Analysis of E.T.

The types of narration developed in this piece vary. There is a great amount of exposition concerning the set-up of the character of ET, classic to the HeroÆs tale and mythic structure as noted by Joseph Campbell. We pan down from the sky that is quite ordinary into what appears at first to be an ordinary forest. Christopher Vogler would state that we have an 'ordinary worldÆ, a basis for relating to the characters and events that are about to take place before us and draw us inward. As far as the main character, we have a 'limited awarenessÆ of ETÆs future problem.

In this fashion, the filmmaker chose darkness. Darkness heightens the senses of awareness. Since we cannot fully utilize our eyes and as yet film has not adapted to utilizing our senses of smell and touch, we must concentrate on what we feel and hear. It is at this point that the narrative takes a turn from being omniscient to being restricted to the point of view of the ETÆs before moving into the more closely restricted point of view of the

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n his belt. While the chase continues, we feel that ET is more afraid of the jangling keys than he is of not making it to his ship. We may wonder why they are fearful. The scattered nature of the flashlights of the men over the focused resilience of the full moon and the beacons of the ship may indicate that these ETÆs have experienced the 'hospitalityÆ of this planet before. Whatever it means, it is obvious that ET is focusing on the sound of the keys. Then the ship leaves. We feel ETÆs emotional challenge of being left behind and not knowing what to do. Audibly, we hear him say 'Uh-oh.Æ We now encounter a cause and effect narrative. The cause was created when ET was 'accidentallyÆ left behind. This gives him a mission. He must get home. The director pans over to the city lights again, which are more emphasized and now appear to resemble a star map grid. Familiar and yet so VERY different. We are introduced to the obstacle û how does ET get home? Most amazingly, we have deduced all of this information without use of any sort of dialogue beyond ETÆs audible 'Uh-ohÆ. After viewing the clip, it is highly apparent that ET is an emotional being. He is also very child-like in his experience and knowledge. While th
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Some common words found in the essay are:
Suddenly ET, Elliott ET, Christopher Vogler, ET Extraterrestrial, Joseph Campbell, heart light, , main character, University Press, Wiese Productions, adult world, restricted view, view etÆs, Pictures Release, restricted view et, et scene, filmmakerÆs vision, 'increased awarenessÆ, keys ship, magical world, et main character,
Approximate Word count = 1981
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page)

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