Friendship

Friendship is a key theme in many of Spielberg's films. He enjoys showing how two individuals from very different backgrounds can overcome their differences to form a strong and lasting relationship. In E.T. he has his greatest challenge showing how an earthling and an alien can come together to the betterment of both. As the film progresses the audience watches as Elliott goes from thinking of the alien as a possible pet to accepting it as an equal. Slowly the two friends learn to compensate for each other's shortcomings and form a strong team. But the relationship goes beyond their ability to work together. In the end E.T. demonstrates his deep commitment to the friendship when he chooses to break his connection with Elliott, even though it means that the alien would die. E.T. was not willing to risk the boy's life in order to...