E.T. proves once again that Christ-figures come in the most unlikely of packages. This stumpy, leathery alien is undeniably intended to act as a parallel to the sacrificial son of God. All it takes is one glance at the films poster which is clearly modelled on Michelangelos Creation of Adam to know that Spielbergs 1982 film is going to encompass a cinematic religious parable. This parable comes in the form of the iconic little alien. The most obvious connection between E.T. and Christ is his resurrection near the end of the film, where Elliott had feared his buddy from another galaxy had perished. In his review for the Financial Times, Andrew Nigel observed that E.T. had been subjected to "crucifixion by military science resurrection by love and faith". E.T. never shows any anger at his plight on earth, showing the forgiveness which is one of the integral pillars of Christian teaching.
Hailing from South East London, Sam Heard is an aspiring writer and recent graduate from the University of Warwick. Sam's favourite things include energy drinks, late nights spent watching the UFC with his girlfriend and annihilating his friends at FIFA.
