Steven Spielberg, the E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial filmmaker, has commented on Timothée Chalamet's comments about ballet and opera in a conversation at SXSW. The comments were part of a broader conversation about the theatrical experience. During the discussion, Spielberg noted that the real experience comes when communities interact in a "strange, dark space" and when it comes to a specific level of impact. This response has been met with criticism from ballet and operas, with some praising the art form's enduring relevance.