I recently watched a documentary, about other child stars getting yelled at and abused to get them crying.. The fact that Spielberg instead was DIRECTING them, like a director, on a level they understood, is mindblowing XD That is simply too cute
That's terrible. :( But it makes it all the better that Spielberg was able to get Henry Thomas so invested in the storyline that he didn't need any outside influence to cry. That's both good directing AND good writing.
Same. The documentary I watched was about old Hollywood, so while I was horrified, I didn't have a strong connection to the movies. When this showed up in my recommended, I came in fully prepared to have a childhood favorite ruined. It was bittersweet seeing adult Drew Barrymore learn that they intentionally kept ET active for her to talk to during breaks. Over the years I've picked up bits and pieces of how she struggled with her home-life and the industry, so it was nice to see that the making of this film was probably not one of her bad experiences.
The fact that E.T. never shows adults until the third act of the film reminds me of the same kind of thing with the Peanuts TV specials, and when the adults spoke, it was always with an indiscernible trombone "wah-wah".
I felt a bit sorry for Drew, when she was crying and emotional for real, about ET being hurt, and Elliot being hurt. Young actors really do have it rough in that way. When she was talking about the close encounters doll and said "And that was the end of that!" it was so cute.
@chichizekitty5694 I wonder if this like, taught her more empathy like if she can feel empathy for an et puppet, I bet she could get to anyone's level of understanding😂
Small story. I grew up watching this all the time. The family went to Universal and I get to ride the E.T. ride! While the rest of the family rode the other rides, my mom sat with me and rode it all day until the sun went down. I had a chance to go back. Unfortunately my mother had passed but they still had the ride. I didn’t get to ride on the bikes because they took them out… that was my biggest thing when I was a kid. I didn’t care. They had made the ride more for the modern times but riding that same ride and watching the movie so much as a child… well, I went into the bathroom immediately afterwards and cried. I cried for my childhood and my mother who cared so much and was no longer with me. ET was a part of my life more than I ever realized. I just wanted to ride on the front bikes like the big kids. I miss you mom. I miss you ET. Happy birthday to me.
i got to ride it too when it was still the bikes, that was probably Universal's simplest ride but it was easily the most awe-inspiring and emotional for me as well. sorry for you loss, but i am happy that it carries such a beautiful story with it for you.
Beautiful story but… are you referring to the ET ride at Universal Studios Orlando? Because… they still have the bikes. They ONLY have the bikes. They’ve always had the bikes. The ride has never not had bikes. They used to have rocket ships too, but even when they did, they also had the bikes. Literally what are you talking about.
So... I teach kids at an acting school in my city and when this video popped up on my feed I thought "well, heck, let's sit down and listen to some advice" and... I can't really say this taught me much? But that actually it reassured me tremendously. To me, and to my colleagues, teaching these kids is already a lot like what you describe Spielberg doing. We prioritize giving them room to be themselves, to feel comfortable and safe and ready to play and explore. Sure, we're an acting school and we love to see them honing their craft. But more than that, man, it's just something else to see them develop as themselves. And because of that I actively try to go into everyday ready to listen, to relate to them, and allow a bond to form. Because I've noticed that when that takes place, magical things can happen. That shy kid that used to hide behind his mom's legs (yes, a literal thing that happened!) will suddenly one day be talking you ear off about their week and this show they watch, or whatever. These things matter to them. And they expect you to take them seriously. Because they're people. And when people feel valued, they just shine different. And I've also noticed the camera loves that.
As a father of four wonderfully lovable and loving rascals, this makes me quite emotional. My understanding and own experience is that our job as adults is to teach children how to make themselves, and making them understand why they want to respect some necessary boundaries. Not too many though... 😏
@@Zoroff74 Yeah, I agree 100%! Gotta leave room for them to make a few of their own mistakes too (while hopefully steering them clear of the worst possible ones)
I totally agree with you. I taught middle school literature and social studies. We created a life size pharaoh’s tomb, a Macbeth castle with cardboard and painter’s drop cloth as our scenery as well as a full trench warfare reenactment in my classroom because I wanted to immerse the kids. I loved every second because they actually got into the stories and I wasn’t always fighting the stupid computer. The more I went to them and got them excited, the more they learned. My methods totally worked but I don’t teach anymore because I was told I had to keep them in their seats at the computers. I wasn’t supposed to ‘waste time’ with art and stories. Kids needed nonfiction only so they would be ready to work in business. It’s so frustrating that kids today often can’t think creatively and aren’t successful on standardized tests but I think it’s because we don’t meet the kids on real levels. Thank you for working with kids in a way that allows them to explore and experiment. I miss it.
