Central Characters as Outsiders in Society in E.T. The Extra Terrestrial and the Elephant Man

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Central Characters as Outsiders in Society in E.T. The Extra Terrestrial and the Elephant Man Both films there are many similarities and differences

between the directive strategies of Directors David Lynch and Steven

Spielberg although it should be remembered that there is a theory that

all stories derive from six basic plots.

The directors have chosen characters that compare with the general

feeling of the period for the two similar plots. Spielberg in ET

developed a plot creating and using a modern day fairy tale whilst

David Lynch creates his plot in Elephant Man with a more credible

scenario by using a historic figure, John Merrick. In Victorian times

disfigured people were at the bottom of society whereas if John

Merrick had been placed in the 1970's he would have received greater

sympathy which would not have been the affect that David Lynch sought

to convey.

During the opening of ET there is an apparently insignificant but

important scene. ET bends down to grab a plant as the camera moves

slightly to the right, showing a rabbit which is clearly comfortable

with this 'outsider' being there. Spielberg uses the concept of a

rabbit's instinct to show that ET is a harmless creature. As the

authorities arrive ET is left behind, on earth and Spielberg closes

the scene with a long-shot of the city. He has chosen to use this in

order to illustrate the notion that ET is but a small spec in the big

wide world.

As The Elephant Man film opens the music changes, creating an

atmosphere of joy with traditional circus music...

... middle of paper ...

... rules by which these deformed figures

were treated.) Lynch has also tended to use small spaces (rooms etc.)

perhaps relating them to the small lonely world that John was

subjected to endure.

Have the Directors been successful? I think they have. It is not easy

to come to such a blunt conclusion, as the directors have used many

comparably different techniques to bring there characters across

although taking many similar routes along the way.

On personal preference I found The Elephant Man to be the more epic of

the two. I felt the ending was magical as John Merrick chose to end

his life upon the drug that euphoria creates rather than subject

himself to the possibilities of the hurt he has already experienced.

Barber's Adagio for Strings captures the atmosphere perfectly,

possibly bringing the audience to tears.

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