E.T. and The Hero’s Journey: A Journey Through Adventure and Transformation
E.T. and The Hero’s Journey: A Journey Through Adventure and Transformation
Christopher Vogler's adaptation of Joseph Campbell's The Hero's Journey provides a framework to analyze the narrative structure of films such as the iconic 1982 film, E.T. the Extra Terrestrial. This article delves into how E.T. fits into the twelve stages of the heroic journey, offering insights into Elliott's transformation and E.T.'s time in Elliott's suburban life.
The Ordinary World
Elliott finds himself in a familiar suburban setting, living with his mother and siblings. He is a young boy caught in the aftermath of a family breakup, struggling to be recognized and noticed amidst his big brother's friends and activities such as Dungeons and Dragons.
Call to Adventure
Adventure begins when Elliott hears the mysterious noises emanating from the backyard shed. Tossing a baseball to investigate, he is delighted, if frightened, to see it returned. Elliott's brother and friends dismiss it as coyotes, but Elliott recognizes it as something more, signaling the start of his journey.
Refusal of the Call
Despite the excitement of the unseen visitor, Elliott's initial hesitation and fear overshadow his excitement. When E.T. reappears, Elliott's first attempt to communicate with his mother fails as he is consumed by his fear. This moment of refusal underscores the internal conflict Elliott faces.
Meeting the Mentor
The mentor in this story is E.T. from the very beginning. E.T. guides Elliott by connecting with him, providing comfort, and teaching him valuable lessons. This relationship evolves throughout the film, showing E.T.'s mentorship in action.
Crossing the Threshold
As Elliott ventures into the woods to find E.T., he leaves his ordinary life behind, embodying the hero's journey's crossing of the threshold. This pivotal moment marks his transition to a new world of adventure and discovery.
Tests, Allies, and Enemies
Elliott and E.T.'s friendship is tested as they navigate illnesses, government quarantine, and the grave risk E.T. faces. Elliott's unwavering support and friendship with E.T. strengthen their bond, showcasing loyalty and bravery among children.
The Approach
In a series of events, E.T.'s friends devise a plan to help him communicate back to his home planet. Their journey through the woods is fraught with challenges, including Elliott's falling asleep and E.T. collapsing near a river. This sequence highlights the obstacles and setbacks faced by the hero on their path.
The Ordeal
The ordeals begin as the government's involvement intensifies, nearly resulting in the death of both E.T. and Elliott. When E.T. dies, Elliott experiences a profound emotional crisis, mirroring the death of a mentor and friend.
The Reward
When E.T. is seemingly resurrected, Elliott is faced with the challenge of concealing his friend's true condition from the authorities. This moment grants the hero a reward in the form of new knowledge: the possibility of a second chance to help E.T.
The Road Back
The climax of this phase involves Elliott's determination to get E.T. to safety and reunite him with his home planet. The iconic bike chase scene showcases Elliott's leadership skills and the temporary closure of the conflict.
The Resurrection
The film concludes with a final, climactic confrontation as E.T. and Elliott face the authorities. With his newly discovered leadership skills, Elliott successfully leads his team to safety, symbolizing a transformed hero.
The Return
With the upheaval settled, Elliott returns to his ordinary life but with a newfound understanding and appreciation for the value of friendship and the brave actions of E.T. His road back is marked by the unity and restoration of his family, symbolized by the final scene of E.T. flying away into the stars.
Conclusion
Christopher Vogler's adaptation of The Hero's Journey offers a profound lens through which to view E.T. the Extra Terrestrial. The film explores complex themes of transformation, mentorship, and the power of friendship, all within the framework of a classic adventure tale. For those interested in further exploring the nuances of storytelling and screenwriting, follow The Tao of Screenwriting/Movies/TV for more insightful content on movies, television, and the film industry.
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