Significantly, both Henry Thomas and Drew Barrymore also ended up being quite prolific performers as adults. Wonder if that has to do with the environment they were given as first-time actors in E.T.; it just strikes me how respectful the team were with them as children.
I agree. We've always known that acting in Hollywood is often times mentally (and physically) detrimental, specially for child actors. I'm sure a majority of the successful child-to-adult actors had primarily healthy experiences (as it seems like was on the set of ET) vs unhealthy or straight up predatory experiences with the scum of the industry.
11:09 Oh my god, that’s the cutest and most the sweetest things I’ve ever heard in my life. The relationship, and what they did for her. 🥲 And I actually mean EVER. Some people might or would say they lied to her as a child but no they gave her a friend on the stage and one who she’ll never forget.
This mini documentary has me crying like I just watched the movie. It’s so awesome to hear that there was so much love and wholesomeness going on during this film. 😭
I went and watched the full audition, and besides that kid's amazing performance, it made me so glad to hear the masterful way the adult improviser helped to walk him back up out of the improv. Just another way that I'm sure Spielberg went out of his way for his child actors.
I’ve met him before and he seems so chill!! My brain was short circuiting the entire time, going, “Oh my God, ELLIOTT?!?! ELLIOTT?!?!?!”. 😂 I wound up a crying mess. 😂
This was awesome. You told this well. I'd love to see more production stories like this, it was a great change of pace and fascinating to see. I'd never really seen much of any BTS content for ET.
When you talked about Spielberg's real life story that inspired the movie, that got me thinking about how good stories have relatable themes and layers to them. On the surface, this movie is about kids befriending an alien. But deep down, it's a story about people who were separated from their families coming together and forming their own "family." I guess I already knew that stories should have deeper layers to them, but you got me to really *think* about it. I'll have to keep this in mind when I write my own stories from now on.
Man, been with you since No Small Parts and you're really making some of the most engaging and enjoyable videos around. Like, there's a pleasantness they have without being saccharine or shallow. I really appreciate the great care that most go into making these feel so easy going and flow so smoothly.
Henry Thomas is a little older than I am, and ET was THE movie when I was a kid. I watched it again as a teen, while babysitting, and I remember thinking how good the kid actors were, and then being once again emotionally devastated at the end. This is a great video, one of the examples of how TH-cam’s short doc style can really hone in on a small aspect of a topic and bring it to light. Great job.
I was an adult when the film was released. It was the hospital scene that put that lump in my throat, to the point where it was actually painful. I remember thinking something like, "Damn! How long is this gonna go on!?" It had that same effect every time, and I must have gone back a dozen or so times. This video explains SO much. Speilberg will always be one of my top favorite directors. I've been a fan since "Duel".
Spielberg: “Hey John, this is a cute little movie about an alien who befriends a couple of children, so the music doesn’t need to go too hard.” The music: 🎼🎶🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🎶
Henry and Drew made him real for us, too. I could so FEEL them. Kids are...curiosity, exploration...love. Hell, I cried when ET died. I was in my 50's at the time. An adult might freak out in such a situation, but kids think differently. What are you? You are interesting and funny....I love you..because of course they did. I'm happy to see this background info. Yes, learning is play. I enjoy seeing how spielburg played into the kids. IRL...thank you for framing our distant neighbors as friends, not foe. I for one believe they are out there....and that they do NOT have any intention of harming us. All the other movies show their arrival as a tragedy, an extinction event. They aren't helping prepare us; they are causing paranoia. Remember, through our human development, we meet interesting and exotic people very different from us. We learn about them, learn to communicate. We need to keep that open. We may meet beings more interesting and exotic and we need to treat them the same way.
I still don't like the movie much, but Spielberg's child management was lovely, and this telling of it was as usual gripping and beautiful storytelling. So, 2 out of 3 is pretty good. 👍❤
I saw the first showing of “ET” in Santa Cruz, California with my partner. We had spontaneously decided to go to the movies without having any idea of what might be playing. I have been a science fiction/fantasy fanatic since I was eight years old. When we saw that a first view of an upcoming science fiction film was being offered, we joined the line. At the end of the film, EVERYONE was in tears. As one, the entire audience gave the film a standing ovation. For that brief moment we were family.
I keep hearing these horrible stories about famous people. especially around children. So It's really heartwarming to hear one that was so positive. Especially since all of my relationships with adults when I was a kid, were always super healthy, and I don't know where I'd be without them.
I can’t even explain it, but I’m crying while watching this. I think just seeing those kids feel so genuinely and purely for ET shit really got to be I guess. Holy shit. I’m not necessarily prone to cry like this, but I’m bawling like a baby right now. Really good video.
