E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial as an American Myth
Presentation (Faculty180)Overview
cited authors
- Compora, Daniel P
description
- <p>Presented virtually on October 16, 2026, on the panel "Folklore, Belief, and Religion: Threads of Belief, Past to the Present."</p> <p>Abstract: Steven Spielberg’s classic film <em>E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial</em> will be analyzed in terms of its mythic structure and fairy tale elements. Using the work of Joseph Campbell and Christopher Vogler, E.T. will be explored, emphasizing E.T.’s transformative journey and evolution into a messianic figure. The film and the characters’ portrayal embody universal humanistic themes, including friendship, loneliness, loyalty, and trust. These elements elevated <em>E.T.</em> into more than just a film: it is an American myth that uses an alien figure to speak about human truth. If <em>E.T.</em> is indeed mythic, it is essential to illustrate the myth’s message, assess its cultural significance and impact, and determine what it says about America. Myths have a substantial impact on culture. Given <em>E.T.</em>’s immense popularity and its release during the 1980s, the film has come to define the entire decade and influence future narratives. More recently, other movies and television series, such as <em>Super 8</em> (2011) and <em>Stranger Things</em> (2016–present), have tried to tap into the mythic and nostalgic feelings created by <em>E.T.</em> to portray the 1980s not as they were, but how they appeared to be, having been filtered through the lens of Spielberg’s classic film. Consequently, these efforts lack the authenticity of <em>E.T.</em> The nostalgia that these films present could be considered toxic because these modern narratives recreate these issues but fail to resolve them adequately. Like other myths, <em>E.T.</em> continues to live on in our cultural consciousness.</p>
authors
publication date
- 2026