E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a 1982 science fiction film co-produced and directed by Steven Spielberg, written by Melissa Mathison and starring Henry Thomas, Robert MacNaughton, Drew Barrymore, Dee Wallace and Peter Coyote. It tells the story of Elliott (Henry Thomas), a lonely boy who befriends a friendly alien, dubbed "E.T.", who is stranded on Earth. Elliott and his siblings help the alien return home while attempting to keep it hidden from their mother and the government. Interestingly enough, the concept for E.T. was based on an imaginary friend Spielberg created after his parents' divorce. Critics acclaimed it as a timeless story of friendship, and it ranks as the best science fiction film ever made in a Rotten Tomatoes survey.
Now check this little known fact...E.T. began shooting in September 1981. And the project was filmed under the cover name A Boy's Life, as Spielberg did not want anyone to discover and plagiarize the plot. The actors had to read the script behind closed doors, and everyone on set had to wear an ID card. Wow!!
As with any film there are your critics and their opinions, many of which were very understanding of the film. Spielberg described the film as "a minority story". Spielberg would state that the characteristic theme of communication is partnered with the ideal of mutual understanding: he has suggested that the story's central alien-human friendship is an analogy for how real-world adversaries can learn to overcome their differences. In addition to the many impressed critics, President Ronald Reagan and first lady Nancy Reagan were moved by the film after a screening at the White House on June 27, 1982. Princess Diana was even in tears after watching the film. And on September 17, 1982, the film was screened at the United Nations, and Spielberg received the U.N. Peace Medal.
Released in the United States on June 11, 1982, it opened at number one with a gross of $11 million, and stayed at the top of the box office for six weeks. It would fluctuated between the first and second positions until January 1983. By the end of its theatrical run, it had grossed $359.2 million domestically.
This is one of those films that just gives you an overwhelming good feeling. With its many themes that are expressed throughout this film from loss of family, friendships, loneliness, and even religion. There is no doubt in my mind that it gives a "spiritual high"! Tears always stream down my face everytime I watch this film. This is one of those movies that should be passed down from generation to generation.
So in the famous words of our beloved friend: "E.T. phone home..."
1 comment:
classic movie..good choice for the new year!
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