Extraordinary emotions behind the scenes, as well as the actual movie. Spielberg continues his consideration to bring forth phenomenal performances, & numerous films
Thank you for this video! I am now so much more appreciative for the beauty of this film!! It's truly touching to see how those kids were lovingly treated on set
This was one of my absolute favourite movies growing up and seeing Henry in that screen test auditions just blew me away, WOW ! You knew that he got the job with a smile and tears running down his face. Amazing! It's a shame he didn't become a big star later in life....😢
You always hear stories about directors abusing the actors on their sets, Shelly Duvall being one of the most famous examples, but you never hear that about Spielberg. He makes magic without the need to push his actors into extreme situations. Truly a legend.
Thank you for making this ‘behind the scenes’. No wonder that Spielberg has won so many awards, what a director! That is the password for me when deciding which movie to watch “Spielberg “. The way he was able to work with these children in a way that they can feel what the character is feeling. It was wonderful watching behind the scenes, especially Drew, she could truly cry at the drop of a hat, and just 6 years old❤.
This movie and Tron were the first movies I ever saw. I was 8 and just adopted. This movie presentation changed my life. I didn't know what pretend could be. I never thought this was real, but I also didn't the power of pretend.
It takes a special type of person to empower others. It takes someone who leads not just with their intellect, talent, or their ego. Spielberg was intuitive enough, not only to listen to his young actors; but also hold space for their thoughts, and feelings. He not only welcomed their opinions, he applauded and implemented them. Nothing is more empowering! As a retired English and drama teacher I can honestly say that my “kids” made every production I directed so much better than I could have ever imagined. I would share my vision; they did all the hard work, while I received the lions’ share of the glory. Listen carefully to Spielberg’s words, they hold the key to a world of US, rather than a world of ME. ME. ME. Spielberg’s genius comes from acknowledging, and implementing the gifts of others regardless of who they are or where they come from. He knows we learn for all those we encounter; his ego allows him to share his accolades. ❤
Children really respond when you talk to them on their level and treat them with respect. Spielberg seems like such a sweet guy. He's like this in behind the scenes footage of Temple of Doom as well (where you can also see him mutually flirting with Kate Capshaw, which was freaking adorable).
Great to see you're back on track (or just noticing it now) Brandon. You're making incredible content, this one was able to even pluck at my heartstrings.
Wasn’t expecting to cry during this. Hell, I wasn’t expecting to watch this entire video. But as an E.T. Viewer (I wouldn’t even say fan, but I am, apparently.) but as an adult Game Designer/Systems Developer in the video game industry, and human-being and kid at heart, the lessons and behind-the-scenes-just broke me from how much I brig relate, related, and continue to try and create so people can relate. Thank you for this random video that I needed tonight.
ET was part of my childhood, I've also watched most of Henry's movies as a youngster, he was one of the best. Also, I loved his audition. Thanks for uploading this video, it was awesome.
I love the ET Christmas commercial. Eliot meeting ET was awesome He wasn't really wanting to do the commercial but when he was told the Spielberg was supporting it he jumped on it.
an imaginative artist being able to act like a child is exactly right. let them play, dream, explore, they're children. but this approach should be used with everyone, that's part of what art is.
If you say this movie didn't make you cry, or at least get very choked up, you either have no soul, or you're lying. I'm choked up watching the end of this video.....
this taught me theres no ethical way to use child actors. best case scenario is politely manipulating children into genuinely experiencing grief and loss
beautifully made video i just watched Drew in Santa Clarita Diet (on netflix - incredibly entertaining show) and having not seen her for some time in a film/tv, i was so impressed. What an amazingly entertaining and talented actress. Wonderful to see her so young here in ET showing that talent already.
Steven Spielberg is an amazing Director. It’s hard to direct children, but Steven Spielberg can do it, that is amazing thing to be able to do. Children are much harder to direct in adults.
"Talk to them like equals." Well, duh. Everyone should talk to children like equals. They ARE equals... just a bit younger. Being young makes them inexperienced, not stupid. (My mother taught me that "dumb" is when you don't know any better; "stupid" is when you know better but don't use that knowledge. So kids are dumb but they're not stupid. Dumb is correctable.)
I think it's very telling, looking at the friendship between Stephen and Drew even today. Drew will be turning 50 this February yet she still has a father-daughter like relationship with Stephen. ET came out the summer between 7th and 8th grade for me, so I'm a bit older than Drew. It blows my mind that she is nearly 50 now.
Have you seen his screentest? This kid knew how to act like that in the screentest. He was amazing. You're giving credit too much credit to Spielberg for his talent.
@@aestheticalrose4553 i did ... but again. the thumbnail says: "he's not acting". NO! WRONG!! This kid was acting better than actors 10 times his age. The video gives too much credit to the director for what Henry Thomas brings to the table. Do you really disagree with this statement?
