Films › Steven Spielberg

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

Film

DirectorSteven Spielberg

Meta takes5

Figures

Form & technique

E.T.'s death and resurrection sequence
Spielberg's cinematic technique of low-angle shots and framing
John Williams's orchestral score, particularly the "Flying Theme" → The Sonic Calling Card
The overall narrative structure of the film → The Hero's Journey

Tropes

The absent father figure and E.T.'s role in the family
The portrayal of the suburban family home → The Soft Arm of the Law
The use of Reese's Pieces candy in the film → The Commodity Fetish
E.T.'s physiology and empathetic, non-verbal communication → The Abject

Films most connected to E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

The Lion King (1994) — via The Hero's Journey, The Soft Arm of the Law
A Few Good Men (1992) — via The Sonic Calling Card, The Soft Arm of the Law
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) — via The Sonic Calling Card, The Soft Arm of the Law
Dune (1984) — via The Abject, The Hero's Journey
Batman (1989) — via The Commodity Fetish, The Sonic Calling Card
Jacob's Ladder (1990) — via The Abject, The Soft Arm of the Law
The Conjuring (2013) — via The Abject, The Soft Arm of the Law
Full Metal Jacket (1987) — via The Abject, The Soft Arm of the Law