The Plausibility of E.T.'s Communication Device: A Review of Movie Crafting

One of the intriguing aspects of Steven Spielberg's classic film, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, is the communication device E.T. uses to contact his home planet. The perfect balance of childlike imagination and advanced technology has fascinated viewers for decades. However, the believability of the device E.T. creates has always been a subject of debate. This article delves into the plausibility of E.T.'s communication method, analyzing how it was crafted within the movie's setting and the child's perspective.

Back to Basics: E.T.'s Communication Set-Up

Let's revisit the scene where E.T. constructs his communication device. A combination of simple household items and Elliot's toys serve as the building blocks of this incredible communication tool. Essential components include:

A circular saw blade which serves as a message carrier (plausibility: high, given its large surface area for engraving). A turntable mechanism to rotate the blade (plausibility: high, achievable with a simple motor or hand crank). A fork attached to an arm that oscillates with the wind (plausibility: moderate, mechanical vibrations are possible but complex). A tree as a support structure, which moves with the wind (plausibility: high, trees can provide natural, continuous movement). A connecting device that reads the blade, possibly more forks (plausibility: moderate, requires precise mechanisms, likely not as simple as shown). A Speak Spell device used as a signal generator (plausibility: moderate, toy or device that can generate electrical signals). Aluminum foil for a makeshift radio dish (plausibility: low, would not be effective in practice).

The final part of the device was the radio transmission. While the axle, moving blade, and positive voltage on E.T.’s fingertips are plausible, the aluminum foil radio dish is among the least believable components. The radio waves transmitted through such a setup would be minimal and ineffective. This critique aligns with the practical limitations of radio dish design and signal propagation.

A Child's Perspective on Imagination and Reality

One of the key strengths of E.T. is its ability to capture the imagination of children. From Elliot's perspective, the world is vast and filled with wonder. His toys and household items transform into elaborate communication tools, purely driven by childlike creativity. In this context, the plausibility of the device is secondary to its symbolic significance. It represents the active role of imagination in shaping our perceptions and experiences.

Telepathic Communication: An Alternative Perspective

The text discusses E.T.'s telepathic communication with his people, as indicated by his chest lighting up. From an imaginative standpoint, this serves as a clear and effective signal. However, the question remains: Could E.T. have sent a telepathic message without the physical device? The leap from creating a physical device to telepathy is vast, but the movie's focus on childlike wonder and creativity lends weight to this imaginative possibility.

Conclusion: A Blend of Imagination and Plausibility

The construction of E.T.'s communication device, as depicted in the film, blends elements of childlike creativity with some degree of plausibility. From a realistic standpoint, the physical construct is largely beyond practicality. However, from an artistic and narrative viewpoint, the device serves a critical function in advancing the plot and capturing the essence of E.T.'s journey.

E.T.'s communication device is a testament to the power of imagination in storytelling and the unique perspective of a child. While it may stretch the bounds of practical engineering, it is completely in line with the movie's fantastical essence and its ability to inspire and entertain audiences of all ages.