Pitch for A Boy's Life

Imagine what it was like to be a young child. Friendships are formed, and together you made memories and caused mischief. How far would you go to protect that friend? Now, what if that friendship you made as a child was actually with an extraterrestrial? It seems difficult to fathom, but in the script A Boy's Life, by Melissa Mathison, a young boy by the name of Elliot comes across a stranded alien by the name of E.T. Their bond grows stronger as they try to learn and understand each other. Bringing this script to life in a cinematic form would bring an adventurous, comical, and coming-of-age film for our viewing pleasure. With careful attention to the script and dialogue along with special effects, it is possible to make this an extraordinary and astonishing masterpiece.

Salvatore DePasquale

Response to question:
Could this be construid as a metaphor for acceptance of other races?
Well Chris, I think this is a great question to post. I had the same feelings about the script and I believe that it can definitely be taken as a metaphor for acceptance even if that was not the intention. Using an alien as a different race is subtle yet quite affective. The only way to be accepting of others is to learn about them and become educated about their culture. Racism is usually due to ignorance, and in A Boy’s Life, even though Elliot had never met anyone of E.T.’s kind, he learns and embraces him.

Discussion Questions:
1. What visual aids, if any, would you use to pitch A Boy’s Life?
2. If A Boy’s Life were to be pitched and made today in 2008 as film, would it have been a success?