(842) Stranger Things References, Part 1: Spielberg and Oblivious Adults

Overview of Nostalgia in "Stranger Things"

  • Creators: Duffer Brothers

  • Influences: Combined elements from Spielberg, John Carpenter, and Stephen King.

  • Initial Pitch: A mock trailer created from over 25 films including "Halloween," "Nightmare on Elm Street," and "E.T."

  • Purpose: Revives 1980s culture for a new generation while deepening its examination of key themes.

Key Themes and Motifs

Punk Emo Culture

  • Emphasizes the rejection of popular cliques and bullying.

  • Celebrates "freaks and geeks" embracing uniqueness.

Spielbergian Elements

  • Blends supernatural horror with childhood innocence.

  • Explores themes of childlike wonder mixed with fear of the unknown.

Influence of Stephen King

  • Illustrates threats both external (monsters) and internal (personal fears).

Nostalgia for Childhood

  • Portrays an idealized version of childhood where kids solve problems independently.

Generational Strands in the Show

  • Adults: Reside in a Spielberg film universe—unaware of the supernatural realities.

  • Teens: Navigating through an '80s horror narrative akin to "Halloween" and "Nightmare on Elm Street."

  • Kids: Exist in a Stephen King novel, confronting both external and internal monsters.

Iconic Homages to Spielberg's Works

Opening Shots

  • References "E.T.": Both start with a starry sky and introduce characters during a game of Dungeons and Dragons.

Parallel Premises

  • Similar story arcs: A group of kids hiding an outsider from a government agency.

  • Correspondence of characters: Eleven is reminiscent of E.T. with shared traits such as curiosity and a love for specific foods (Eggos vs Reese's Pieces).

Key Scenes

  • Both Eleven and E.T. dress up and explore their environments with childlike wonder.

  • Comparisons of escapades: E.T. helps kids flee from danger via levitating bikes, while Eleven uses her powers to fight back.

  • Differentiation of romantic elements: Mike’s attraction to Eleven introduces a new dynamic absent from E.T.

Family Parallels

  • Will’s family structure mirrors that of "E.T.": A single mom (Joyce) and two brothers.

  • Iconic scenes: Will’s communication with Joyce through Christmas lights echoes E.T.’s flashlight moment.

  • Visual homage: Drew Barrymore's character style mirrored in Holly's appearance.

Additional Spielberg References

Close Encounters of the Third Kind

  • Homage in communication with supernatural forces using lights.

  • Joyce becomes akin to Richard Dreyfuss’ character—driven by obsession with the extraordinary.

Jaws Influence

  • Parallel structures: Will’s family dynamics mirrored with themes of protection and community rescue.

  • Monster attraction: Both Jaws’ shark and Demogorgon are drawn to blood, highlighting thematic connections.

Character Parallels

  • Jim Hopper resembles Jaws’ Chief Brody in protective instincts and small-town policing.

  • The confrontational aspect with higher authorities demonstrates common character arcs in both works.

  • Visual similarities in scenes such as missing persons reports further emphasize connections.