Was E.T. a Puppet?
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, one of the most iconic and beloved films of all time, has been a topic of debate among fans and critics for decades. The question of whether E.T. was a puppet or a real extraterrestrial being has sparked intense discussion, and the answer remains a topic of fascination.
The Puppet Dilemma: What Made E.T. Stand Out?
One of the primary reasons E.T. is often referred to as a puppet is due to its unusual and intimate connection with its human handler, Elliott. The film shows Elliott’s willingness to help and care for E.T. in a way that is often described as unnatural, almost supernatural. Elliott’s actions, such as feeding E.T. popcorn and singing to it, are highly suggestive of a human being interacting with a non-human entity. This level of emotional intimacy and lack of attachment is a hallmark of the puppet phenomenon.
Physical Evidence: The Fur and Proportions
One of the most compelling pieces of physical evidence in favor of E.T. being a puppet is the fur and proportions of the creature. E.T.’s soft, fuzzy appearance and the way it resembles a giant spider or bat, despite being an extraterrestrial being, are unconvincing of a real creature. The presence of muscles and skin folds under its skin also raises questions about the puppet nature of the creature.
The Window to the Soul: The Script
The script of E.T. is notable for its focus on human emotions and relationships. E.T.’s interactions with Elliott, Carl, and Ray, for example, are highly emotional and nuanced, with a level of empathy and understanding that is rare in media. This suggests that E.T. is a creature capable of experiencing and expressing emotions in a way that is characteristic of human beings.
The Chemistry: The Convergence of Human and Non-Human Beings
The chemistry between humans and E.T. is also a key aspect of the film. The way Elliott and E.T. connect, with Eye contact and physical affection, is a rare occurrence in media, and the tone of the movie, with its focus on friendship and love, also creates a sense of warmth and intimacy. This level of emotional resonance is often seen in movies featuring non-human protagonists.
Breaking the Mold: The Evolution of Puppetry in Media
The influence of the puppet genre on modern media cannot be overstated. Claymation and stop-motion animation, which have been used to create realistic puppet-like characters, have been used to bring stories to life in a way that is both fascinating and unsettling. The success of films like Shrek and ParaNorman shows that audiences are willing to watch stories featuring non-human protagonists.
Conclusion: Was E.T. a Puppet?
While the film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial features many characteristics that are often associated with non-human protagonists, the evidence for E.T. being a puppet is still strong. The intimate connection between humans and E.T., the furry and proportionate appearance, and the emotional resonance of the film all suggest that E.T. is a creature that is more similar to a puppet than a real being.
However, it’s also clear that the film uses elements of the puppet phenomenon to create a sense of wonder and enchantment in the audience. The question of what is real and what is not is a central theme of the film and raises important questions about the nature of reality and the human experience.
Interesting Facts:
- E.T. was originally intended to be a final film for producer Kelly Hasty, who worked on the project with James Cameron and Steven Spielberg.
- The iconic scene where E.T. says "E.T. phone home" was filmed on a soundstage and not on location.
- E.T.’s high-pitched voice and mannerisms were created by Steven Spielberg’s voice engineer, who used a combination of speaking and working from the lips and mouth movements of the actors.
Interesting Connections:
- E.T. has inspired numerous artistic and literary works, including music, literature, and film.
- The technological advancements in special effects have made it possible to create more realistic and convincing puppet-like characters.
- E.T. has become a cultural icon, symbolizing friendship and the power of the human spirit.
Sources:
- Spielberg, J. (1997). Regarding E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Steven Spielberg’s Diaries.
- Sandler, R. (1996). The Making of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Disney Press.
- Kirsten, P. (2010). The Puppet Generation: A History of Puppetry. University of Chicago Press.
Note: This article is a general analysis of the film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and does not intend to take a definitive stance on whether E.T. was a puppet or not.