Movie Detailed Information Page
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
"E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" is a beloved science fiction film directed by Steven Spielberg and released in 1982. Here's some information about the movie:
1. Plot: The film follows the story of a young boy named Elliott, who befriends a gentle alien creature stranded on Earth. Elliott, along with his siblings and friends, helps the alien, whom they name E.T., find a way to return home while keeping him hidden from the government.
2. Spielberg's Inspiration: The idea for "E.T." came from Spielberg's own childhood experiences and his parents' divorce. The film explores themes of friendship, love, and the innocence of childhood.
3. Casting: Henry Thomas was chosen for the role of Elliott after a nationwide casting search. Drew Barrymore was cast as Gertie, Elliott's younger sister, and Robert MacNaughton played Elliott's older brother, Michael.
4. E.T.'s Design: The design of E.T. was a collaborative effort between Spielberg and special effects artist Carlo Rambaldi. The iconic look of the creature was achieved by combining elements of various animals, including a pug, a cat, and Carl Sandburg's face.
5. Filming Locations: The movie was primarily filmed in California, with the suburban neighborhood scenes shot in Culver City. The famous Halloween scene where E.T. hides among kids dressed in costumes was shot in a real suburban neighborhood.
6. John Williams' Score: The film's score was composed by John Williams, who collaborated with Spielberg on several projects. The memorable and emotionally resonant theme music became one of Williams' most recognizable compositions.
7. Special Effects: The film utilized a mix of practical effects and puppetry to bring E.T. to life. The team used radio-controlled models and a full-scale animatronic puppet for various scenes, along with hand puppetry by a team of puppeteers.
8. Cultural Impact: "E.T." became a massive cultural phenomenon upon its release. It resonated with audiences of all ages and became one of the highest-grossing films of all time. Its portrayal of friendship and its exploration of themes such as loneliness and acceptance struck a chord with viewers worldwide.
9. Awards and Recognition: The film was nominated for nine Academy Awards and won four, including Best Original Score. It also received critical acclaim for its direction, performances, and screenplay.
10. Legacy: "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" is considered a classic in the science fiction genre and remains one of Spielberg's most iconic films. Its heartwarming story and memorable characters continue to captivate new generations of viewers.
"E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" is celebrated for its emotional storytelling, memorable characters, and its ability to touch the hearts of audiences worldwide. It remains a timeless and beloved film that has left a lasting impact on popular culture.
Movie Details
1. Creation of E.T.: The character E.T. was designed by Carlo Rambaldi, an Italian special effects artist who previously worked on "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." Spielberg wanted E.T. to have a certain childlike quality and likability.
2. Voice of E.T.: The voice of E.T. was created by sound designer Ben Burtt, who used a combination of various sounds, including the voice of actress Debra Winger, animal noises, and Burtt's own vocalizations. The character's voice became iconic and recognizable.
3. Drew Barrymore's Breakthrough: "E.T." marked a breakthrough role for a young Drew Barrymore, who portrayed the character Gertie, Elliot's younger sister. Barrymore's performance received critical acclaim and helped launch her successful acting career.
4. Communicating with E.T.: In order to create realistic reactions from the child actors when they interacted with E.T., Spielberg decided to keep the puppeteers hidden during the shooting. This allowed the young actors to genuinely react to E.T.'s movements and expressions.
5. Product Placement: The film featured prominent product placements for Reese's Pieces, a candy made by the Hershey Company. After the movie's release, the sales of Reese's Pieces skyrocketed, turning it into a highly successful marketing move.
6. Emotional Connection: The movie's central theme revolves around the emotional bond between E.T. and Elliott, a young boy played by Henry Thomas. Spielberg aimed to create a relatable and heartfelt story about friendship and empathy.
7. Record-Breaking Box Office: "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" became a massive box office success, surpassing "Star Wars" to become the highest-grossing film of all time at that point. It held this record for over a decade until it was surpassed by Spielberg's own film, "Jurassic Park."
8. Academy Award Success: The film was nominated for nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It won four awards for Best Original Score, Best Sound, Best Sound Effects Editing, and Best Visual Effects.
9. Spielberg's Personal Connection: The character of Elliott was partially inspired by Spielberg's own experiences as a child of divorced parents. He wanted to explore the emotions and challenges faced by children in similar situations.
10. Cultural Impact: "E.T." became a cultural phenomenon, capturing the hearts of audiences around the world. It has been recognized as one of the greatest and most beloved films of all time, often praised for its emotional storytelling and memorable characters.
These trivia facts shed light on the creation and impact of "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," showcasing the film's enduring popularity and its place in cinematic history.