Over the last few weeks, we have been looking back at some great movies, including Platoon, Vertigo, and Jaws and now we are going to look at one of the greatest children's movies of all time.
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
When it comes to children's movies there is none greater than E.T., a film that showed off director Steven Spielberg at his brilliant storytelling best. E.T. was a big film in our house as I was growing up and it will always have a very special place in my DVD collection.
It was back in 1982 when E.T. hit the big screen and was the first film for Spielberg since the success of Raiders of the Lost Ark. This was the first time that he had tackled a children's movie and was a major change for the filmmaker, who had already enjoyed success with Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
E.T. may have been a departure for Spielberg but, for me, this movie is his greatest moment as a director. This is a movie that has well and truly stood the test of time and remains a powerful watch, no matter how old you are. Seriously, the end makes me cry every single time even though I know exactly what is coming.
Of course, E.T. is a wonderful sci-fi movie and there is plenty to keep fans of this genre happy, but more than that, E.T. is a terrific portrait of childhood. Spielberg captures the wonder, innocence, and acceptance of childhood. Elliot, Michael, and Gertie all accept E.T. for who he is and are not bothered by the differences between them.
E.T. becomes a movie that is not so much about an alien, but more about acceptance, tolerance, and friendship. It is these themes that have made this such an enduring movie, as they are relevant and relatable today as they were when the film was first released.
I love the fact that Spielberg put these themes at the very heart of his film and it is this that makes it such an emotional ride for the audience. In fact, I have found E.T. a more emotional watch, as I have got older and fully understand some of the film's themes and ideas more.
However, it is not just the story that makes E.T. the film it is, as it also looks fantastic. The iconic bike ride scene remains a highlight of the movie and no matter how many times I sees the bikes fly in front of the moon, my hear still soars at this beautiful imagery.
E.T. was both a critical and commercial smash upon released and went on to be the highest grossing film of the eighties. It is also one of the most enduring movies from this decade and still thrills audiences today.
Spielberg has been behind some truly wonderful movies of the years, from blockbusters, to drama and war films. For me, E.T. remains one of his greatest film achievements and most powerful movies.
Tagged in Stephen Spielberg E.T.