Kid energy. How irritating....and admirable. I remember. I remember when motion was effortless and squeals and laughter came unbidden. We had all the energy in the world and we were desperate to express it. Gods I wish I had a quarter of that now! (65) The laughter of children at play reminds me of those happy times. Kids aren't naturally still or quiet. I need that inspiration occasionally. I hope to never lose the joy of exploration and discovery. That is how learning happens.
I heard a science personality the other day say that E.T. was actually a plant (not an animal). In the big picture of evolution it made sense. It was such an interesting concept. In the grander scheme of things, who’s to say how far plants may eventually evolve? It makes this benevolent character more interesting yet.
ET really shows how amazing Speilberg is as a director. Henry was a pretty good child actor, but his performance for “Cloak and Dagger” was not any where NEAR as good as his performance in ET.
What I'd like to know is how he got the kid from Close Encounters to change his expressions from an angry "Who did this" to a sweet playful expression in about 15 seconds.
Spielberg knocked this out of the park! I went with a friend when it first came out. I cried of course lol I then asked my boyfriend at the time to go with me. When it got to the part where ET was dying by boyfriend asked if that’s the part where he was supposed to cry, I was ready to leave. Can’t watch an awesome movie like this with someone like him! lol We didn’t last much longer after that. It’s nice to see how the two youngest actors were so into it like that. One of the best movies I’ve seen.
I recently watched a documentary, about other child stars getting yelled at and abused to get them crying.. The fact that Spielberg instead was DIRECTING them, like a director, on a level they understood, is mindblowing XD That is simply too cute
That's terrible. :( But it makes it all the better that Spielberg was able to get Henry Thomas so invested in the storyline that he didn't need any outside influence to cry. That's both good directing AND good writing.
@@xylopiano3for real! Goes to show just how good Spielberg is at writing stories that get you invested, wether you realize it or not
normalize not abusing children!
Same. The documentary I watched was about old Hollywood, so while I was horrified, I didn't have a strong connection to the movies. When this showed up in my recommended, I came in fully prepared to have a childhood favorite ruined. It was bittersweet seeing adult Drew Barrymore learn that they intentionally kept ET active for her to talk to during breaks. Over the years I've picked up bits and pieces of how she struggled with her home-life and the industry, so it was nice to see that the making of this film was probably not one of her bad experiences.
Spielberg molested him and every other child star he “made”.
The fact that E.T. never shows adults until the third act of the film reminds me of the same kind of thing with the Peanuts TV specials, and when the adults spoke, it was always with an indiscernible trombone "wah-wah".
His mom is in it from the beginning
@@amazingvioletrose1680I’m gonna hold your hand when I say this…
@@amazingvioletrose1680lol bro either only read half of the comment or is really just that oblivious to peanuts
The kids were not acting. They got brainwashed into actually feeling emotion for the E.T. puppet.
Aw man they deleted their comment, wish I coulda seen it lol
I felt a bit sorry for Drew, when she was crying and emotional for real, about ET being hurt, and Elliot being hurt. Young actors really do have it rough in that way. When she was talking about the close encounters doll and said "And that was the end of that!" it was so cute.
@ebonypegasus9864 Yeahh.. unfortunately kids that young doesn't really have a deep understanding of real and pretend..
@chichizekitty5694 I wonder if this like, taught her more empathy like if she can feel empathy for an et puppet, I bet she could get to anyone's level of understanding😂
@@heehoopeanut420I wouldn’t be surprised. I’m still very connected to characters as an adult and I’m very empathetic.
She was already an alcoholic by the time she was in ET.
Small story. I grew up watching this all the time. The family went to Universal and I get to ride the E.T. ride! While the rest of the family rode the other rides, my mom sat with me and rode it all day until the sun went down.
I had a chance to go back. Unfortunately my mother had passed but they still had the ride. I didn’t get to ride on the bikes because they took them out… that was my biggest thing when I was a kid. I didn’t care. They had made the ride more for the modern times but riding that same ride and watching the movie so much as a child… well, I went into the bathroom immediately afterwards and cried. I cried for my childhood and my mother who cared so much and was no longer with me. ET was a part of my life more than I ever realized. I just wanted to ride on the front bikes like the big kids.
I miss you mom. I miss you ET. Happy birthday to me.
Happy birthday. I'm sorry for your loss
Happy Birthday! I am so glad you had a loving mother, you are blessed. And thank you for sharing the story.
i got to ride it too when it was still the bikes, that was probably Universal's simplest ride but it was easily the most awe-inspiring and emotional for me as well. sorry for you loss, but i am happy that it carries such a beautiful story with it for you.
Beautiful story but… are you referring to the ET ride at Universal Studios Orlando? Because… they still have the bikes. They ONLY have the bikes. They’ve always had the bikes. The ride has never not had bikes. They used to have rocket ships too, but even when they did, they also had the bikes. Literally what are you talking about.
