E.T. Page #15

A car pulls into the forest, and Gertie's voice can be heard pointing out

the location of the boys. The ramp to the spaceship lowers. Gertie runs up

to Mike and E.T. She gives E.T. the plant and says that she just wanted to

say goodbye. Michael responds that E.T. doesn't know goodbye.

"Be good," says E.T.

"Yes," says Gertie, as she kisses him on the nose.

Mike places his hand on E.T.'s head.

[This is a basic gesture of trust. The fact that E.T. allows Mike to do

this indicates that he considers him a friend.]

E.T. puts the plant on the ground, as Mary and "Keys" run up to the edge of

the site. Mike picks up Gertie and carries her away as Elliott approaches

E.T.

"Come," says E.T

"Stay," says Elliott.

[The two characters that had merged into one protagonist must split apart

because they now have different primary objectives. E.T. want's to return

home, and Elliott wants him to remain.]

E.T. lifts his finger to his lips and says "ouch."

[Of course, this indicates the pain he feels in their separation.]

Elliott tearfully lifts his finger to his lips and says "ouch."

[The symmetry of his movements indicate that in some sense, they still are

one.]

E.T. and Elliott hug each other as the are visually surrounded by blue and

white lights. Then Elliott and Mary exchange glances as Mike and Gertie

stand by and watch. E.T. lifts his finger to Elliott's forehead. It lights

up, then he says: "I'll be right here."

[The resolution of the dilemma. Though E.T. leaves, he will still remain,

perhaps telepathically, or perhaps only within Elliott's thoughts.]

"Bye," says Elliott..

E.T. picks up the potted plant and carries it up the gangplank. Elliott

watches from below as Harvey starts up the plank, then returns to Elliott's

side.

[E.T. leaves with what he really came for, a sample of the earth's

vegetative life form. But now he has much more in the flowers that will

serve as a memorial of all that he has experienced with his new friends.]

The gangplank lifts up and separates E.T. from Elliott. The ships circular

entrance closes. The spaceship lifts off. Elliott watches it float up into

the sky. It then speeds away, leaving an orange-blue rainbow behind against

the blue-morning sky.

[Orange and blue were also the colors of E.T.'s makeshift communication

device as found by Mike in the forest.]

Mary watches and laughs with happiness. The other boys also watch, as Mike

holds Gertie in his arms. The film ends with a shot of Elliott gazing up

into the sky.

THE END:

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