E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

Last updated:
November 7, 2024

Detailed Summary

The Arrival of E.T.

The movie opens with a group of alien botanists collecting plant samples in a California forest. When government agents appear, the aliens hurriedly flee, accidentally leaving one of their own behind. The stranded alien hides in a suburban neighborhood.

Meeting Elliott

A young boy named Elliott (Henry Thomas) discovers the alien hiding in his family’s tool shed. Frightened at first, Elliott soon befriends the creature, naming it E.T. Elliott brings E.T. into his home, and his siblings, Michael (Robert MacNaughton) and Gertie (Drew Barrymore), also become involved in hiding and protecting E.T.

Bonding and Communication

E.T. and Elliott develop a deep emotional bond, even sharing physical sensations and emotions. E.T. learns to speak basic English through watching television and begins constructing a device to “phone home” using a collection of household items.

The Halloween Adventure

To sneak E.T. out of the house, the children disguise him as a ghost during Halloween. They venture into the forest, where E.T. sets up his communication device to send a signal to his home planet. The device successfully sends the message, but E.T. falls ill shortly after.

The Government’s Discovery

The government agents eventually track down E.T., and he is captured along with Elliott. The two become critically ill due to their shared bond. E.T. appears to die, but his heart light begins to glow again, indicating his species’ imminent arrival.

The Escape and Farewell

Elliott and his friends execute a daring rescue of E.T., leading to a thrilling bicycle chase with government agents. They reach the forest just as E.T.’s spaceship arrives. E.T. bids an emotional farewell to Elliott, telling him, “I’ll be right here,” pointing to Elliott’s forehead before boarding the spaceship and returning home.

Movie Ending

The film concludes with E.T.’s spaceship departing Earth, leaving a rainbow in its wake. Elliott, standing in the clearing where the spaceship had landed, looks up at the sky, filled with a sense of wonder and loss.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” does not have any post-credits scenes.

Type of Movie

This film is a science fiction family adventure, blending heartwarming moments with elements of fantasy and drama.

Cast

Henry Thomas as Elliott
Drew Barrymore as Gertie
Robert MacNaughton as Michael
Dee Wallace as Mary (Elliott’s mother)
Peter Coyote as Keys (the government agent)
Pat Welsh as the voice of E.T.

Film Music and Composer

John Williams composed the iconic score for the film, widely celebrated for evoking a sense of wonder, adventure, and emotional depth.

Filming Locations

Tujunga, California: Many of the suburban scenes, including Elliott’s house, were filmed here.
Redwood National and State Parks, California: The forest scenes where E.T.’s ship lands and departs were filmed in these lush areas, adding a sense of otherworldly beauty to the film.

Awards and Nominations

Academy Awards: Won Best Original Score, Best Sound, Best Sound Effects Editing, and Best Visual Effects. Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing.
Golden Globe Awards: Won Best Picture – Drama, Best Director.
BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Film, Best Direction, Best Screenplay, Best Visual Effects, and Best Score.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Steven Spielberg shot many scenes in chronological order to help the child actors maintain a sense of realism and continuity.
Sound designer Ben Burtt created E.T.’s voice by recording dozens of sounds, including those of animals and his own wife, to craft the alien’s speech.
Drew Barrymore’s emotional performance as Gertie drew inspiration from her real-life reactions to the E.T. puppet on set.

Inspirations and References

Childhood Memories: Spielberg drew inspiration from his own experiences as a child of divorced parents and his imaginary friend, which led him to create the relationship between Elliott and E.T.
Science Fiction Classics: The film pays homage to earlier science fiction works, incorporating themes of friendship, understanding, and the fear of the unknown.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There are no significant alternate endings, but several deleted scenes include more interactions between E.T. and the children, providing additional character development and comedic moments.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The novelization of “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” by William Kotzwinkle provides additional background information and insights into the characters’ thoughts and feelings, expanding on the film’s narrative.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

E.T. and Elliott’s First Encounter: The touching moment when Elliott discovers E.T. in the shed.
Flying Bicycles: The iconic scene where E.T. uses his telekinetic powers to lift the children and their bicycles into the sky.
E.T.’s Resurrection: The emotional scene where E.T. comes back to life, symbolized by his glowing heart.

Iconic Quotes

“E.T. phone home.” – E.T.
“I’ll be right here.” – E.T.
“Be good.” – E.T.

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

Spielberg included a nod to “Star Wars” by featuring Yoda in the Halloween scene.
E.T.’s glowing heart and finger are inspired by classic religious iconography, symbolizing life and healing.

Trivia

The design of E.T. was based on a combination of Albert Einstein, Ernest Hemingway, and a pug dog.
The famous flying bicycle scene was achieved using a combination of practical effects and innovative use of blue screen technology.
“E.T.” became the highest-grossing film of all time until it was surpassed by “Jurassic Park” in 1993, another Spielberg film.

Why Watch?

“E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” is a timeless classic that blends science fiction with heartfelt storytelling. Its themes of friendship, loyalty, and acceptance resonate with audiences of all ages, making it a perfect family movie. The film’s groundbreaking special effects, memorable score, and touching performances ensure it remains a beloved piece of cinematic history.