Official Denial (1993)

The late 1980s and early 1990s saw a rash of film and TV projects based off of the alien abduction phenomenon. These included adaptations of two non-fiction works based off the phenomenon by Whitely Strieber (Communion starring Christopher Walken) and Budd Hopkins (Intruders). The then fledgling Sci-Fi Channel also produced a TV movie on the phenomenon as their first original movie. Titled Official Denial, the result is an interesting if at times under-served piece of work.What Official Denial has going for it more than anything else is its ideas. Bryce Zabel's script takes much of the abduction narrative and the UFO phenomenon in general to create an at times compelling piece of work out of it. The film sends greenhouse owner Paul Corliss on a journey that sees him being abducted by aliens and then by a shadowy government working group known as Majestic (a name that those familiar with the UFO world may very well recognize). Yet Zabel doesn't give the viewer the usual semi-horror narrative that is often tied with abductions such as the grey aliens as well as other UFO elements such as the Men in Black to instead create an often intriguing take on those ideas but with a neat twist. beyond that, the film feels at times like a first draft for Zabel's later TV series Dark Skies which also drew on the same source material (Majestic especially) but in which he did very different things. While the dialogue can be a tad hokey at times, for those interested in the phenomenon that the film is based on, there will be plenty to like.Yet Zabel's script is at times ill-served by the production as a whole. The film was Sci-Fi's first original movie and throughout that's apparent. Official Denial has the look and feel of a low budget movie which isn't an issue for the more Earthbound portions of its running time but which becomes painfully obvious when it comes to the special effects. the film's opening minutes are very much dependent upon CGI that, even by the standards of the time when the film was made, are dated at best. The same is true of the grays and the one in particular who becomes something of a major supporting character which looks exactly like what it is: a kid in a gray costume wearing an alien mask. Beyond the effects, the film is about average from the direction of Brian Trenchard-Smith to the cinematography and music. It's a shame in a way because the story deserved better treatment.The cast does okay for the most part. Parker Stevenson does well as Paul Corliss, the every-man sort at the center of the film's plot who goes from everyone around thinking he's crazy to discovering things are even stranger than he believed. Erin Gray, noted for her Cult TV roles, does well as his wife who is ultimately taken on the journey with him. Chewing the scenery nicely as Majestic's head of security is Dirk Benedict who manages to keep his performance just on the right side of crossing over into parody. Of the cast, it is perhaps Chad Everett as General Spaulding who comes across the best as the authority figure who brings Corliss in as the outsider who might be closer to the truth than his agents. All do well for the most part give the nature of the film as a whole.At the end of the day, Official Denial is an interesting little film. It's some solid ideas and a good script but it never quite lives up to them due to the nature of its production values and (to a lesser extent) its cast. It's hard to believe that the channel that would gives us umpteen Sharknado movies started with something as interesting as this. Perhaps a remake might be in order?

"Official Denial" easily overcomes it's budget constrained special effects with a fast moving, highly intelligent script. The film covers a lot of scientific speculation regarding U.F.O.s, alien cover ups, and alien abductions. Because interest is generated by what's being said, rather than what's being seen, the low grade visuals are not a problem at all. The entire production is very positive, and acted with enthusiasm not seen in many "blockbuster" movies. Overall a very entertaining and thought provoking film, that will reward multiple viewings. I highly recommend "Official Denial". The VHS is not easy to find, but well worth seeking out. - MERK

Having seen this movie on t.v one late night, i still look back fondly. This movie should be seen as fun, not serious (it had me in stiches). Underneath the poorly designed alien DOS and the incredible hairless man, is a well thought out plot line with serious undertones. But it cannot be taken literally, without wishing to give away any of the plotline, watchout for the shoulder carrying moment. Full of cliches, laughs, fantasticly corny and for those who need more, a good plotline i recommend Official Denial.

Chad Everet and Dirk Benedict as military officers denying the existence of UFO's. Parker Stevenson as the abductee whose life has been turned up side down. I know..I know..I know. But hold on this one is different.Parker Stevenson gives a sensitive, endearing performance when he first encounters the alien that the military have captured. It's reminiscent of "ET" but without the happy ending. It is not geared for small children.