Happy birthday! 🎁 🎂
So sorry to hear about your loss of your mother! 😢
That was awesome that Spielberg shot the film from beginning to end instead of jumping around. I'm sure it helped the child actors a lot!
Harrison Ford only being in a deleted scene with his face hidden is VERY funny.
So... I teach kids at an acting school in my city and when this video popped up on my feed I thought "well, heck, let's sit down and listen to some advice" and... I can't really say this taught me much? But that actually it reassured me tremendously. To me, and to my colleagues, teaching these kids is already a lot like what you describe Spielberg doing. We prioritize giving them room to be themselves, to feel comfortable and safe and ready to play and explore. Sure, we're an acting school and we love to see them honing their craft. But more than that, man, it's just something else to see them develop as themselves.
And because of that I actively try to go into everyday ready to listen, to relate to them, and allow a bond to form. Because I've noticed that when that takes place, magical things can happen. That shy kid that used to hide behind his mom's legs (yes, a literal thing that happened!) will suddenly one day be talking you ear off about their week and this show they watch, or whatever. These things matter to them. And they expect you to take them seriously. Because they're people. And when people feel valued, they just shine different. And I've also noticed the camera loves that.
Love hearing this. You sound like you know what you’re doing!
As a father of four wonderfully lovable and loving rascals, this makes me quite emotional. My understanding and own experience is that our job as adults is to teach children how to make themselves, and making them understand why they want to respect some necessary boundaries. Not too many though... 😏
@@Zoroff74 Yeah, I agree 100%! Gotta leave room for them to make a few of their own mistakes too (while hopefully steering them clear of the worst possible ones)
Kids need more people like you, showing a little kindness and understanding can go a long way.... even a life time.
I totally agree with you. I taught middle school literature and social studies. We created a life size pharaoh’s tomb, a Macbeth castle with cardboard and painter’s drop cloth as our scenery as well as a full trench warfare reenactment in my classroom because I wanted to immerse the kids. I loved every second because they actually got into the stories and I wasn’t always fighting the stupid computer. The more I went to them and got them excited, the more they learned. My methods totally worked but I don’t teach anymore because I was told I had to keep them in their seats at the computers. I wasn’t supposed to ‘waste time’ with art and stories. Kids needed nonfiction only so they would be ready to work in business. It’s so frustrating that kids today often can’t think creatively and aren’t successful on standardized tests but I think it’s because we don’t meet the kids on real levels. Thank you for working with kids in a way that allows them to explore and experiment. I miss it.
Significantly, both Henry Thomas and Drew Barrymore also ended up being quite prolific performers as adults. Wonder if that has to do with the environment they were given as first-time actors in E.T.; it just strikes me how respectful the team were with them as children.
Drew Barrymore was bred and born to be an actor.
you might want to rephrase that as "prolific performers as adults" as people might get confused haha
I agree. We've always known that acting in Hollywood is often times mentally (and physically) detrimental, specially for child actors. I'm sure a majority of the successful child-to-adult actors had primarily healthy experiences (as it seems like was on the set of ET) vs unhealthy or straight up predatory experiences with the scum of the industry.
@@GWNorth-db8vnyeah, she is the definition of a nepo baby. Thank goodness she’s talented!
I'm crying?! Wtf! Spielperg he just made a goodbye feel so real
This is so much better than the movie.
@@MrCrowebobby
I’d have to politely disagree, since I grew up really loving the film. But this is STILL awesome.
That steven kept ET alive for Drew in those down times is so special and important to keep her engaged fully
How refreshing to hear a positive story about directors and children for once 😅
I'm glad to hear this, because I thought the video would be another one about abuse of children. You make me want to watch the video.
Spielberg has questionable character these days
Oof
Im a voice actor, the "as if" technique works for me, really raises the stakes of whatever im doing.
11:09 Oh my god, that’s the cutest and most the sweetest things I’ve ever heard in my life. The relationship, and what they did for her. 🥲 And I actually mean EVER. Some people might or would say they lied to her as a child but no they gave her a friend on the stage and one who she’ll never forget.
This mini documentary has me crying like I just watched the movie. It’s so awesome to hear that there was so much love and wholesomeness going on during this film. 😭
This movie was nothing less than MAGIC.
I couldn’t agree more. 😂
I went and watched the full audition, and besides that kid's amazing performance, it made me so glad to hear the masterful way the adult improviser helped to walk him back up out of the improv. Just another way that I'm sure Spielberg went out of his way for his child actors.
Spielberg is one of the few directors in Hollywood who doesn’t treat his actors terribly.
Man I never cried with E.T. but now if I watch it again I'm gonna be a mess 😭
For real 😂
Same!!!
