The production reportedly filmed sequentially to let the children become attached to E.T.
Spielberg reportedly imagined an alien companion after his parents’1960 divorce.
Loneliness while filming Raiders in Tunisia reportedly revived that childhood idea; Matheson developed the script, initially called E.T. and Me, following a Night Skies concept.
Columbia rejected the project as commercially doubtful and pursued Starman instead, though the simplified executive-blame story is qualified.
Universal reportedly bought the project for $1 million while Columbia retained 5 percent of net profits, making its rejection less disastrous financially.
Nine Oscar nominations produced four technical and music wins; Gandhi winning picture,director and actor over this film is strongly criticized.
Henry Thomas’s lack of a nomination prompts debate over whether a child lead would be entered as lead or supporting actor.
Wallace’s absence from the nominations is lamented as a missed great mother performance.
Attenborough reportedly said E.T. should have won and praised its invention and power.
A John Sayles Close Encounters sequel concept is recalled; Spielberg reportedly responded to reviews calling that film personal by making a genuinely personal alien story.
The film idealizes Spielberg’s Arizona childhood after divorce; The Fabelmans is anticipated as a more direct autobiography, while simultaneous Poltergeist work underscores his productivity.
The reported budget is $10.5 million against $793 million gross, an unusually large disparity for the show.
Reported records include surpassing Star Wars until Jurassic Park,16 weeks at number one,15 million VHS units,$250 million video revenue,50 million dolls and $1 billion merchandise; delaying home-video release frustrated viewers.
The 1990 Universal Studios Florida bike ride is recalled as still operating.
M&M’s rejection of product placement is called a major mistake that helped create a Reese’s Pieces competitor.
Rambaldi’s creature reportedly used four heads, animatronic facial controls and several costumed performers; Kennedy studied real and glass eyes, and the effects cost about $1.5 million.
Winger supplied temporary vocals, while Pat Welsh’s heavy smoking contributed to the final voice.
Welsh reportedly received $380 for nine-and-a-half recording hours; other sounds came from Spielberg, Winger, a sleeping sick wife, a professor’s burp, raccoons, otters and horses.
The shoot reportedly used A Boy’s Life as a secrecy title; locations listed are Culver City, Northridge, Tujunga, Crescent City and Porter Ranch for flying bicycles.
Barrymore’s dislike of E.T.’s feet was reportedly an ad-lib about visible wires that Spielberg retained.
Spielberg screened the movie for Ronald and Nancy Reagan; Michael Jackson reportedly owned a puppet, and a wet T-shirt filled with gelatin supplied walking sounds.
Spielberg reportedly described E.T. as a plant-like creature, neither male nor female.
Universal reportedly first saw the film at a Texas audience test, showing Spielberg’s unusual control, supported by his restrained budget.
