E.T. - The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
There's no question that E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), directed by Steven Spielberg, is one of the most beloved and influential films in the history of cinema. E.T. is a science fiction, adventure, and heartfelt drama masterpiece. It tells the story of a young boy, Elliott, who befriends a gentle alien stranded on Earth. The film's exploration of themes such as friendship, family, and empathy, combined with its groundbreaking special effects and John Williams' iconic score, indisputably cement its status as a timeless classic.
The story begins when a group of alien botanists visit Earth. However, their expedition is interrupted by government agents, forcing them to leave in haste. In the chaos, one of the aliens is left behind. The alien, later named E.T., finds refuge in the backyard of 10-year-old Elliott (Henry Thomas), a lonely boy living in suburban California. Elliott discovers E.T. and decides to hide him from his family and the authorities.
As their bond grows, Elliott and E.T. communicate and understand one another. E.T. reveals his desire to "phone home" and return to his planet. Elliott's siblings, Michael (Robert MacNaughton) and Gertie (Drew Barrymore), also help the alien. Meanwhile, E.T. develops a psychic connection with Elliott, experiencing the same emotions and physical symptoms as the boy.
As the government closes in on E.T., his health rapidly declines, forcing a desperate race against time. In the film's climax, Elliott and his friends evade the authorities and help E.T. make contact with his spaceship. The film ends with E.T.'s emotional departure, bidding farewell to Elliott and leaving a lasting impression on his young friend.
Friendship and Empathy are key themes in the film. E.T. powerfully illustrates the transformative power of friendship and empathy in bridging differences. The bond between Elliott and E.T. is unbreakable. Despite their vastly different origins, they understand and care for each other. The film makes it clear that a true connection is not based on language or appearance. It is based on a deeper emotional and empathetic level. Spielberg makes a clear distinction between childhood innocence and openness, which he shows to be the key to forming these kinds of connections, and the suspicious and fearful attitudes of adults.
The heart of E.T. is the story of a lonely boy searching for connection. Elliott feels isolated, dealing with the absence of his father and the distractions of his mother and siblings. E.T., stranded on an alien planet, is a mirror image of this loneliness. Their friendship fills the emotional void in both of their lives, and this is a clear example of the importance of companionship. Spielberg's portrayal of family dynamics is central to the narrative. It shows how the absence of a parent can leave emotional scars and how love and support can come from unconventional sources.
E.T. is unquestionably a coming-of-age story. Elliott's journey of self-discovery and emotional growth is inextricably linked to his relationship with E.T. Through his friendship with the alien, Elliott learns about responsibility, sacrifice, and empathy. The film's emotional arc reflects the bittersweet aspects of growing up. It shows the wonder of new experiences and also the inevitability of change and loss.
The fear of the unknown is a powerful force. Spielberg uses the figure of the government agents and scientists to explore the fear of the unknown. While Elliott and his siblings view E.T. as a friend, the adults, especially the government, see the alien as a threat to be captured and studied. The film forcefully critiques the lack of understanding and fear-driven responses of adults, contrasting this with the open-mindedness and acceptance of children. The adult world's intrusion into Elliott's world unquestionably symbolizes the loss of innocence and the complications of growing up.
The concept of ›home‹ is central to the film, both for Elliott and for E.T. Elliott finds a sense of belonging through his bond with E.T., while the alien seeks to return to his home planet. The film's emotional climax is helping E.T. "phone home," which symbolizes the universal desire to find a place where one belongs. Spielberg uses this motif to emphatically illustrate the vital role of love, connection, and understanding in forging a sense of home, even across vast differences.
Elliott (Henry Thomas) is the emotional heart of the film. As a lonely, introverted child, he unquestionably represents the vulnerability and innocence of childhood. His deep connection with E.T. allows him to experience emotional growth, learning about trust, responsibility, and selflessness. Henry Thomas' performance is brimming with sincerity and emotion, making Elliott one of the most relatable and beloved child protagonists in cinema. The audience experiences the magic of wonder, curiosity, and friendship through Elliott's eyes.