My mom had the pleasure of being one of Henry Thomas' teachers. She taught in the East Central Independent School District.
I’ve met him before and he seems so chill!! My brain was short circuiting the entire time, going, “Oh my God, ELLIOTT?!?! ELLIOTT?!?!?!”. 😂 I wound up a crying mess. 😂
This was awesome. You told this well. I'd love to see more production stories like this, it was a great change of pace and fascinating to see. I'd never really seen much of any BTS content for ET.
His talent for bringing out the best from kids also on full display in Empire of the Sun.
True, another gem
YES. Underrated movie these days but so good. Christian Bale was phenomenal in it.
That audition tape of his moved me. I don't know about now, but Henry Thomas was great in E.T.
When you talked about Spielberg's real life story that inspired the movie, that got me thinking about how good stories have relatable themes and layers to them. On the surface, this movie is about kids befriending an alien. But deep down, it's a story about people who were separated from their families coming together and forming their own "family." I guess I already knew that stories should have deeper layers to them, but you got me to really *think* about it. I'll have to keep this in mind when I write my own stories from now on.
Man, been with you since No Small Parts and you're really making some of the most engaging and enjoyable videos around. Like, there's a pleasantness they have without being saccharine or shallow. I really appreciate the great care that most go into making these feel so easy going and flow so smoothly.
Thanks for the kind words 🙏
so glad you're getting sponsors. your voice is perfect for these videos.
Henry Thomas is a little older than I am, and ET was THE movie when I was a kid. I watched it again as a teen, while babysitting, and I remember thinking how good the kid actors were, and then being once again emotionally devastated at the end. This is a great video, one of the examples of how TH-cam’s short doc style can really hone in on a small aspect of a topic and bring it to light. Great job.
I was an adult when the film was released. It was the hospital scene that put that lump in my throat, to the point where it was actually painful. I remember thinking something like, "Damn! How long is this gonna go on!?" It had that same effect every time, and I must have gone back a dozen or so times. This video explains SO much. Speilberg will always be one of my top favorite directors. I've been a fan since "Duel".
Spielberg: “Hey John, this is a cute little movie about an alien who befriends a couple of children, so the music doesn’t need to go too hard.”
The music: 🎼🎶🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🎶
Henry and Drew made him real for us, too. I could so FEEL them. Kids are...curiosity, exploration...love. Hell, I cried when ET died. I was in my 50's at the time. An adult might freak out in such a situation, but kids think differently. What are you? You are interesting and funny....I love you..because of course they did. I'm happy to see this background info. Yes, learning is play. I enjoy seeing how spielburg played into the kids. IRL...thank you for framing our distant neighbors as friends, not foe. I for one believe they are out there....and that they do NOT have any intention of harming us. All the other movies show their arrival as a tragedy, an extinction event. They aren't helping prepare us; they are causing paranoia. Remember, through our human development, we meet interesting and exotic people very different from us. We learn about them, learn to communicate. We need to keep that open. We may meet beings more interesting and exotic and we need to treat them the same way.
it was a unique film with actors content and something i think people take for granted that even makes me cry now... LOVE
That part on Child's Play where Alex Vincent says over and over "he's going to me" May have been the greatest Child actor performance of all time!
Big mystery of the universe: Why this channel is so small?
We’re working on correcting that
@@TheBackFocusI don't think anyone could do better.
Algorithm
Not for long I can feel it lol
55k subs is not small. dude makes money off these videos and has 55k subs.
when movies were original masterpieces not just remakes and sequels sad how hollywood lost their creativity
I still don't like the movie much, but Spielberg's child management was lovely, and this telling of it was as usual gripping and beautiful storytelling.
So, 2 out of 3 is pretty good. 👍❤
Why do you not like the movie?
What a phenomenal lil documentary. Cant wait to show my brother and my dad. Just brilliant!!!!
I saw the first showing of “ET” in Santa Cruz, California with my partner. We had spontaneously decided to go to the movies without having any idea of what might be playing. I have been a science fiction/fantasy fanatic since I was eight years old. When we saw that a first view of an upcoming science fiction film was being offered, we joined the line. At the end of the film, EVERYONE was in tears. As one, the entire audience gave the film a standing ovation. For that brief moment we were family.
I first watched the movie in 1986 at age 2, and it's been my favourite film ever since. The acting, the story, the score, it's all wonderful.
I keep hearing these horrible stories about famous people. especially around children. So It's really heartwarming to hear one that was so positive. Especially since all of my relationships with adults when I was a kid, were always super healthy, and I don't know where I'd be without them.
