Happy 40th Anniversary E.T.!

Ashlyn Hoffmann, Staff Writer

“E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” is a heart-warming movie about an alien, later named E.T., that got stranded on Earth. He was soon discovered by 10-year-old Elliot and developed a physical and emotional connection with him. 

This classic 115-minute Steven Speilberg film, released on June 11, 1982, has made over $793 million in profits over the past 40 years. The movie starred Henry Thomas as Elliot, Drew Barrymore as Gertie, Robert MacNaughter as Michael, Dee Wallace as Mary and Pat Welsh as the voice of E.T.

One of the most successful aspects of the film was the incredible music. All music present in the film was composed by famous composer, John Williams, who also composed the iconic music to some other classics such as “Jaws,” “Superman,” “Jurassic Park,” “Star Wars” and “Harry Potter.” 

The movie came out 40 years ago as of 2022, but is still watched and loved by millions. Watchers love the immediate connection they get with the adorable alien and how that grows throughout the movie. Another aspect of the movie that made it really successful was the ending. The actors and film crew did an amazing job of expressing the many emotions felt by the characters as Elliot says goodbye to his new best friend. Additionally, watchers of all ages can appreciate the humor aspect the movie offers.

For the movie’s 40th anniversary, the film crew is setting up movie screenings, customer products and digital campaigns. According to an article about E.T. film fests on the website Variety, “Oscar-winning director Steven Spielberg and producers Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall will be on hand to kick off the 13th annual TCM Classic Film Festival with a special presentation of ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.’ The screening, set for Thurs. April 21, celebrates the 40th anniversary of the beloved family sci-fi film from Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment.” 

There is still more to be discovered as to what this amazing film crew has in store for their anniversary and E.T. fans will anxiously await these celebratory events to honor their favorite film.

What exactly makes this film so special? Ben Mankiewicz, TCM primetime anchor and the TCM festival host said, “I was 15 years old when ‘E.T.’ came out and what was true then remains so today; the film continues to speak to both children and adults.”

Regardless of  what made this film a family favorite or what it is that has kept it in people’s hearts for 40 years, I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this remarkable film and if we might be seeing the little creature again.