The original mechatronic model used in Steven Spielberg’s 1982 classic, E.T., is going to auction on December 17.
Jason DeBord, COO at Julien’s Auctions, told Artnet News,
This model is truly a work of art and an engineering masterpiece. Nothing like this model will ever be created for a major motion picture again as it is just not practical in an era of such convincing computer-generated effects.”
Made from duraluminium, the model has 85 points of movement (it can blink and make abdomen rotations) enabled through both electric and mechanical cables.
The lot includes a digital 360-degree animated representation of the mechatronic model minted as an NFT —created in collaboration between Julien’s, Rambaldi Studios, and Web3 platform TINAM.
The NFT features the narration of the creator’s daughter Daniela Rambaldi.
Oscar-winner Carlo Rambaldi was also responsible for the 42-foot-tall ape in King Kong and the parasite in Alien, but E.T. is considered his masterwork, one that required 12 animators to operate.
DeBord said,
There is only one Hero #1 model of the E.T., and this is the first and likely last time it will ever come up for auction. It may be purchased by a person or entity with an intention of placing it in an institution for future generations.”
Ahead of the auction, an exhibition celebrating the 40th anniversary of E.T. is being held at Milan’s Interactive Cinema Museum through January. The show, E.T. La Mostra 1982-2022, includes the mechatronic model, photographs, drawings and other memorabilia from the film.
The auction has come to Julien’s Auctions and Turner Classic Movies through a partnership with Daniela Rambaldi, who, DeBord said, has a
mission to share with the world the work of her father, preserv[ing] his legacy as an individual who had a massive impact on cinema.”
The auction will also feature the maquette model that preceded the mechatronic model and seven original E.T. blueprint mechanical illustrations.
It has a high estimate of $3 million.
(Photos, Julien’s; via Artnet News)