Very lovely & well made video. Loved how wholesome the filming for this movie turned out to be
I can’t even explain it, but I’m crying while watching this. I think just seeing those kids feel so genuinely and purely for ET shit really got to be I guess. Holy shit. I’m not necessarily prone to cry like this, but I’m bawling like a baby right now. Really good video.
Extraordinary emotions behind the scenes, as well as the actual movie. Spielberg continues his consideration to bring forth phenomenal performances, & numerous films
Thank you for this video! I am now so much more appreciative for the beauty of this film!! It's truly touching to see how those kids were lovingly treated on set
This was one of my absolute favourite movies growing up and seeing Henry in that screen test auditions just blew me away, WOW ! You knew that he got the job with a smile and tears running down his face. Amazing! It's a shame he didn't become a big star later in life....😢
They did that with To Kill A Mockingbird, too. It worked magic with those kids in the film.
You always hear stories about directors abusing the actors on their sets, Shelly Duvall being one of the most famous examples, but you never hear that about Spielberg. He makes magic without the need to push his actors into extreme situations. Truly a legend.
This is how all movies and material involving kids should be, the magic is really in this one!!
Thank you for making this ‘behind the scenes’. No wonder that Spielberg has won so many awards, what a director! That is the password for me when deciding which movie to watch “Spielberg “. The way he was able to work with these children in a way that they can feel what the character is feeling. It was wonderful watching behind the scenes, especially Drew, she could truly cry at the drop of a hat, and just 6 years old❤.
This movie and Tron were the first movies I ever saw. I was 8 and just adopted. This movie presentation changed my life. I didn't know what pretend could be. I never thought this was real, but I also didn't the power of pretend.
This is so beautiful, I should watch E.T. again, its been so long and I was a kid, I can appreciate it more now and cry for real 😭
It takes a special type of person to empower others. It takes someone who leads not just with their intellect, talent, or their ego.
Spielberg was intuitive enough, not only to listen to his young actors; but also hold space for their thoughts, and feelings. He not only welcomed their opinions, he applauded and implemented them. Nothing is more empowering!
As a retired English and drama teacher I can honestly say that my “kids” made every production I directed so much better than I could have ever imagined. I would
share my vision; they did all the hard work, while I received the lions’ share of the glory.
Listen carefully to Spielberg’s words, they hold the key to a world of US, rather than a world of ME. ME. ME.
Spielberg’s genius comes from acknowledging, and implementing the gifts of others regardless of who they are or where they come from. He knows we learn for all those we encounter; his ego allows him to share his accolades. ❤
Children really respond when you talk to them on their level and treat them with respect. Spielberg seems like such a sweet guy. He's like this in behind the scenes footage of Temple of Doom as well (where you can also see him mutually flirting with Kate Capshaw, which was freaking adorable).
Great to see you're back on track (or just noticing it now) Brandon. You're making incredible content, this one was able to even pluck at my heartstrings.
Wasn’t expecting to cry during this. Hell, I wasn’t expecting to watch this entire video. But as an E.T. Viewer (I wouldn’t even say fan, but I am, apparently.) but as an adult Game Designer/Systems Developer in the video game industry, and human-being and kid at heart, the lessons and behind-the-scenes-just broke me from how much I brig relate, related, and continue to try and create so people can relate. Thank you for this random video that I needed tonight.
ET was part of my childhood, I've also watched most of Henry's movies as a youngster, he was one of the best. Also, I loved his audition. Thanks for uploading this video, it was awesome.
This was one of the best Back Focus vids so far, it flowed really nicely
I love the ET Christmas commercial. Eliot meeting ET was awesome He wasn't really wanting to do the commercial but when he was told the Spielberg was supporting it he jumped on it.
an imaginative artist being able to act like a child is exactly right. let them play, dream, explore, they're children. but this approach should be used with everyone, that's part of what art is.
I haven't watched this movie in a WHILE but this whole video had me in FULL ON TEARS! Jeez, what a great film.
I love this. You’re a great storyteller yourself!
The boy from ET is the dad in Hunting of the Hill House.
He's in most of Flannigan's stories. Bly Manor, House of Usher, Midnight Mass....he used him in Doctor Sleep too. He's always been good!
I think Spliberg is a great dad and gramps too. He has a talent to connect with his actors.
If you say this movie didn't make you cry, or at least get very choked up, you either have no soul, or you're lying. I'm choked up watching the end of this video.....
I haven’t seen it since I was a kid. I imagine it would break me now
this taught me theres no ethical way to use child actors. best case scenario is politely manipulating children into genuinely experiencing grief and loss
I've seen the audition tape, and yes he was acting. he's just very good at it.
E.T has always been my favourite film ❤
This movie is a classic for a reason!
beautifully made video
i just watched Drew in Santa Clarita Diet (on netflix - incredibly entertaining show) and having not seen her for some time in a film/tv, i was so impressed. What an amazingly entertaining and talented actress. Wonderful to see her so young here in ET showing that talent already.
