A memorable work by Steven Spielberg, "E.T., the extra-terrestrial" always fascinates young and old alike. By inviting science fiction into reality, the filmmaker delivers one of the most beautiful stories of friendship ever made in the cinema.
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Recommended from 6 years
* Once upon a time : In exploration on planet Earth, a group of extraterrestrials lands in a forest, located a few steps from a small American town. When government agents burst onto the scene, creatures from outer space have no choice but to return to their ship, leaving one of their own behind. The forgotten alien, who was a little too lost, will finally find refuge in a neighborhood, more precisely in the garden hut of young Elliott. When the latter discovers it, fear gives way to fascination. The child hides it in the closet of his room, before presenting it to his brother and his little sister. Renamed E.T., the extraterrestrial will not be long in showing its many abilities under the amazed eyes of its new friends. A real bond will then emerge between Elliott and the creature, who will have to get used to the daily life of human beings. Unfortunately, this friendship will be jeopardized by scientists ready to do anything to remove the alien.
* What they will love: A veritable roller coaster of emotion, E.T., the extraterrestrial crosses generations and remains, even today, a classic of American science fiction. Young film enthusiasts will be immediately seduced by this adventure carried out with beating speed by the young actors of the film, who embody endearing, courageous and very moving heroes. When filming, Henry Thomas (Elliott) and Drew Barrymore (Gertie) were only 10 and 6 years old. Hard to believe when you see the power and realism of their interpretation on the screen.
Behind this very special story, there is of course the genius of Steven Spielberg, who, thanks to his staging, offers an excessive spectacle, mixing humor, fear and a few tears. Inventive and poetic, certain sequences will be imprinted for a long time in the minds of young spectators, such as the famous bicycle chase or the release of frogs in the classroom. Without forgetting, of course, the photograph of Allen Daviau and the music of John Williams, which gives an epic breath to the story thanks to its heady air.
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Original and visually striking, the bike chase scene has become an essential image in pop culture.
* What can worry them: Who says journey, also says danger. The latter is mainly embodied by the presence of scientists and government officials, often filmed against the light to accentuate the feeling of mistrust and dread. Aside from Elliott's mother, Mary, played by Dee Wallace, the majority of adults in the film pose a threat to E.T's survival. It is for this reason that Steven Spielberg chooses not to film their faces. If the antagonists do not impress small moviegoers, they may be more sensitive to the strong scenes of the feature film. Among them, there is obviously the final sequence, one of the most beautiful moments of its kind, where it will be difficult to hold back tears and this, regardless of age group.
One of the main themes covered in * What they will keep deep inside:E.T., the extra-terrestrial is above all that of friendship. The one the creature maintains with Elliott and members of his family. Through his characters, the filmmaker demonstrates that there is nothing stronger than the bonds which unite two beings who love each other, however different they may be. It is no coincidence that, almost forty years after its theatrical release, the film is still permeated in the collective memory. And for good reason, he inspired many fictions who constantly pay homage to him, like, for example, the Stranger Things phenomenon series.
Because of this, theSteven Spielberg's work becomes timeless. From action scenes to special effects, time seems to have little impact on the strength of the film., which keeps its magic intact. The very illustration of a know-how typical of the time, which had seen the birth of many great successes, including E.T., the extra-terrestrial remains one of the pillars today.
