Unveiling the Untold Story: Night Skies, Close Encounters, and the Birth of a Box Office Legend
Have you ever wondered what happened after the iconic film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'? There’s the unmade movie 'Night Skies,' a semi-sequel penned by John Sayles. This dark tale revolved around a terrified family battling hostile aliens in a remote farmhouse. While Spielberg loved the concept, he took a different path, leading to the creation of a movie that would become a box office sensation. Today, we explore the intriguing connections between 'Night Skies,' Spielberg's decision-making, and the birth of a beloved classic.
The Dark Journey of Night Skies:
John Sayles crafted 'Night Skies' as a chilling continuation of the 'Close Encounters' universe. The story revolved around a family's harrowing struggle against ruthless extraterrestrial invaders. Imagine a secluded farmhouse, an isolated family, and a relentless siege. Sayles' vision was based on the Kelly-Hopkinsville encounter. A popular UFO tale about a secluded family fighting off an alien attack on their farmhouse in Kentucky.
Spielberg's Creative Transformation:
Although Spielberg admired Sayles' script based on his concept, he ultimately decided to take a different approach. It was during this transformative process that a subplot caught Spielberg's attention—a touching connection between a friendly alien and an autistic boy. Inspired by this heartwarming relationship, Spielberg sought a lighter tone and approached his employee Melissa Mathison, then the girlfriend of Harrison Ford, to pen a new script. Little did they know, this shift would birth one of the most beloved films of all time.
Enter E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial:
With Melissa Mathison's writing and Spielberg's creative vision, 'E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial' came to life. This heart tugging tale captured hearts worldwide, telling the story of a young boy who befriends a lovable alien stranded on Earth. The emotional depth and heartfelt moments resonated with audiences, making 'E.T.' an instant classic. It quickly became the highest-grossing film of its time, reigning as the box office champion until Spielberg's own 'Jurassic Park' dethroned it.
The story behind 'Night Skies' and its subsequent transformation into 'E.T.' is an interesting look into how one unproduced script can spawn a new world changing idea. Spielberg's decision to ditch the dark tone and explore the heartwarming bond between the alien and a boy paved the way for a future cinematic classic. From the dark depths of 'Night Skies' to the heartwarming tale of 'E.T.,' the connections and influences within Spielberg's universe continue to live to this day.