In this spoiler-heavy discussion, we take a more in-depth look at Spielberg’s Jaws, Close Encounters, and E.T. in comparison to Super 8. Alex gets kind of angry about people who like E.T. and explains what he likes M Night Shymalan. A theory about Close Encounters as it pertains to Spielberg’s legacy is also discussed.
Episode 25: Henry Thomas Never Became a Star
And an mp3 of this episode can be found here.
CORRECTION: Alex at one point states that it is conceivable that Jurassic Park was the first movie pitched as a blockbuster, which is absolute horseshit and completely incorrect. Even if we only look at the 1980s, you would have Raiders of the Lost Ark, Back to the Future and probably even Ghostbusters pitched as big event films, not to mention a number of other hits. Also, Billy Jack was the name of the first film advertised on television. And we can go back as far as Invasion of the Body Snatchers to find anti-suburbia sentiments in film.
As promised, here is Henry Thomas’ audition for the role of Elliott in E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, and here is a breakdown of the differences between the original and 20th Anniversary versions of that film.
