E.T., the endearing extraterrestrial from Steven Spielberg’s 1982 classic, wasn’t a figment of CGI magic; instead, he was brought to life through a fascinating blend of puppetry, animatronics, and dedicated performers. This practical approach, combined with Spielberg’s directorial genius, contributed significantly to the film’s timeless emotional resonance.
Bringing E.T. to Life: A Symphony of Special Effects
The creation of E.T. was a groundbreaking achievement in practical effects, relying heavily on the artistry of Carlo Rambaldi, a renowned Italian special effects artist. Rambaldi, known for his work on Alien and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, designed E.T. to be a complex and expressive character, capable of conveying a wide range of emotions.
Animatronics: The Heart of E.T.’s Expression
Animatronics played a crucial role in bringing E.T. to life. The primary E.T. figure was a sophisticated puppet, internally controlled by a network of cables, hydraulics, and electronics. This allowed for intricate movements of his face, neck, and hands, enabling him to express curiosity, fear, joy, and sorrow. Multiple versions of E.T. were created, each with different functionalities tailored to specific scenes. Some were designed for close-ups, focusing on facial expressions, while others were built for more physical movements, like walking or reaching.
Puppetry and Performance: Injecting Soul into the Machine
While animatronics provided the framework, skilled puppeteers gave E.T. his personality. Up to a dozen puppeteers could be involved in operating a single E.T. unit, each responsible for controlling different aspects of his movement. For instance, one puppeteer might control the eyes and mouth, while another managed the arms and hands.
Crucially, human performers contributed significantly to E.T.’s believability. Matthew De Meritt, a 12-year-old boy born without legs, frequently played E.T. in scenes requiring him to walk or waddle. His unique gait gave E.T. a distinctive, slightly awkward movement that added to his charm. Tamara De Treaux, a little person actress, also performed in the E.T. suit for some scenes. This combination of animatronics, puppetry, and human performance resulted in a remarkably lifelike and emotionally engaging character.
The E.T. Voice: A Chorus of Sounds
E.T.’s voice, a crucial element of his character, was not the creation of a single actor. It was instead a composite of several voices, including Debra Winger, Pat Welsh (an elderly woman who smoked heavily), and even sound effects like the cooing of raccoons. This blend of voices gave E.T. a unique and slightly otherworldly sound, perfectly complementing his physical appearance.
FAQs: Deeper Insights into E.T.’s Creation
Here are some frequently asked questions that delve deeper into the special effects behind E.T., exploring the challenges, innovations, and lasting impact of this iconic character:
1. How many E.T. puppets were made for the film?
Several E.T. puppets were created, each serving a specific purpose. While the exact number is debated, it’s generally accepted that around five distinct E.T. figures were used, each with varying levels of articulation and functionality. Some were specifically designed for close-ups and facial expressions, while others were more robust for physical scenes.
2. What materials were used to construct E.T.?
E.T. was constructed from a variety of materials, including polyurethane foam, fiberglass, and a clay-based sculpting material. These materials allowed for both durability and flexibility, enabling the puppeteers to achieve a wide range of movements and expressions. The skin was meticulously painted and textured to give E.T. a realistic, somewhat reptilian appearance.
3. Was CGI considered for E.T.?
While CGI technology was emerging in the early 1980s, it was not yet advanced enough to create a believable and emotionally resonant character like E.T. Spielberg deliberately chose practical effects over CGI, believing that they would result in a more tangible and engaging performance. This decision proved to be instrumental in the film’s success.
4. How long did it take to create one E.T. puppet?
The creation of each E.T. puppet was a painstaking process, requiring weeks or even months of work. The complexity of the animatronics and the meticulous attention to detail meant that a dedicated team of artists and engineers was needed to bring Rambaldi’s vision to life. Each puppet could take several weeks to complete, depending on its intended function.
5. What was the biggest challenge in bringing E.T. to life?
The biggest challenge was creating a character that audiences could connect with emotionally. The animatronics and puppetry had to be so convincing that viewers would forget they were watching a puppet and instead see a real, vulnerable being. Achieving emotional believability through practical effects was the film’s greatest technical and artistic challenge.
6. Did Spielberg use any camera tricks to enhance E.T.’s realism?
Yes, Spielberg masterfully employed camera tricks to enhance E.T.’s realism. He frequently used low camera angles to make E.T. appear larger and more imposing, especially in scenes with Elliott. He also relied on lighting and shadows to create a sense of mystery and wonder around the character. These techniques helped to immerse the audience in the film’s world.
7. How did they make E.T.’s heart light up?
E.T.’s iconic glowing heart was achieved using a simple yet effective technique. A lightbulb was placed inside the chest cavity of the E.T. puppet and covered with a translucent material. The intensity of the light could be controlled to reflect E.T.’s emotional state, glowing brighter when he was happy or in distress.
8. Who were the main puppeteers behind E.T.?
Several skilled puppeteers contributed to bringing E.T. to life. While many names were involved, some of the key puppeteers included Bob Burns, Caprice Rothe, and Candy Bennici. These individuals were responsible for controlling the intricate movements of E.T.’s face, body, and limbs, giving him his distinctive personality.
9. How much did it cost to create the E.T. puppets?
The cost of creating the E.T. puppets was significant, reflecting the complexity of the animatronics and the level of artistry involved. While the exact figure is not publicly available, it’s estimated that each puppet cost several hundred thousand dollars to produce in 1982 dollars.
10. How did Matthew De Meritt contribute to E.T.’s portrayal?
Matthew De Meritt’s unique gait, due to being born without legs, provided E.T. with a distinct waddling walk that contributed significantly to the character’s charm and believability. He performed in the E.T. suit for many of the walking scenes, imbuing the character with an unexpected and endearing physical quality.
11. What is Carlo Rambaldi’s legacy in special effects?
Carlo Rambaldi is considered a legend in the field of special effects. His innovative work on films like Alien, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial revolutionized the industry and inspired countless artists and filmmakers. His mastery of animatronics and practical effects continues to be admired and studied today.
12. How has E.T.’s creation impacted the film industry?
E.T.’s success demonstrated the power of practical effects and the importance of creating characters that audiences can connect with emotionally. The film inspired a generation of filmmakers and special effects artists, proving that practical effects could be just as effective as CGI in creating believable and engaging characters. While CGI has become more prevalent, E.T. remains a testament to the enduring power of practical artistry.