ET, the classic of classics?

Film Studies is a new elective at Oxley College and over 50 students have taken the elective as a unit of study in Year 10. This term students are introduced to the Body of Work of director Steven Spielberg, beginning with his classic masterpiece E.T. Here, Olivia Q shares her ideas on why the appeal of this film has endured decades later and is well worth a re-watch…

There are few movies that can make you audibly laugh and ugly cry in the same sitting. Stephen Spielberg’s 1982 ‘ET’ however, is one of them. It is hard to ‘label’ this movie as a single genre, whilst many place ‘science fiction’ before its famed title, “ET” has the characteristics of a coming of age, adventure, action, comedy, thriller, and children’s film.

‘ET’ could be watched at your first sleepover in primary school, on a comfort movie night at home alone or with your grandchildren and friends at a family gathering. This movie continues to be a loved and celebrated classic, and overall, a great film.

For those reading who have somehow not yet watched the film, ‘ET’ follows the story of a little boy Elliot, excellently played by Henry Thomas, and the extremely unusual friend he makes – a gentle and unintentionally cheeky alien that has been stranded on earth, accidentally abandoned by his alien spaceship. Elliot brings the alien into his suburban home, deciding to keep the creature a secret between him, his older brother, and his younger sister, played by an adorable young Drew Barrymore. All three children (mainly Elliot) form a strong bond and childlike love for ET, introducing him to ‘human’ foods, feelings and technology and marvelling at his extra-terrestrial powers and strangely empathetic and sensitive temperament. Soon enough, ET falls seriously sick and an entangle of bike chases involving the government, magical happenings, and bold displays of loyalty and affection take shape. Young Elliot must struggle with the desire to help ET find his way back home, and the gut-wrenching feeling of losing a friend.

The story line is not all that this film has going for it, in fact some may argue the best parts of this film are far from it. Spielberg’s use of colour and lighting, John Williams’ incredible music compositions, and the performance of some key roles is what really secures this film as a classic. Contrasted lighting plays a massive role throughout the film and is excellently used to portray feelings of wonder, fear and excitement. Scenes like when Elliot first sees ET coming out of the shed at his house; Elliot is merely a silhouette against the brightly lit shed which ET emerges out of. The first time ET manages to use his healing abilities on Elliot, his finger glows brightly with a warm orange, lighting up a tiny patch on Elliot’s face contrasted against the rest of his shadowed figure. The incredible music adds to the entire feel of the film, ramping up with quicker paced compositions in scenes like the bike chase, and almost an entire slowed symphony bringing you to tears near the end of the film when ET finds his spaceship again, (no spoilers). Simple key details throughout this film are what makes it so entertaining and watchable.

However, nothing is perfect. Many aspects of this classic could still be improved and worked on. For example, the whole relationship between these kids and ET felt rushed. Is it really possible to bond that much with someone over such a small amount of time? Some more scenes exploring the friendship and developing relationship particularly between Elliot and ET would have made the film that much better. Again though, there is not very much I can comment on about this film that’s not to like. 

If somehow you are still yet to watch Stephen Spielberg’s classic story following a forlorn little alien and a boy, you are seriously depriving yourself of a great film. From the plot line to the performances and the cinematography, ‘ET’ is a 5-star watch any day.

Olivia Q, Year 10