I’ll Be Right Here
“E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” directed by Steven Spielberg, is more than just a film; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide since its release in 1982. This cinematic masterpiece tells the touching story of a young boy named Elliott who befriends an alien stranded on Earth, embarking on an adventure that explores themes of friendship, compassion, and the innocence of childhood.
My personal journey with “E.T.” began in the wide-eyed wonder of childhood, sitting in a movie theater, completely enthralled by the magic unfolding on screen. This film was not just a movie to me; it was an experience, one that I sought out repeatedly, watching it six times in the theater, each viewing peeling back another layer of its emotional depth and storytelling mastery.
Little did I know that this childhood fascination would evolve into a more profound connection in my later years, as I began to uncover the intricate parallelism between “E.T.” and the narratives found in the Gospels, adding a rich layer of depth to my understanding and appreciation of this beloved film.
Childhood Fascination
From the very first viewing, “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” held a special place in my heart. As a child in the dimly lit ambiance of the movie theater, I was transported to a world where the impossible became possible, where a young boy’s life was forever changed by an unexpected friendship with a being from another world. The film was a gateway to a realm of imagination and wonder, where bicycles could fly against the backdrop of a full moon, and a piece of candy could be the foundation of a profound connection.
The characters, especially Elliott and E.T., became more than just figures on a screen; they were friends, companions on an extraordinary journey. Each scene, from the thrilling bicycle chase to the quiet moments of shared understanding, was imbued with a sense of magic and emotional depth that resonated with me. The laughter, the tears, and the heartwarming moments between Elliott and E.T. were my own.
Watching “E.T.” six times in the theater was a testament to its impact on me. Each viewing offered a new discovery, a different moment to cherish, and a deeper emotional connection. The film’s ability to blend adventure with an exploration of friendship and empathy spoke to me on a level that few other films could. It was not just a story about an alien and a boy; it was a narrative that celebrated the innocence of childhood and the unbreakable bonds of friendship.
Discovering the Parallelism
The transition from childhood to adulthood often brings with it a shift in perspective, and such was the case with my relationship to “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.” What once was a cherished childhood memory took on new layers of meaning as I delved deeper into the narratives and symbols that shape our understanding of the world. It was during my adult years, amidst discussions and readings about film analysis and theology, that an intriguing parallelism between “E.T.” and the Gospels began to unfold before me.
This revelation was not immediate; it emerged gradually, like a photograph developing in a darkroom, revealing its image one shade at a time. The more I pondered over the film’s themes and narrative structure, the more I began to see the uncanny similarities to the stories of the Gospels. The motifs of sacrifice, resurrection, and ascension, so central to the Christian narrative, were mirrored in the story of E.T.’s journey on Earth.
My initial reaction to these parallels was one of surprise, followed by a profound sense of curiosity. How could a film that I had loved as a simple tale of friendship and adventure carry such deep spiritual and theological undertones? This discovery prompted me to revisit “E.T.” with fresh eyes, seeking out the layers of meaning that had eluded me in my childhood. Each viewing became an exploration, a quest to uncover the depth of the film’s narrative and its connection to the timeless stories that have shaped human culture and spirituality.
Key Themes and Parallelisms
As I delved deeper into the fabric of “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” the parallelisms with the Gospels became increasingly evident, woven into the very heart of the film’s narrative. These themes, once hidden beneath the surface of a childhood adventure story, now revealed profound spiritual and existential dimensions.
Arrival from Another World: The arrival of E.T. on Earth, much like the incarnation of Jesus in the Gospels, symbolizes a bridge between the mundane and the divine, the human and the otherworldly. E.T., an alien from a distant planet, enters the lives of ordinary people, bringing with him a message of friendship and unity that transcends earthly boundaries.
Healing Powers and Miracles: E.T.’s ability to heal with his touch echoes the healing miracles attributed to Jesus. The scene where E.T. heals Elliott’s cut finger, instilling a sense of wonder and belief in the miraculous, mirrors the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ compassion and miraculous healings, challenging the characters and the audience to believe in the impossible.
Sacrifice and Resurrection: The most striking parallel emerges in the themes of sacrifice and resurrection. E.T.’s apparent death and subsequent revival resonate with the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, central to the Christian faith. This narrative arc speaks to themes of love, sacrifice, and the triumph over death, embodying the hope for renewal and salvation.
Ascension and the Promise of Presence: E.T.’s departure from Earth, ascending into the sky aboard his spaceship, mirrors the Ascension of Jesus. The poignant farewell, with E.T. telling Elliott, “I’ll be right here,” promises an enduring spiritual presence, much like Jesus’ assurance to his disciples of his continuing presence in spirit.
Exploring these themes within the context of “E.T.” opened up a new dimension of the film for me, transforming it from a beloved childhood story into a narrative rich with spiritual and existential questions. The parallelism with the Gospels provided a lens through which the film’s deeper messages about love, sacrifice, and the possibility of the miraculous could be fully appreciated.
The Role of Celestial Imagery
In both “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” and the Gospels, celestial imagery plays a crucial role in symbolizing the divine and the extraordinary. This imagery serves as a bridge between the earthly and the heavenly, marking moments of significant spiritual revelation.
