Although all the films that I have watched as part of my ‘celebration’ of the 100th anniversary of Universal Studios, this one really has particular is one that registers quite emotionally for me. Yes yes yes, I, like most sentient beings, cried my eyes out when I first saw E.T.
Unfortunately I did not have the pleasure of seeing it in the theater. For whatever reason (maybe due to my age) my dad took one of my brothers. So for the next few years, my only connection to the movie was in my father recalling how he was moved by the impact the film had on my brother. Of course, I would never fully appreciate just what that experience was until my dad brought home the “special edition” VHS tape years later.
As for the film itself, it always amazes me that such a wonderful fairytale comes from the grown-up mind of Steven Spielberg. Or maybe it shouldn’t surprise me – this is after all a man who created CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND, another family favorite, and is obviously, a wonderful companion piece to E.T – the adult who is convinced that there is something out there and decides to explore (CLOSE ENCOUNTERS) and the child who stumbles upon an alien creature through happenstance and is forever transformed by the experience (E.T.).
In the case of E.T., the story of love, loss and everlasting connection is timeless and one that spans the generations.
As part of the 100th anniversary, E.T.: THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL is being released on a remastered BLU-RAY video disk (October 9th) and, in cooperation with Turner Classic Movies and Fathom Events, there will be a one night only viewing of the film in cinemas nationwide (Wednesday October 3rd).
Nostra says
September 27, 2012 at 3:15 amLove this movie and it is one of the few movies which manages to make me shed a few tears. It did when I was a kid and did so again when I saw it a few years ago.
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iluvcinema says
September 28, 2012 at 3:39 pmI do not think I have seen this fully one in years – at least not since I was in my teen years. Worth a full on, sit down revisit!
ruth says
September 27, 2012 at 6:34 pmThis is actually gonna be shown at TCFF (the local film fest in my city). It’s been a while since I saw it so it’ll be cool to see it again on the big screen.
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iluvcinema says
September 28, 2012 at 3:38 pmYeah I am debating about seeing it on Wednesday. Mid week cinema going tires me a bit 🙂
Ja says
September 29, 2012 at 12:12 amMs. “Cinema,” is it just me or does the film not hold up the way it did during our innocent youth? Maybe it’s the special effects-in that, I am spoiled by all of the advances that we see in films today. Ironically enough, I was recently watching Alien, Aliens and the Matrix (which have been on “circulation” on cable lately), and they still held up pretty well, effects-wise. All that being said, the simple intimacy and innoncence of the film still holds up, and NO ONE can top John Williams scores for sure. 🙂 Thanks for helping me reminisce.
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iluvcinema says
September 30, 2012 at 8:13 pmIn some ways yes, but I think that the emotion of the ET/Elliot relationship stand the test of time – especially at the end when ET goes home.
Jack Deth says
September 30, 2012 at 10:22 pmHi, iluv and company:
Having grown up in the ‘Red Scare Sci~Fi’ era of films, I’ve never been a fan of ‘ET’ and its too cute alien. If it’s from outer space or some distant, deserted island. Its Prime Directive is to kick in the back sides of the Marines or Army while laying waste to Tokyo or some other major city!
Securing my Soap Box.
Awaiting flaming.
Carry on.
iluvcinema says
October 5, 2012 at 12:22 pmNo worries Jack. Those 50’s alien pictures are awesome! I love them 🙂
Jaina says
October 3, 2012 at 11:50 amThis one never fails to make me cry. The music. The kids. It’s all very perfect.
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iluvcinema says
October 5, 2012 at 12:22 pm🙂
Dan says
December 11, 2012 at 5:35 amThis is a film that has grown on me – surprisingly. It was never a favorite of mine as a kid but I think the beauty of it lies in its appeal to adults looking back on their childhood. For me, that’s what Spielberg captures so successfully – and beautifully. Undoubtedly it is now one of my all time faves.
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Jay-Dee says
December 11, 2012 at 11:44 pmIt was perhaps the first film that I recall crying at as a child in the theaters and also is a vivid memory becase my dad took me for my birthday. So for those two reasons alone, it moved me so. In my older days, watching it now, and of course spoiled by big budget effects and the like, it has lost much of its zing, but I still hold it dear and close. Spielberg (and Lucas to a lesser extent overall as a filmmaker, but to a greater extent via Star Wars) had that type of effect on any American child of the 80s.
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iluvcinema says
December 12, 2012 at 10:27 amReally good storytelling!
iluvcinema says
December 12, 2012 at 10:31 amIndeed he does have a lovely way of seeing the world through the lens of a child.