In the 1980s, escapism films dominated the screen (Cornea, 2007). They were often infused with political messages about the renewed tensions of the Cold War (Cornea, 2007; Geraghty, 2009). Spielberg’s work of E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial is different. The film has some aspects of escapism, but it does not seem to hold any political beliefs. This has left many viewers questioning what the motivation was for Spielberg to direct the film.
The story of E.T. was written by Steven Spielberg after the separation of his parents when he was 19 years old (McBride, 2012). Following this separation, McBride (2012) writes in a biography of Spielberg that he often felt confused and alone. Spielberg has incorporated subtle hints about the feelings he had back then within the film.
The first hint coming of those feelings of the separation of his parents is Elliot’s home situation (McBride, 2012). In the film, Elliot’s parents are divorced and the only parent on the screen is his mother. Because Elliot recognises the feeling of loneliness when a primary caretaker has left you, he immediately takes care of E.T. Spielberg also explains that he felt responsible for his siblings after the divorce (McBride, 2012). This is also reflected in the way Elliot takes care of E.T.
The confusing Spielberg felt because of the separation of his parents is symbolised in the fantasy elements of the film, like the flying bikes and the alien (McBride, 2012). E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial is not a typical film of the 1980s. It is a personal story (Gibson, 2015).