E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial: who needs Government Conspiracies when you have a glowing finger? (scifi classics retrospective).
Crikes, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial—the film that convinced an entire generation that befriending a shriveled alien with a penchant for glowing fingers was a fantastic idea. Directed by none other than Steven Spielberg and penned by Melissa Mathison, this 1982 classic tells the heartwarming tale of a boy named Elliott who finds himself a new best friend in the form of an extraterrestrial who looks like he was designed after a mash-up of Einstein, Hemingway, and a potato. With a cast that includes Dee Wallace, Henry Thomas, Peter Coyote, Robert MacNaughton, and an itty-bitty Drew Barrymore, “E.T.” has somehow wormed its way into the pantheon of beloved cinema.
The behind-the-scenes saga of “E.T.” is almost as mind-boggling as the film itself. Spielberg, inspired by the imaginary friend he concocted post his parents’ divorce (because therapy wasn’t an option?), teamed up with Mathison to bring this story to life. The script, initially titled “E.T. and Me,” was cranked out in less than two months and faced a couple of rewrites before becoming the final masterpiece we all know and tolerate today. Columbia Pictures initially passed on the project, thinking it had the commercial potential of a damp sock, but Universal Pictures swooped in with a $1 million offer. Filming kicked off in September 1981 with a $10.5 million budget, and Spielberg, in his infinite wisdom, insisted on shooting the film in rough chronological order. The goal? Authentic emotional performances from the cast. The result? Pure cinematic hysteria.
“E.T.” premiered with all the pomp and circumstance of a Cannes Film Festival closing gala on May 26, 1982, and hit U.S. theaters on June 11, 1982. It didn’t just hit the box office; it annihilated it, dethroning “Star Wars” as the highest-grossing film of all time—a title it clung to until Spielberg’s own “Jurassic Park” stomped along in 1993. Critics tripped over themselves to heap praise on its animation, story, and emotional depth, making it one of the most overhyped films in history. The film raked in nine nominations at the 55th Academy Awards, winning four, and grabbed a slew of other awards just to rub it in. Re-releases in 1985, 2002 for its 20th anniversary, and 2022 for its 40th anniversary have kept this cinematic relic alive and kicking.
The plot of “E.T.” is simplicity itself: Aliens drop by Earth to collect plant specimens but hightail it out of there, leaving one of their own behind. Enter Elliott, a ten-year-old who discovers this odd-looking creature and decides to befriend it, because why not? Together, they embark on a journey filled with candy trails, heartlight moments, and a bizarre emotional connection that makes Elliott act drunk when E.T. downs a few beers. Spielberg masterfully crafts a narrative where the government is predictably the bad guy, and childhood innocence saves the day, complete with a flying bicycle escape scene that defies every law of physics.
The casting for “E.T.” was an adventure in itself. Henry Thomas won the role of Elliott after channeling his dead dog during auditions (because that’s not disturbing at all). Drew Barrymore, with her wild tales and imaginative flair, nailed the part of Gertie. Spielberg’s insistence on shooting chronologically paid off as the young actors genuinely bonded with E.T., making their performances almost believable. The alien itself was a marvel of animatronics designed by Carlo Rambaldi, although describing it as “something only a mother could love” is putting it mildly.
John Williams’ music played a significant role in elevating “E.T.” from a quirky sci-fi flick to a legendary cinematic experience. His score, filled with whimsical tunes and dramatic flourishes, perfectly captured the film’s blend of childlike wonder and emotional depth. The iconic flying bicycle scene, set to Williams’ soaring music, remains one of the most memorable moments in film history.
At its core, “E.T.” is a film about connection and understanding, drawing from Spielberg’s own experiences of alienation following his parents’ divorce. Critics have noted the parallels between E.T. and Elliott, both outcasts in their own right. The film’s portrayal of suburbia, often seen as dark and complex, provides a backdrop for this touching, albeit occasionally cheesy, tale of friendship. Some have even suggested religious parallels between E.T. and Jesus, adding another layer of depth to this modern fairy tale.
“E.T.” was an unprecedented box office success, topping the charts and breaking records left and right. Its international release saw similar triumphs, with the film setting box office records across the globe. The commercial success extended beyond the box office, with Reese’s Pieces sales skyrocketing and E.T. merchandise becoming the must-have items of the decade. Spielberg’s creation not only dominated the box office but also cemented its place in the cultural zeitgeist.
Decades later, “E.T.” endures, thanks to its universal themes, memorable characters, and groundbreaking effects. Re-releases have introduced this classic to new generations, ensuring that Elliott and his alien friend remain beloved figures in film history. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or experiencing it for the first time, “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” is a film that continues to inspire wonder, evoke tears, and remind us all that sometimes the best way to find our way home is through the connections we make along the way. And as E.T. himself would say, “I’ll be right here,” pointing to our foreheads, reminding us of the sheer magic of cinema—or the persistent power of nostalgia.
