Blank Check with Griffin & David Episode: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Release Date: February 16, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Blank Check with Griffin & David, hosts Griffin Newman and David Sims embark on an in-depth exploration of Steven Spielberg's iconic film, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Produced by Ben Hosley, the duo delves into the film's production history, thematic elements, technical innovations, and enduring legacy, all while interspersing their signature humor and insightful commentary.

Revisiting the 20th Anniversary Edition

[00:56] David: "Spielberg, within one year of it was like, that was a mistake. Pulled the 20th version from circulation, and now it's hard to watch that."

Griffin and David begin by discussing the 20th Anniversary Edition of E.T., released in 2002. They highlight Spielberg's decision to retract this version due to significant alterations that deviated from the original vision. Notably, the infamous "penis breath" line was removed, replaced with less controversial dialogue in response to post-9/11 sensitivities.

[02:25] David: "He does [remove the line]."

This segment underscores Spielberg's commitment to preserving the film's integrity, even at the cost of shelving an entire revised edition.

Designing E.T.: Animatronics and Puppetry

[03:08] David: "Like, it's an ETL insult."

The conversation shifts to the technical brilliance behind E.T.'s design. Carlo Rambaldi, renowned for his work on Close Encounters of the Third Kind, was brought on to create E.T. The hosts commend the seamless blend of animatronics, puppetry, and a person in a suit, which gave E.T. his lifelike presence without appearing overly mechanical.

[33:11] Griffin: "He is a very funny looking guy."

They discuss how Rambaldi's design strikes a balance between being endearing and slightly off-putting, ensuring that audiences form an emotional bond with the character.

Casting Choices: Drew Barrymore and Henry Thomas

[46:25] Griffin: "Drew Barrymore is great. I love her so much in this movie."

Drew Barrymore's portrayal of Gertie, Elliot's younger sister, receives particular praise. Her authentic, childlike energy adds depth to the family dynamic without overstepping into precociousness. Similarly, Henry Thomas's performance as Elliot is lauded for its raw emotionality, capturing the essence of a lonely boy yearning for connection.

[48:48] Griffin: "He had a good take... the emotional connection."

Their discussion touches on the audition process, highlighting Spielberg's method of assessing the children's authenticity and ability to improvise, ensuring genuine interactions on screen.

Themes and Emotional Impact

[103:00] David: "E.T. is just about, in the abstract, having an experience that changes you forever."

Griffin and David delve into the film's core themes: loneliness, the yearning for connection, and the transformative power of friendship. They explore how E.T. serves as a catalyst for Elliot's emotional growth, bridging the gap between childhood innocence and the complexities of adolescence.

[105:04] Griffin: "That's the thing where I get a little bit like, Steve, I actually need to know less about you sometimes."

The hosts compare E.T. to other Spielberg classics, emphasizing its unique position as a deeply personal yet universally relatable narrative.

John Williams' Iconic Score

[117:37] David: "It was four hours long spiel. And Spielberg watched it and his response was, I never in my life thought I would make a movie this good."

John Williams' score for E.T. is a focal point of discussion. The hosts admire how the music elevates the film's emotional resonance, seamlessly intertwining with Spielberg's vision to enhance pivotal scenes without overshadowing them.

[126:11] Griffin: "The first use of the flying theme is the first time he flies."

They highlight specific moments where the score intensifies the narrative, such as the bike chase and the finale, underscoring its role in guiding the audience's emotional journey.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

[130:12] Ben: "But I love that he's found a little piece of clothing that fits him."

Griffin and David reflect on E.T.'s enduring legacy in cinema and popular culture. They discuss its groundbreaking special effects, heartfelt storytelling, and how it set a benchmark for emotional storytelling in films.

[133:17] Griffin: "And it's a movie that tells a story where it does work."

The hosts affirm that E.T. remains a timeless piece, continuing to resonate with audiences decades after its release.

Spielberg's Reflections and the Perfect Movie

[167:18] Ben: "And it. And it's just like unbeatable. It is possible other movies might do it easier, but you're already there."

Concluding the episode, Griffin and David convey Spielberg's own reflections on E.T., emphasizing his satisfaction with its perfection. They touch upon Spielberg's reluctance to revisit the film with sequels or significant alterations, underscoring his belief that E.T. stands as a singular masterpiece in his illustrious career.

[168:11] David: "And it's just like undeniable. Undeniable, unwavering, eternal power."

Conclusion

This Blank Check episode offers a comprehensive analysis of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, blending technical insights with emotional examination. Griffin and David celebrate the film's artistic achievements while acknowledging its profound impact on both Spielberg's career and global audiences. For cinephiles and casual viewers alike, this episode serves as a testament to E.T.'s timeless magic and enduring significance in the annals of film history.

Notable Quotes:

• David [00:56]: "Spielberg, within one year of it was like, that was a mistake. Pulled the 20th version from circulation, and now it's hard to watch that."

• Griffin [03:08]: "Like, it's an ETL insult."

• David [46:25]: "E.T. is just about, in the abstract, having an experience that changes you forever."

• Griffin [117:37]: "The first use of the flying theme is the first time he flies."

• David [167:18]: "And it's just like undeniable. Undeniable, unwavering, eternal power."

This summary encapsulates the essence of the podcast episode, providing a structured and insightful overview of the hosts' discussions on E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.