No sooner than I left AMC Boston Common after attending a special screening of This is Spinal Tap, I made my way back to Cambridge via the Red Line and departed at Harvard Square. After a quick supper at Charlie's Kitchen, I sauntered over to the Brattle Theatre to attend a screening of E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial. I was the second person in line.
It was only the third time I ever seen E.T. since it was released in 1982. I first remember seeing on January 2, 1983, in Thunder Bay, Ontario with my mother and my siblings. I specifically remember the date for reasons I shall not detail. All you need to know is that I remember the date. During its 20th anniversary re-release in 2002, I would take in a screening at a cinema near Fenway Park.
I have come to the conclusion that E.T. is one of those movies which is best viewed once every 20 years or so. It packs such an emotional punch which is both exhilarating yet exhausting. The time had come to see it again. Now that I have seen it yet again, I think I am good to at least 2045 - assuming I am still up and about.
Aside from the genuine warmth and, dare I say, humanity of E.T. himself what stands out the most about the film is just how extraordinary Drew Barrymore's performance was considering she was all of 6-years-old when it was filmed. She somehow combined childhood innocence with a worldly wit without a hint of contrivance. Having the Barrymore name may have helped, but that performance came from within.
In a film landscape full of sequels and prequels, E.T. stands on its own. He phoned home, got back there with no need to ever return. There is nothing more to be added.
No comments:
Post a Comment