Calling All Earthlings

Calling All Earthlings is a compelling 2018 documentary directed by Jonathan Berman. The film is centered around the fascinating life and unique experiences of George Van Tassel (1910-1978), an influential contactee, inventor, and author who claimed to have had encounters with extraterrestrial beings. Narrated through interviews and recordings of Van Tassel himself, as well as through testimonials from those who knew him or who are still involved in the UFO and spiritual communities he influenced, the film weaves a fascinating tale that explores the boundaries of science, spirituality, and society's perception of reality.

From his early days as an aeronautical engineer and personal aid to the revered business tycoon Howard Hughes to his later spiritual and scientific experiments in the Mojave Desert, George Van Tassel's personal journey forms the backbone of Calling All Earthlings. Introduced in the film by various interviews and archival footage, Van Tassel's own voice often presents his life's work, purpose, and proclaimed extraterrestrial encounters. Tassel's earnest demeanor contributes to the intrigue and authenticity that surrounds his unconventional narrative.

Diving deeper into Van Tassel's claims, the film offers a platform for multiple perspectives. The intriguing point of this movie is that it does not force a particular viewpoint onto the audience; instead, the film primarily emphasizes exploring the strangeness of this untold story, inspiring curiosity about the unknown and unknowable aspects of human experiences. It attempts to foster a greater understanding of Van Tassel's ambitions and so-called alien encounters, without necessarily seeking to validate them.

Throughout the film, we learn about Van Tassel's construction of the "Integratron," supposedly guided by extraterrestrial intelligence. This groundbreaking machine was intended to aid in scientific research, healing, and time travel. Key scenes showcasing Van Tassel's device are charmingly strange and captivating, offering insight into a time when space raced and Cold War anxieties possibly made such strange experiments seem more plausible.

Supporting players in the documentary, like Nancy Karl and Daniel Boone, deliver additional perspectives. Interviews with these characters, as well as others who knew Van Tassel or were influenced by him, provide a rounded insight into the cultural impact of his work and theories. These interviews, along with a wide range of archival material, enhance the genuine feel of the film, giving us a glimpse into a bygone era of both earnest belief in UFOs and government concern about those beliefs.

Calling All Earthlings also explores the charged cultural climate of the time: the moral panic relating to communism, the fascination with the unexplained, and prevalent anxieties surrounding technological advancement and the ever-present threat of nuclear warfare at the height of the Cold-War era. Period-specific newsreels, newspaper clippings, and footage are strategically interspersed within the documentary to build the historical context.

While examining fringe belief systems and their wider societal implications, the documentary maintains a respectful tone, free of outright derision. It steers clear of passing judgments or making a mockery of Van Tassel and his followers; instead, the film honestly portrays their beliefs and the communities that formed around them. As a result, the audience is left to ponder profound questions regarding faith, fear, human potential, and the nature of reality.

Ultimately, Calling All Earthlings is more than just a documentary about a man who claimed to have contacted extraterrestrials. It's a deep dive into the human psyche and its ability to believe, chase dreams, fear the unknown, and grapple with the unexplainable. It captures a snapshot of American culture in an era marked by optimism, paranoia, and an unquenchable curiosity about the universe. For those interested in history, folklore, or the essential human need to connect with something larger than ourselves, Calling All Earthlings offers a captivating viewing experience.