Steven Spielberg’s fascination with first contact continues in “Disclosure Day,” a film that evokes the spirit of “E.T.” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” while sparking debate about its philosophical underpinnings. Though it showcases the director’s cinematic prowess, critics question whether its underlying arguments rely too heavily on oversimplified ideas.

When Steven Spielberg set a grueling pre-filming task for the cast of “Saving Private Ryan,” everyone hated it—except for Tom Hanks. The actor embraced the challenge that his co-stars found humiliating.