Spielberg's new thriller centers on a massive U.S. conspiracy to hide the fact that aliens have been visiting Earth for decades. If anything, though, the movie's pleasures feel more retro than timely.

(Image credit: Niko Tavernise)

Spielberg's new thriller centers on a massive U.S. conspiracy to hide the fact that aliens have been visiting Earth for decades. If anything, though, the movie's pleasures feel more retro than timely.

(Image credit: Niko Tavernise)

It's camp. It's drag. A Stormaganza is coming and the Glamazonian Express is in trouble!

(Image credit: World of Wonder)

It's camp. It's drag. A Stormaganza is coming and the Glamazonian Express is in trouble!

(Image credit: World of Wonder)

O'Connor says one of the best bits of acting advice he ever received came late one night while filming Steven Spielberg's summer blockbuster — never mind that the text was meant for Spielberg's wife.

(Image credit: Niko Tavernise)

O'Connor says one of the best bits of acting advice he ever received came late one night while filming Steven Spielberg's summer blockbuster — never mind that the text was meant for Spielberg's wife.

(Image credit: Niko Tavernise)

Los Angeles can be glamorous, gritty, sprawling and strange. NPR cinephiles discuss the movies that bring the city to life.