Drew Barrymore: Rewriting The Story | Wishful Thinking | 135
Oct 4, 2022
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Drew Barrymore, renowned from a young age for her role in E.T., shares her journey through childhood fame and personal struggles. She reflects on the mixed blessings of early success and the harsh realities of school, revealing how she faced bullying and isolation. Drew recounts transformative moments that sparked her creativity and confidence, while grappling with the complexities of family relationships and the challenges of adolescence. Her candid stories highlight the darker side of growing up in the limelight and the quest for genuine connections.
Drew Barrymore's early experiences with Spielberg on the set of E.T. provided her with a unique sense of validation and support amidst her chaotic home life.
The pressures of Hollywood and strained family dynamics led Drew into a turbulent adolescence marked by a quest for identity and belonging.
Deep dives
Drew's Unique Experience on E.T.
At the age of six, Drew Barrymore finds herself on the set of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, where she experiences a newfound sense of creativity and support from director Steven Spielberg. He encourages Drew to share her thoughts about her character, which allows her to improvise and express herself freely. This positive reinforcement and attention from Spielberg make her feel valued and seen, creating a bond that feels like family. Despite her chaotic home life, the movie set becomes a sanctuary, and Spielberg embodies the nurturing role she craves.
Drew's Struggles with Health and Approval
While filming E.T., Drew faces significant health challenges, including a high fever and exhaustion, but she feels compelled to push through for Spielberg's approval. Her determination to please him leads her to hide her illness, but when she finally collapses on set, Spielberg's reaction is one of concern rather than anger. This moment of connection reinforces Drew's desire for validation from those she admires, showing the toll that striving for approval can take on a young child. Ultimately, her relationship with Spielberg gives her a glimpse of the supportive figure she desperately needs in her life.
The Impact of Fame and Family Dynamics
As Drew's career skyrockets with the success of E.T., her relationship with her father remains strained and distant, highlighting the impact of her family dynamics. After an uncomfortable encounter with her father, Drew realizes that his absence and his negative behavior are more significant than the brief moments of longing for familial connection. With her mother Jade stepping into a managerial role, Drew experiences a shift in their relationship, where her mother's focus on her career often overshadows their emotional bond. Despite the success, the pressure of Hollywood and the complicated family dynamics weigh heavily on Drew, creating a longing for the love and stability that eludes her.
Navigating Growing Pains in Hollywood
As Drew transitions from child star to adolescence, she faces increasing difficulties in maintaining her career amid harsh judgments from the industry. The initial lack of roles creates a sense of hopelessness, forcing her to accept opportunities in television, which she perceives as a step down. Her new friendships with older teenagers lead to a dangerous path of substance use as she attempts to fit in and build her identity. The mixture of fame, the pressures of Hollywood, and the challenges of adolescence culminate in a turbulent period that tests her resilience and self-worth.
When E.T. makes young Drew Barrymore a star, she can’t believe her luck. With Steven Spielberg himself in her corner, she finally has all the love and attention she’s always craved. But as it turns out, sometimes elementary school is even more cutthroat than Hollywood. And when she tries to fit in, Drew discovers she’s in for a rude awakening.