Sounds like being Spielberg's children would be wonderful.
Spielberg is so professional. That's why he is one of the renowned directors of all time.
Steven Spielberg is an amazing Director. It’s hard to direct children, but Steven Spielberg can do it, that is amazing thing to be able to do. Children are much harder to direct in adults.
I've never seen this movie and this still made me cry...
I really thought this was gonna be about child abuse. I was pleasantly surprised.
Spielberg is now, officially, my favorite director!
Very well produced video!
“Oh, it’s homemade. I can tell. Thank you!”
"Talk to them like equals." Well, duh. Everyone should talk to children like equals. They ARE equals... just a bit younger. Being young makes them inexperienced, not stupid. (My mother taught me that "dumb" is when you don't know any better; "stupid" is when you know better but don't use that knowledge. So kids are dumb but they're not stupid. Dumb is correctable.)
That's exactly how I think about it. I always say that stupidity is cognitive/intellectual laziness. Even highly intelligent people can be stupid.
While it's obvious sadly that's not the norm
Boy that Brought back memories.
This one hit different 🥲
Great video! Thanks for sharing all the BTS footage :) ET is one of the best films of all time. Probably top 5 of family films.
They should shoot every movie that they can in chronological order. It would help out adult actors also.
Ok I haven’t properly seen the movie, watching little Drew STARTLE at the defibrillator breaks my heart oh my gosh
You have to watch it. My teacher made us watch it in grade school; it really is an incredible movie.
one of theee best movies and touching😍, 80s a true time can watch this movie over and over never get tired of.
I think it's very telling, looking at the friendship between Stephen and Drew even today. Drew will be turning 50 this February yet she still has a father-daughter like relationship with Stephen.
ET came out the summer between 7th and 8th grade for me, so I'm a bit older than Drew. It blows my mind that she is nearly 50 now.
Great video dude! Cant believe you’re only at 55k
Why is this channel so under? I'm actually tearing up!
Have you seen his screentest? This kid knew how to act like that in the screentest. He was amazing. You're giving credit too much credit to Spielberg for his talent.
He literally brings up the screentest… did you watch the video?
I came for the same reason.
Giving credit to anyone else is like giving an art dealer credit for the works of DaVinci
@@aestheticalrose4553 i did ... but again. the thumbnail says: "he's not acting". NO! WRONG!! This kid was acting better than actors 10 times his age. The video gives too much credit to the director for what Henry Thomas brings to the table. Do you really disagree with this statement?
I'm still trying to get past the opening of his verse very personal film with no explanation of why that would be the case.
That's hardly the point, "he is not acting" merely means that there were real emotions involved.
Kid energy. How irritating....and admirable. I remember. I remember when motion was effortless and squeals and laughter came unbidden. We had all the energy in the world and we were desperate to express it. Gods I wish I had a quarter of that now! (65) The laughter of children at play reminds me of those happy times. Kids aren't naturally still or quiet. I need that inspiration occasionally. I hope to never lose the joy of exploration and discovery. That is how learning happens.
Spielberg didn't have to do anything special to get that performance out of Henry. He always had it in him, and the audition tape proves that.
I heard a science personality the other day say that E.T. was actually a plant (not an animal). In the big picture of evolution it made sense. It was such an interesting concept. In the grander scheme of things, who’s to say how far plants may eventually evolve? It makes this benevolent character more interesting yet.
ET really shows how amazing Speilberg is as a director. Henry was a pretty good child actor, but his performance for “Cloak and Dagger” was not any where NEAR as good as his performance in ET.
Old Soviet cartoon "Film, Film, Film!" have small, but realistic episode about recording children.
I've never seen Young Spielberg. He was a cool guy, i bet the kids idolised him.
What I'd like to know is how he got the kid from Close Encounters to change his expressions from an angry "Who did this" to a sweet playful expression in about 15 seconds.
Spielberg knocked this out of the park! I went with a friend when it first came out. I cried of course lol I then asked my boyfriend at the time to go with me. When it got to the part where ET was dying by boyfriend asked if that’s the part where he was supposed to cry, I was ready to leave. Can’t watch an awesome movie like this with someone like him! lol We didn’t last much longer after that.
It’s nice to see how the two youngest actors were so into it like that. One of the best movies I’ve seen.
Barrymore was adorable!
Great vid! And I knew i recognised your lovely voice from College Humour!
Never worked for College Humor, lol
Hahaha whoops
Excellent observations!
where are all these behind the scenes clips available?
Most of them come with the most recent physical 4K release.
Beautiful
aaaaand i subscribed, great video man!
Henry Thomas was the best child actor ever.