Alien vs. Et

Attribute	Alien	Et
Origin	Outer space	Earth
Appearance	Reptilian-like	Humanoid
Communication	Primarily non-verbal	Verbal
Behavior	Aggressive	Friendly
Storyline	Horror/Thriller	Family/Adventure

Plot

Alien and E.T. are both iconic science fiction films that have captured the hearts of audiences around the world. While both movies involve extraterrestrial beings, their plots are quite different. Alien follows the crew of the spaceship Nostromo as they encounter a deadly alien creature that begins picking them off one by one. The tension and horror in Alien come from the claustrophobic setting of the spaceship and the relentless pursuit of the alien. On the other hand, E.T. tells the story of a friendly alien who becomes stranded on Earth and befriends a young boy named Elliott. The focus in E.T. is on the heartwarming bond between the alien and the boy, as well as the government's attempts to capture E.T. for study.

Setting

The settings of Alien and E.T. play a crucial role in shaping the tone and atmosphere of each film. Alien takes place in the cold, industrial environment of the spaceship Nostromo, which adds to the sense of isolation and vulnerability felt by the crew. The dark, cramped corridors of the ship create a sense of claustrophobia that heightens the tension as the alien stalks its prey. In contrast, E.T. is set in a suburban neighborhood, with a focus on the warmth and familiarity of home. The cozy setting of Elliott's house provides a stark contrast to the alien's otherworldly presence, emphasizing the theme of friendship and acceptance.

Characters

The characters in Alien and E.T. are vastly different in terms of their roles and motivations. In Alien, the crew of the Nostromo are portrayed as working-class individuals who are simply trying to survive the alien threat. Each character has their own distinct personality and flaws, which adds depth to the story as they are picked off one by one. On the other hand, E.T. focuses on the relationship between the alien and the human characters, particularly Elliott and his family. E.T. himself is a lovable and curious creature who forms a strong bond with Elliott, while the human characters are portrayed as caring and compassionate individuals who come together to protect E.T. from harm.

Themes

Both Alien and E.T. explore themes of isolation, friendship, and the unknown, but in very different ways. Alien delves into the fear of the unknown and the horrors that can arise from encountering something beyond our understanding. The alien in Alien represents a primal fear of the other, as well as the dangers of unchecked curiosity and ambition. In contrast, E.T. focuses on the power of friendship and empathy to bridge the gap between different species. The bond between Elliott and E.T. serves as a metaphor for the importance of connection and understanding in a world filled with fear and mistrust.

Visual Effects

Both Alien and E.T. were groundbreaking in terms of their visual effects, but for different reasons. Alien is known for its gritty and realistic portrayal of the alien creature, which was brought to life through practical effects and puppetry. The design of the alien, with its biomechanical appearance and acid blood, remains iconic to this day. In contrast, E.T. is remembered for its use of animatronics and puppetry to bring the titular character to life. E.T.'s expressive face and movements were achieved through a combination of practical effects and puppetry, creating a sense of realism and emotion that resonated with audiences.

Legacy

Alien and E.T. have both left a lasting impact on popular culture and the science fiction genre. Alien is often cited as one of the greatest horror films of all time, known for its tense atmosphere, strong female protagonist, and groundbreaking visual effects. The success of Alien spawned a franchise that includes sequels, prequels, and spin-offs, cementing its place in cinematic history. E.T., on the other hand, is remembered for its heartwarming story of friendship and acceptance, as well as its iconic imagery of E.T. and Elliott flying across the moon. E.T. became a cultural phenomenon upon its release, inspiring merchandise, a ride at Universal Studios, and a sequel in the form of a holiday commercial.