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

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

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

Roy Neary was originally meant to be 45 years old.

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

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

Amy Irving auditioned for the role of Veronica.

Re-relase

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

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

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

Michael Kahn's first special effects movie.

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