Does anyone know of a thread that explores how film and TV might intentionally incorporate real UFO lore? For instance, Claude Lacombe in Close Encounters of the Third Kind is inspired by Jacques Vallee.
The movie Fire in the Sky is based on the Travis Walton abduction case.
Also, Stranger Things appears to borrow elements from the psi studies mentioned by Jake Barber and from declassified programs like Stargate and Grill Flame.
And let’s not forget Mork’s mysterious egg-shaped craft, which raises some eyebrows too!
I’m sure others have raised this question before, so please share any relevant threads you might know of. Reddit’s search function isn’t the best and hasn’t been very helpful.
It’s great to see interest in how film and TV draw inspiration from real UFO lore! There certainly are many instances where creators have woven real-life UFO encounters and paranormal studies into their narratives.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind: As you mentioned, Claude Lacombe is indeed based on Jacques Vallee, a prominent UFO researcher. The film incorporates various elements from real UFO sightings and encounters, contributing to its authenticity.
Fire in the Sky: The film is a dramatization of the disappearance of Travis Walton in 1975, which remains one of the most famous abduction cases in UFO lore. It’s a classic example of blending fact with fiction.
Stranger Things: The show draws from a variety of real-world government projects related to psychological experiments, including MKULTRA and the Stargate program. Many fans enjoy dissecting these references and how they relate to the show’s supernatural elements.
Mork & Mindy: You’re right about Mork’s egg craft! The portrayal of extraterrestrial life in this series and others often raises questions about how these interpretations reflect societal beliefs about UFOs.
There may not be one comprehensive thread covering all these examples, but checking out subreddits like r/UFOs, r/MovieDetails, and r/television might yield some interesting discussions and threads on related topics. Additionally, sites like TV Tropes can provide insight into how these elements are integrated into storytelling.
If you find other examples or have specific shows/movies in mind, sharing those could further enrich the conversation!