Melissa Mathison Quotes

Powerful Melissa Mathison for Daily Growth

About Melissa Mathison

Melissa Mathison (1950-2015) was an accomplished American screenwriter best known for her captivating storytelling in film, particularly her collaboration with director Steven Spielberg on the classic film "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial." Born on October 6, 1950, in Los Angeles, California, Mathison grew up surrounded by the vibrant Hollywood scene. Despite her familial ties to the industry – her father was screenwriter Philip MacDonald and her grandfather was playwright Cedric Hardwicke – she initially pursued a career as an actress. However, her passion for storytelling led her to transition into screenwriting. Her breakthrough came with the 1982 release of "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," which became one of the highest-grossing films ever made at that time and remains a beloved classic today. The film's heartwarming narrative and profound exploration of friendship and loneliness resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. Mathison was nominated for an Academy Award for her screenplay. Throughout her career, Mathison wrote for various mediums, including television shows like "The Twilight Zone" and "Family Ties." She also penned the script for the 1985 film adaptation of the beloved children's book "The Indian in the Cupboard." Mathison was renowned for her ability to create engaging stories that connected deeply with audiences. Her work was often imbued with a sense of wonder and empathy, reflecting her deep compassion for humanity. Mathison passed away in 2015, leaving behind an indelible mark on the world of film and a lasting legacy of compelling storytelling.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is a adventure in which there are risks to be taken, boundaries to be broken, and a whole lot of thickets to get beat up in."

This quote emphasizes the essence of life as an exciting journey filled with challenges, opportunities for growth, and potential hardships. It suggests that taking risks, pushing past our comfort zones, and navigating through obstacles are essential parts of living fully and truly experiencing life. The "thickets" refer to difficult situations or challenges we may encounter, yet it's important to remember that even when we get beaten up or face adversity in these situations, they serve as valuable learning experiences for personal growth and resilience.


"And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it."

This quote emphasizes the importance of keeping an open mind and a keen eye when observing the world, as profound truths and wonders (symbolized by "magic") are often concealed in seemingly ordinary or unlikely places. The message encourages us to be curious, explore, and not disregard the possibility of magic or mystery existing within our everyday experiences.


"It's strange to think that there was a time when I couldn't do something on my own, but now I do it all without even thinking about it. But every so often, I miss those little hands around mine, guiding me, leading me, protecting me."

This quote by Melissa Mathison beautifully captures the duality of growth and nostalgia. It reflects on the journey from dependence to independence, where one learns skills and becomes self-reliant. However, in that progression, there's a subtle longing for the comfort and security provided during the early stages of life when someone else guided, led, and protected us. This poignant sentiment highlights how growth can sometimes feel isolating yet is essential for personal development, while reminding us of the cherished memories of our past relationships.


"The world is full of magic things patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper."

This quote suggests that the world, in its entirety, is filled with hidden wonders and enchantments waiting to be discovered. It encourages us to cultivate our senses, our abilities to perceive and understand the world around us, so that we can recognize these magical elements. In essence, it's a call to open our minds to the beauty and mystery that life has to offer, often overlooked because we may not have the necessary sensitivity to see it.


"It's not our job to love him more than his mother does... but our job is to make up for her not being there."

This quote emphasizes a crucial role that caregivers can play in children's lives, particularly when one parent is absent or unable to provide constant care. The message is not about replacing the child's mother, but rather about offering support and companionship during her absence. It suggests that caregivers should strive to fill the emotional gap caused by maternal absence with love, attention, and understanding. In doing so, they can help the child grow up feeling secure, loved, and cared for.


I have two little children. I didn't want to be missing their childhood while I was away, busy writing about children.

- Melissa Mathison

Want, Away, Little Children, Missing

Children are primed to take in something of more moral value than they're getting. I know I'm blowing my own horn here, but 'E.T.' had value to it in terms of the feeling about yourself that you walked away with.

- Melissa Mathison

Own, Here, Away, Blowing

If children are given some real content, they can feel powerful with their own understanding of it. I think a movie like 'Indian in the Cupboard' will instruct them how to proceed as people. They can think about whether they would have done something the way a character did, how they would have felt about an event in the story.

- Melissa Mathison

Some, Movie, I Think, Indian

We weren't your mainstream '50s family. Both my parents had wonderful, eccentric, artistic friends who treated us as friends as well. How your mind worked was considered important.

- Melissa Mathison

Treated, Both My Parents, Eccentric

I avoid listening to too many people's comments about my script. I have learned to take in what is of use. It's too frustrating looking at somebody's notes who didn't get what you were doing. If somebody says, 'This stinks, and here are all the reasons,' that's not going to help you.

- Melissa Mathison

Doing, Here, Notes, I Have Learned

I go to movies with my children and see fat kids burping, parents portrayed as total morons, and kids being mean and materialistic, and I feel it's really slim pickin's out there. There's a little dribble of a moral tacked on, but the story is not about that.

- Melissa Mathison

Feel, Slim, About, Portrayed

My idea of a good fantasy is something that's absolutely grounded in reality. And there's a little element that doesn't belong there - and that's the fantasy element - that you have to react to and deal with in a completely real way.

- Melissa Mathison

Fantasy, Deal, Belong, Element

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