Starman (1984) Vs. E.T.

[Martoto]

Which is better.

Some people say Starman is just Carpenter playing ball and delivering a studio's wish for an E.T. for grown ups (after the career sabotaging disappointment of The Thing). I personally think even that achievement is not to be sniffed at and I put Starman in Carpenter's top 3 films.

The absence of Elliot's father is a part of the backdrop to ET that it occasionally reminds us of but remains mostly subtext to him making a friend, sheltering the friend and then letting them go for both their sakes. It's fine that way though. And it's likely on the most of the audience's mind when the two friends, with mom watching, say their goodbyes.

With Starman, Jenny Hayden's recent loss is right in your face from the beginning. And Karen Allen's performance maintains our sympathy with her helping this alien who gradually turns into the lover that she didn't even get to say goodbye to. He too ultimately leaves for both their sakes but at least they get to share the parting that was denied Scott and Jenny.