E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
“E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” is a 1982 American science fiction film directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Melissa Mathison. The movie tells the story of a gentle alien, E.T., who becomes stranded on Earth and forms a bond with a young boy named Elliott. Together with his siblings and friends, Elliott helps E.T. evade the government and find a way to return home. The film became a blockbuster, capturing the hearts and imaginations of audiences worldwide, and has since been regarded as a classic in the science fiction genre.
One fascinating anecdote surrounding the film involves a special screening at the White House in 1982, attended by President Ronald Reagan and the film’s director, Steven Spielberg. According to Spielberg, after watching the movie, Reagan stood up, looked around the room, and said, “And there are a number of people in this room who know that everything on that screen is absolutely true.”
The science behind the movie is into the possibilities of extraterrestrial life, advanced technology, and interstellar communication. One of the most iconic aspects of E.T.’s character is his ability to heal injuries by touching them with his glowing finger, which could be interpreted as an advanced form of biological manipulation or energy-based healing. Additionally, the film portrays E.T. as having telepathic and telekinetic powers, which suggest the existence of advanced cognitive abilities and a heightened understanding of the universe.
“E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” was added to the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 1994 for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” (Source: Library of Congress)
The design of E.T.’s spaceship was inspired by the work of artist and architect R. Buckminster Fuller. The ship’s interior was based on Fuller’s geodesic dome design, which is a lightweight, efficient, and structurally stable construction.
The famous Reese’s Pieces used in the film to lure E.T. were originally intended to be M&M’s. However, Mars Inc., the company behind M&M’s, declined the offer to have their product featured in the movie. Hershey’s, on the other hand, agreed to the placement, and as a result, Reese’s Pieces sales skyrocketed after the film’s release.
Books exploring the topic of extraterrestrial life and the possibility of contact with Earth include “The Cosmic Connection: An Extraterrestrial Perspective” by Carl Sagan, “Extraterrestrial Civilizations” by Isaac Asimov, and “The Science of Discworld” by Terry Pratchett, Ian Stewart, and Jack Cohen. These works discuss various aspects of the search for alien life, the potential forms that life may take, and the scientific principles that underpin our understanding of the cosmos.
“E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” was a massive success at the box office, grossing over $792 million worldwide. It was the highest-grossing film of 1982 and held the title of the highest-grossing film of all time until it was surpassed by “Jurassic Park” in 1993, also directed by Steven Spielberg.
“E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” is ranked 4th on the all-time highest-grossing films in the United States and Canada, adjusted for ticket price inflation, according to Box Office Mojo. In terms of worldwide gross, it is ranked 46th on the all-time highest-grossing films list.
“E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” is a beloved science fiction film that has had a lasting impact on popular culture and public imagination. The anecdote involving President Reagan and Steven Spielberg at the White House screening adds an intriguing layer to the film’s legacy, but it is essential to approach the story with a balanced perspective.