In the Nativity story, the Star of Bethlehem guides the Magi to the birthplace of Jesus, signaling the arrival of a divine figure and a new hope for humanity. This celestial sign acts as a beacon, drawing those seeking wisdom and enlightenment to the site of a transformative event in human history. The star is not just a navigational aid; it is a symbol of divine intervention and the fulfillment of prophecy.
Similarly, in “E.T.,” the arrival and departure of E.T.’s starship are marked by spectacular celestial phenomena. The ship, with its otherworldly glow, represents a point of contact between the human and the extraterrestrial, between the known and the unknown. E.T.’s return to his starship and his subsequent ascent into the night sky echo the ascension themes found in religious narratives, emphasizing the connection between the earthly realm and the vast, mysterious universe beyond.
This use of celestial imagery in “E.T.” resonates on a deep, archetypal level, tapping into our long-standing fascination with the stars as symbols of destiny, guidance, and the divine. The starship, like the Star of Bethlehem, serves as a reminder of the moments when the mundane is touched by the miraculous, transforming our understanding of the world and our place within it.
Archetypal Patterns and Universal Themes
The enduring appeal of “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” lies not just in its captivating story and emotional depth, but also in its engagement with universal archetypes and themes that resonate across cultures and epochs. This film, through its narrative and characters, taps into the Hero’s Journey, an archetypal pattern identified by Joseph Campbell that represents a common template for stories of heroes who embark on adventures, face trials, and return transformed.
E.T.’s journey on Earth, his interactions with Elliott and the other human characters, and his eventual return to his home planet mirror this archetypal journey. The film explores themes of the outsider or the “other” who enters an unfamiliar world, brings new insights or gifts, and whose presence challenges and ultimately changes those around him. This reflects not only the journey of a hero but also the journey of every individual as they navigate the trials and transformations of life.
Furthermore, the film delves into perennial philosophy, which posits that at the core of all the world’s religious, philosophical, and mystical traditions lie universal truths about the human condition, our relationship with the divine, and the nature of reality itself. “E.T.” touches on these universal truths, exploring themes of love, friendship, sacrifice, and the yearning for connection and belonging that transcend any one culture or belief system.
By weaving these archetypal patterns and universal themes into its narrative, “E.T.” speaks to something fundamental in the human psyche. It invites viewers to reflect on their own journey, their own experiences of otherness, and their own deep-seated desires for connection and transcendence. This layer of meaning adds a richness to the film that continues to captivate and inspire audiences, making “E.T.” a timeless tale that speaks to the heart of the human experience.
Personal Reflections and Anecdotes
The discovery of the parallelisms between “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” and the Gospels, and the deeper exploration of the film’s universal themes, has profoundly enriched my appreciation of this childhood favorite. This journey of rediscovery has been akin to unearthing a treasure that had been hidden in plain sight, revealing layers of meaning that have deepened my connection to the film.
One particular scene that has taken on new significance for me is the moment when E.T. extends his finger to heal Elliott’s wound. As a child, this moment was magical, showcasing E.T.’s otherworldly powers. Now, it resonates as a powerful symbol of compassion, healing, and the miraculous, echoing the healing miracles found in the Gospels.
Another poignant moment is E.T.’s farewell, where he tells Elliott, “I’ll be right here,” touching his forehead. This gesture, once a simple goodbye, now embodies the promise of enduring presence and spiritual connection, akin to the assurances found in spiritual texts that the divine remains with us in spirit, even after physical departure.
These reflections and anecdotes are just a few examples of how my understanding and appreciation of “E.T.” have evolved. The film, once a source of entertainment and wonder, has become a rich text that engages with profound themes and mirrors some of the most enduring narratives of human culture. This process of re-engagement with “E.T.” has not only deepened my appreciation for the film but has also illuminated the ways in which stories, whether ancient or modern, continue to speak to our deepest hopes, fears, and desires.
The Power of Storytelling
The exploration of parallelisms between “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” and the Gospels, coupled with the personal journey from childhood fascination to adult appreciation, underscores the power of storytelling. “E.T.” is more than a tale of an alien stranded on Earth; it is a narrative rich with spiritual, existential, and universal themes that resonate deeply with the human experience. The film’s engagement with motifs of sacrifice, resurrection, and transcendent connection, alongside its use of celestial imagery, taps into archetypal patterns and perennial truths that lie at the heart of many cultural narratives, including those of the Gospels.
This journey of discovery and reflection has revealed the layered complexity of “E.T.,” transforming it from a beloved childhood memory into a profound narrative that explores the depths of love, friendship, and the eternal human quest for connection and meaning. The film’s ability to evoke such a range of responses, from the joy and wonder of a child to the reflective appreciation of an adult, speaks to its enduring impact and its place in the pantheon of cinematic storytelling.
In uncovering the parallelisms and delving into the film’s deeper themes, “E.T.” has become a touchstone for exploring how stories, whether set in the stars or rooted in ancient texts, reflect our deepest yearnings and truths. The beauty of revisiting and reinterpreting beloved stories like “E.T.” lies in the discovery of new layers of meaning, revealing how the narratives we hold dear continue to evolve with us, offering new insights and reflections at each stage of our journey.
As I look back on the countless viewings of “E.T.” from childhood to adulthood, I am reminded of the power of cinema to connect with us on a deeply personal level, to challenge our perceptions, and to inspire us to look beyond the surface. “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” with its rich themes and emotions, remains a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and its ability to touch the human heart in profound and lasting ways.
Image by Pete Linforth
