Maybe Spielberg is prolonging the Elliot facial close-up until the end, when the tension is brought to a head. The problem I have with E.T is that it seems too cold, calculating and frankly manipulative. It's possible to achieve poignancy without recourse to Spielberg's particular brand of deviousness, his clear objective of making the viewer cry.

Watch, for example, Whistle Down the Wind, and compare the two. I know which film is more moving for me.