Six Days in Roswell

Six Days in Roswell is a light-hearted documentary-style film that playfully delves into the world of UFO enthusiasts and alien lore, particularly centered on the town of Roswell, New Mexico, famous for its supposed alien spacecraft crash in 1947. Released in 1999 and directed by Timothy B. Johnson, the film stars Rich Kronfeld, with appearances by individuals such as Dennis Balthaser and Bob Barnes, who both contribute to the film's exploration of extraterrestrial phenomena.

The movie revolves around Rich Kronfeld, a Minnesotan UFO enthusiast and filmmaker, who embarks on a quirky road trip to Roswell to attend the annual UFO festival that commemorates the legendary Roswell Incident. Filled with an eccentric enthusiasm for all things extraterrestrial, Rich aims to explore the culture that has sprung up around UFOs while investigating the possibility of alien life and human contact with otherworldly beings.

Upon his arrival in Roswell, Rich is quickly immersed in a world brimming with alien-themed attractions, wacky conspiracy theories, and a colorful array of ufologists, theoreticians, and local entrepreneurs who've embraced the town's otherworldly fame. The town buzzes with excitement, as it transforms into a hub for UFO enthusiasts from around the globe, all converging to celebrate and debate the mysteries of the skies.

The film captures the essence of the festival through a series of interviews, comedic interactions, and candid moments with the attendees. Whether it’s serious researchers attempting to piece together the evidence of the 1947 crash or costumed fans reveling in the fantastical elements of the lore, Six Days in Roswell presents a spectrum of beliefs and passions that all converge under the umbrella of UFO culture.

Rich Kronfeld, playing a somewhat exaggerated version of himself, often acts as the film's comically naive guide through this otherworldly landscape. He shows his dedication to the cause by undergoing UFO abduction insurance sales pitches, testing out various alien detection gadgets, and even preparing himself for a close encounter by suiting up in outlandish homemade space gear. Alongside Rich's humorous quest, the audience is treated to the insights and opinions of real-life figures in the UFO community, adding layers of authenticity and depth to the film.

Dennis Balthaser, known for his research into the Roswell Incident, lends the documentary a degree of seriousness and expertise, as he discusses his findings and theories about what really happened in 1947. Bob Barnes, with a slightly different approach, adds to the range of interviews and encounters that Rich has, elucidating the many different facets of people's interests and beliefs regarding UFOs.

Amidst the light-hearted mirth, the film also touches upon the profound impact the UFO phenomenon has on individuals and society. It delves into why humans are so entranced by the prospect of alien life and what it says about our place in the universe. In the backdrop of comic absurdities, Rich and the individuals he meets on his journey grapple with the existential questions that the concept of extraterrestrial life raises.

Visually, the film mirrors its subject matter by using avant-garde and kitschy aesthetics, bringing a lively energy to the screen that keeps viewers engaged and entertained. From neon lights and flying saucer parades to interviews set against surreal backdrops, Six Days in Roswell is as much a feast for the eyes as it is a curious journey into the human psyche.

Contextually, the movie doesn't just look at the 1947 incident in isolation, but also touches on the broader implications of the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, the rise of science fiction in popular culture, and the human need to believe in something beyond the everyday. It is a playful commentary on what happens when folklore, hope, and the search for truth collide in a small town turned UFO Mecca.

Six Days in Roswell can be described as a mockumentary, with its style mimicking that of a traditional documentary yet infused with satirical elements. It's a movie that manages to tread the fine line between making fun of its subject matter and showing genuine interest and empathy for those who have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of the unknown. It's a unique piece of cinema that's sure to entertain those with a penchant for the peculiar and an open mind towards the never-ending mystery of the skies.