Remember that lovable, big-eyed creature with the glowing heart, when it pleads, ’’ E.T phone home’’. It had people’s hearts aching, 20 years ago when it first made its appearance on the screen and into our lives. Aliens had always been looked upon with fear and dread, even in fantasy. But E.T. was different. When he came, it changed people’s outlook forever. Like several other children all over the world, I too had as a toddler let E.T. into my life with arms open. Back then, E.T. had everyone smiling and crying at the same time. A classic heartwarming sci-fi masterpiece by the all time Movie Moghul Steven Spielberg (who else!), that captured the hearts of the world, more than a movie, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial became a cultural phenomenon. It was an immediate winner for its portrayal of the love between a young, fatherless suburban boy and a lost, benevolent and homesick visitor from another planet who is mistakenly left stranded and orphaned on Earth - three million light years from home.
Released in June 1982, the immensely popular magical fantasy movie, celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year with a restoration and re-release - a slightly longer version with additional scenes deleted out of the original , sound re-mastering and digital effects to enhance E.T.’s facial reactions, etc. Out of its nine Academy Awards nominations, it received four Oscars for Sound Effects Editing, Visual Effects, Score (John Williams) and Sound. The film lost the Best Picture to Gandhi. The magic is already re-working as toddlers of two decades ago and now in their mid 20’s along with a new generation of kids rush to theatres to re-live those memories of cherished childhood of which E.T. was an integral part. One of the unforgettable scenes from the film we loved was where the bicycles fly, Peter Pan style. Especially when it happened after that long chase scene which had us all on the edge. When those bikes took off, what a terrific timeless moment it created! It was an absolute show stealer which even had spectators exclaiming at the Cannes festival when it happened .
The lighter moments in the film have E.T. adjusting to life on Earth , getting himself into funny situations in turn. Then there was the parting scene which made us cry . E.T. is going back home and says to Elliot ’’Come’’ and Elliot says ’’Stay’’. E.T. lifts his finger to his lips and quietly says ’’ouch.’’ Elliott, nearing tears, does the same. Then E.T. lifts his finger to Elliott’s forehead. It lights up and E.T. says: ’’I’ll be right here.’’ No one could get over that one. Here’s a warm, insightful story of childhood innocence and courage. Of two souls who find eachother across the vastness of time and space. They live the adventure of a lifetime. Elliot teaches E.T. about the joys and sorrows of living on Earth. In return, E.T. teaches Elliot about the true meaning of friendship and love. Nothings changed. E.T. continues to be an exhilarating experience for young and old alike. Fascinating Facts: ....
The poster for the film with E.T.’s glowing fingertip also represents a religious theme, recalling Michelangelo’s ’Creation of Man’ on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. .....The face of E.T. was modeled inspired by those of Poet Carl Sandburg and Albert Einstein. ....Henry Thomas who played the sensitive role of Elliot had Speilberg in tears when he auditioned for the film. He thought about the day his dog died to express sadness and was hired on the spot. .....The adorable little Gertie played by today’s success story Drew Barrymore is a large part of what made the film so memorable. Barrymore utterly charmed audiences everywhere, and she was a celebrity at the tender age of seven. .....Without a doubt one of the best scores of the decade and century was that of E.T.
This John Williams work is just as much of a must in any film score collection as his Star Wars scores. The strirring music did wonders for the film.