E.T.: THE EXTRA TERRESTRIAL (1982)
Film of the Day #129
E.T.: THE EXTRA TERRESTRIAL
1982 • Steven SpielbergScreenplay: Melissa Mathison
Producers: Kathleen Kennedy, Steven Spielberg
Cast: Dee Wallace, Henry Thomas, Peter Coyote, Robert MacNaughton, Drew Barrymore, C. Thomas Howell
Cinematography: Allen Daviau
Music: John WilliamsUniversal Pictures
E.T. phone home.
A young suburban kid encounters a stranded friendly alien that he names "E.T." The two share a close bond, develop a friendship and when the government comes looking for E.T., the boy must race to get him back on his way home. One of the most enduring family films of all time. E.T. remains a favorite in the hearts of everyone who has ever seen it. More than just an overly-sentimental children's film, as some have criticized, it brings compassion, warmth and heart not found in many modern films. I also challenge you to NOT cry at the end of this film.
Back in 1982, our innocent little minds were blown when we first encountered E.T. Spielberg truly outdid himself with this heartwarming tale of friendship between a lonely boy named Elliot and a stranded extraterrestrial. Fast forward 41 years, and the film is still the holy grail of family movies. E.T.'s glowing heart is practically embedded in our collective psyche. And that moment when E.T. and Elliot's silhouette soar past the moon? Iconic is an understatement.
Spielberg, that imaginative wizard, birthed E.T. from his young mind. Fun fact: the film's gestation was kinda linked to the mess that was 1941, Spielberg's not-so-finest hour. Columbia's loss became Universal's jackpot. Also benefiting from the success of E.T. was a little candy called Reese’s Pieces, a now movie theater stable, because M&Ms turned down a product placement deal. Reese's Pieces’ sales catapulted their and gave us an enduring snack saga.
The child actors do an exceptional job in the film. Little Drew Barrymore as Gertie? Cutest thing ever, and she ended up becoming a major star. But the real heavy emotional lifting of the film is Henry Thomas as Elliot, who spends the most time on screen with the E.T. puppet. He’s fun, he’s vulnerable, he’s mischievous and he’s brave. With the exception of Dee Wallace as the mom (who is also tremendous), the adults take a back sea to the kids as the kids take center stage. In fact, you don’t see an adult’s face until almost over halfway through the film. It's a cinematic choice, meant to keep kids as the focus.
The enchanting realism of E.T.'s character was brought to life through a remarkable combination of puppetry, animatronics, and the wizardry of Stan Winston's crew. E.T.'s expressive face was manipulated by a team of skilled puppeteers using a series of intricate cables and motors, while his body movements were guided by performers inside a sophisticated suit. This collaboration between technology and human artistry resulted in a creature that could emote, interact, and connect with the audience on an emotional level. The fusion of practical effects and puppetry was the secret sauce behind E.T.'s endearing authenticity, leaving an indelible mark on cinema history.
E.T. was a critical success and major box office smash. E.T. topped the box office and held the title of biggest movie till Spielberg himself broke that record with Jurassic Park. Interestingly, the film’s legacy is confined to the original film itself. Any future dips into the E.T. pool were lukewarm at best. The 20th-anniversary release replacing guns with walkie-talkies was met with derision. E.T. the Atari game is one of the most infamously bad video games of all time. The E.T. ride at Universal Studios is a snoozer. But at least he pops up in a blink-and-you-miss-it cameo in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999). A sequel was planned with the unfortunate title E.T. 2: Nocturnal Fears, but it was thankfully shelved. In a world full of sequels, remakes and reboots, having an original film like E.T. stand its own ground without needing to be anchored by a franchise or cinematic universe.
So, here's to E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, a timeless masterpiece that captured the hearts of 80s kids everywhere (and them weep uncontrollably), fueled childhood fantasies, and shaped the cinematic landscape. And perhaps the most important lesson of all: Don’t trust the government or they will come take your pet alien away.
I'll... be... right... here.
Notable Accomplishments
9 Academy Award Nominations including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Screenplay
4 Academy Award: Best Original Score, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound and Best Sound Editing
Passed Star Wars (1977) to become highest grossing film of all time
Streaming: Not currently streaming
Digital Rental/Purchase: Available at most digital retailers
Physical Media: Available on 4k, Blu-Ray and DVD.
