Class Discussion Questions
E. T.: The Extraterrestrial
PART I: Elliott
- What is the central problem of Elliott's life?
- How does the movie use the E. T. character to suggest a solution
to this problem?
- In what ways are Elliott's and E.T.'s plights the same?
- What is E.T.'s relationship to Elliott?
- How is the music used to depict or enhance this relationship?
PART II: The Final Scene
- How does the music in the final scene of the movie make you
feel?
- Discuss what is happening in the music that creates this
experience for you.
- Is the visual element as powerful as the music in this scene?
- What is the music trying to make you feel about what has
happened in the plot up to this point?
PART III: Manipulation
- Where is music used to signify pure emotion?
- Did you feel like you were being emotionally manipulated
in this film? Where? If so, how does the music come into play
in these moments?
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