Steven Spielberg’s instant classic was released on this day in 1982, a fortnight after premiering as the closing gala of that year’s Cannes Film Festival.
The screenplay written by Melissa Mathison E.T. and Me derived from a story by Spielberg based on his imaginary childhood friend and sundry details, primarily the final scene, from Night Skies, an unrealised project he had originally developed with John Sayles which also provided material for Poltergeist and Gremlins. He came up with more ideas while shooting Raiders of the Lost Ark in the Tunisian desert. Mathison was persuaded by her husband Harrison Ford and producer Kathleen Kennedy to start with a first draft. Spielberg said it was the best first draft he had ever read.
A novel by William Kotzwinkle accompanied the film’s release.
John Williams created a remarkably sympathetic polytonal score to express the magical journey of the protagonists.
E.T. was created by Italian effects maestro Carlo Rambaldi. His face was inspired by those of Carl Sandburg, Ernest Hemingway and Albert Einstein. Spielberg wanted E.T. to have a neck that would telescope to mimic a turtle coming out of his shell. He was played by Tamara De Treaux, Pat Bilon and Matthew DeMeritt.
His eyes were created by staff from the Jules Stein Eye Institute.
E.T.’s voice was provided by a number of artistes: mainly Patricia Welsh but also Kayden Green, Spielberg himself and Debra Winger.
The film was shot mostly in sequence to enhance the spontaneity and realism of the children’s performances. It was made under the title A Boy’s Life.
Henry Thomas was cast at the suggestion of Jack Fisk who had directed him in Raggedy Man. Drew Barrymore of the famous acting family captured Spielberg’s attention with her imagination. Robert McNaughton principally performed in the theatre and he auditioned eight times for the role of Elliott’s older brother.
The first half of the film is shot from the kids’ point of view, with adults appearing from the waist down, cartoon-style.
It immediately surpassed Star Wars as the highest grossing film of all time. Spielberg’s own Jurassic Park would replace it in top spot in 1993.
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