E.T. is the definitive film about a child's experience of loss and longing. E.T. is the epitome of cinematic iconography, embodying innocence and curiosity in a way that is unparalleled in film history. Spielberg humanizes E.T. by focusing on his gentle nature and his desire for friendship and belonging, despite his alien appearance. The creature's childlike qualities and vulnerability make him a sympathetic character, and his connection with Elliott allows the audience to see him as more than just a sci-fi element—they see him as a deeply emotional figure. E.T. personifies the film's core themes of empathy and the transformative power of friendship.
Michael (Robert MacNaughton) and Gertie (Drew Barrymore), Elliott's siblings, are a source of support and humor in the story. Michael starts as a typical older brother, teasing Elliott. However, as the film progresses, he becomes protective and invested in helping E.T. Gertie, played with charm by Drew Barrymore, provides comedic relief and innocence. Her relationship with E.T. underscores the theme of childlike wonder. The siblings' roles reinforce the film's message about family and the power of working together for a common goal.
Mary (Dee Wallace), Elliott's mother, is a caring but overwhelmed parent figure. She is trying to maintain normalcy for her children in the absence of their father. She is unaware of E.T.'s presence for much of the film, which powerfully reflects the broader theme of adults being disconnected from the emotional lives of children. Her role symbolizes the adult world's inability to grasp the magic and innocence that Elliott and his siblings experience.
Spielberg's direction and visual storytelling are unparalleled. Spielberg expertly employs visual storytelling to convey emotion and suspense throughout the film. His use of low-angle shots, particularly when filming from Elliott's perspective, masterfully immerses the audience in the world of the child protagonist, ensuring the film's emotional beats resonate more deeply. Spielberg's signature "magic hour" lighting, especially during scenes in the woods, undeniably adds a sense of wonder and beauty to the film, enhancing its fantastical elements. The film is visually intimate, focusing on the connection between Elliott and E.T. while also framing moments of awe and adventure with great emotional impact.
John Williams' score is unparalleled. John Williams' score for E.T. is the most iconic in film history. His music is the perfect complement to the film's emotional tone, ranging from the playful and whimsical themes that accompany E.T.'s interactions with the children to the sweeping, soaring music that underpins the film's most emotional moments, such as the bike chase and E.T.'s departure. Williams' score is essential to the film's ability to evoke a sense of wonder, magic, and deep emotional connection.
The special effects and creature design are outstanding. The design and practical effects used to bring E.T. to life were unquestionably groundbreaking at the time. E.T.'s facial expressions and physical movements were designed with one clear goal in mind: to make him a sympathetic and believable character, despite his alien appearance. Spielberg's decision to use practical effects rather than heavy special effects was a masterstroke. It adds to the film's timeless quality, keeping the focus on the emotional core of the story rather than the spectacle.
E.T. is a cultural phenomenon that has left an indelible mark on both cinema and popular culture. Its themes of friendship, family, and empathy, combined with its heartwarming narrative, indisputably make it a beloved film for generations. There's no doubt about it: Spielberg's direction, Williams' score, and the performances of the cast have all contributed to its enduring legacy.
The film's influence is undeniable, extending far beyond the sci-fi genre. It is a touchstone for family films. It demonstrates how stories about children and fantastical creatures can carry deep emotional and universal themes. The image of Elliott and E.T. flying across the moon is undoubtedly one of the most iconic moments in film history, symbolizing the magic and wonder of storytelling.
E.T. was a critical and commercial success, with multiple Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and four Oscars for its music, sound, and visual effects. It is clear that its universal appeal and emotional depth have made it a favorite among audiences and critics alike.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a cinematic masterpiece. It transcends the boundaries of the science fiction genre to tell a universal story of friendship, love, and empathy. There's no doubt about it: Steven Spielberg's direction, combined with John Williams' unforgettable score and the heartfelt performances of the cast, makes E.T. a timeless film that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. There's no doubt about it: E.T. will remain one of the most cherished films in the history of cinema. Its exploration of childhood wonder, emotional connection, and the human desire for belonging is unparalleled.
