…but "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial" is a perfect film, plain and simple. Every single thing is in its right place, and this, the turning point of Spielberg's career -- igniting his desire to start a family, swinging his thematic pendulum in another direction -- marks the end of his early era. A simple story about friendship and childhood wonder, the film is not one I grew up with necessarily (I never owned the late-breaking VHS), but every time I have watched it, the experience has proved richer and richer. So much of Spielberg's creative team was in top form, from Allen Daviau to, of course, John Williams. For me, it's the best film he's ever made.