Science Fiction Literature, Episode Thirteen: E.T. - 2002-10-25

Greetings to dear listeners. This week, on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the release of the film E.T., the film has also been released on DVD. This disc includes two versions of the film: the original version from 1982 and the second version that was released in March 2002. The DVD of E.T., directed by Steven Spielberg, reminds us of this best-selling film of the 1980s, which, however, does not have much of a science-fiction aspect. Aside from the extraterrestrial, the special effects do not show much of future technology. However, it takes the viewer on a wave of emotions into the world of imagination. E.T., Spielberg's third masterpiece, tells the story of an extraterrestrial being left behind on Earth after a research mission by a space crew. The opening scenes of the film, like most of Spielberg's films, are almost wordless. A foggy, almost dark atmosphere, full of mystery from the fading sounds of the forest and the shadows of trees, diminishes the clarity of the characters' faces and bodies, compelling the viewer to look more closely at the images on screen and to concentrate more. The extraterrestrials, busy collecting flowers and plants, feel danger upon hearing a dog's bark and hurriedly leave, leaving E.T. behind. From the very beginning, Spielberg compels the viewer to love E.T. By showing his small stature against a large tree, he creates a psychological emotional bond between the viewer and this small creature. Loneliness and isolation are common factors that connect E.T. to Elliott, a young boy whose parents are separated, creating a deep friendship between them. Elliott shelters E.T., hiding him in his closet until he eventually finds a way to reunite with his kind. What stands out in watching E.T. is the purity and innocence of the relationship between Elliott and E.T. Spielberg depicts childhood experiences with such precision, delicacy, and authenticity that sometimes the artistic creativity of his work goes unnoticed. E.T. is about the end of childhood and at the same time its continuation. It is about coping with failures, losses, and absences, while also being about love and affection. It is about turning away from the adult world while also understanding and recognizing it. It is about running away from home and returning to it. E.T. is a film for both children and adults. In this film, Spielberg addresses the issue of establishing emotional connections in a way that fewer films specifically for adults show the emotional interaction of an adult with a lonely boy. E.T. opens the world of children before the eyes of adults. This sweet and sad extraterrestrial, whose life depends on the love and affection of a ten-year-old boy, not only brings back the feeling of love but also the sense of responsibility to both his friend and his mother. However, Spielberg ultimately accepts in the film A.I. that the dream of eternal childhood can have painful consequences.