E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL (1982, USA, 115m, PG) *****
Family, Sci-Fi
dist. Universal Pictures (USA), United International Pictures (UIP) (UK); pr co. Universal Pictures; d. Steven Spielberg; w. Melissa Mathison; pr. Kathleen Kennedy, Steven Spielberg; ph. Allen Daviau (DeLuxe | 1.85:1); m. John Williams; ed. Carol Littleton; pd. Jim Bissell.
cast: Dee Wallace (Mary), Henry Thomas (Elliott), Peter Coyote (Keys), Robert MacNaughton (Michael), Drew Barrymore (Gertie), K.C. Martel (Greg), Sean Frye (Steve), C. Thomas Howell (Tyler), Erika Eleniak (Pretty Girl), David M. O’Dell (Schoolboy), Richard Swingler (Science Teacher), Frank Toth (Policeman), Robert Barton (Ultra Sound Man), Michael Darrell (Van Man).
Only the most cynical could deny the magical charm of Spielberg’s wonderful family fantasy. After a gentle alien becomes stranded on Earth, the being is discovered and befriended by a young boy named Elliott (Thomas). Bringing the extraterrestrial into his suburban California house, Elliott introduces E.T., as the alien is dubbed, to his brother and his little sister, Gertie (Barrymore), and the children decide to keep its existence a secret. Soon, however, E.T. falls ill, resulting in government intervention and a dire situation for both Elliott and the alien. Expertly shot and backed by the swells of John Williams’ iconic score, which maximises the emotional impact of the story. Youngsters Thomas and Barrymore deliver astonishingly natural performances and the design of E.T. helps in delivering a delightful and winning characterisation. Mathison’s script contrasts the innocence of childhood with the paranoia of adulthood and is expertly brought to life by Spielberg’s framing. A classic for all ages. Entered 1994 into the National Film Registry. Extended version runs 120m.
AA: Best Sound (Robert Knudson, Robert Glass, Don Digirolamo, Gene S. Cantamessa); Best Effects, Visual Effects (Carlo Rambaldi, Dennis Muren, Kenneth Smith); Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing (Charles L. Campbell, Ben Burtt); Best Music, Original Score (John Williams)
AAN: Best Picture (Steven Spielberg, Kathleen Kennedy); Best Director (Steven Spielberg); Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen (Melissa Mathison); Best Cinematography (Allen Daviau)
