling the scenes into a coherent narrative. Unfortunately, Sagan did not live to see the final product, as he passed away just a week before the filming was even completed.

While the film did not fully reflect Sagan's vision, the few scenes that remained true to his original concept played a significant role in preserving the spirit of the story. These moments serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of Carl Sagan and his impact on the scientific and literary worlds.

For fans of Carl Sagan and 'Contact', the film remains a compelling exploration of humanity's search for meaning and the possibility of encountering extraterrestrial life. Understanding the scenes that Carl Sagan managed to keep in the final cut provides a glimpse into the broader narrative and the original intentions behind one of the most iconic science fiction films of the late 20th century.