How Music Makes E.T. Fly

Summary

This video delves into the powerful role of John Williams' score in Steven Spielberg's *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial*. It explores how the music, starting with a delicate piccolo theme, evolves throughout the film, guiding the emotional journey from mystery and fear to friendship and love. The analysis highlights how the music reflects key narrative moments, such as E.T.'s longing for home and his deep connection with Elliott, culminating in a triumphant and bittersweet farewell. The score's intricate development mirrors the characters' growth, making it an essential storytelling tool in this iconic film.

Takeaways

• 😀 The opening sequence of *E.T.* establishes a mystical atmosphere, with the piccolo theme representing the unknown nature of E.T.
• 🎶 The music in *E.T.* is a central narrative tool, guiding the emotional arc and three-act structure of the prologue without any spoken dialogue.
• 🎻 The piccolo theme transitions from a sense of fear to one of wonder as the story progresses, signaling the evolving perception of E.T.
• 🌱 As E.T. and Elliot grow closer, the music changes from sparse to fuller harmonies, marking the development of their friendship.
• 🎼 The friendship theme, first introduced by the harp, closely mirrors the shape of the later flying theme, foreshadowing key moments in the film.
• 🛸 The flying theme, associated with E.T.'s longing for home, gradually becomes more prominent, symbolizing the emotional journey and connection between E.T. and Elliot.
• 🚲 As Elliot and E.T. venture into the forest, the music becomes more dynamic, mirroring their physical movement and building emotional intensity.
• 🎺 The triumphant soaring of the flying theme during key moments reflects the deepening connection between E.T. and Elliot, culminating in a sense of emotional release.
• 💔 As E.T. begins to fade, the music shifts from sadness to hope, capturing the bittersweet nature of their bond and the life E.T. has given to Elliot.
• 🌟 The final moments blend multiple musical motifs (friendship, flying, victory fanfare), creating a cohesive and emotional closure to the film's journey.
• 🎵 The piccolo theme at the end resolves the emotional tension established in the opening, completing the narrative arc and answering the musical question posed at the beginning.

Q & A

What is the significance of the opening music in *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial*?

The opening music, composed by John Williams, plays a crucial role in setting the emotional tone of the film. It is used as a narrative tool, guiding the emotional arc of the story without any dialogue. The piccolo theme represents the mystery and unknown nature of E.T., which evolves into a motif of wonder and excitement as the story progresses.

How does the music in the film reflect the emotional development of E.T. and Elliot's relationship?

The music evolves alongside the development of E.T. and Elliot’s relationship. Initially, the piccolo theme symbolizes the mystery and alien nature of E.T., but as their bond deepens, the music becomes warmer and more comforting, symbolizing their growing friendship. This transformation reflects the emotional journey of the characters, from fear to love and connection.

How does John Williams use recurring motifs in the film’s score?

Williams employs recurring motifs, such as the piccolo theme and the friendship theme, to symbolize key aspects of the story. These themes develop throughout the film, with the flying theme gradually emerging as a major musical element. The repetition and variation of these motifs deepen the emotional resonance of the narrative, creating a sense of continuity and thematic cohesion.

What role does the 'flying theme' play in the film?

The 'flying theme' represents the connection between E.T. and Elliot, symbolizing their bond and the extraordinary moments they share. It first appears subtly in the score and grows in prominence, becoming a central piece of music that underscores their adventures together, particularly during the iconic flight scenes.

Why is the prologue of *E.T.* described as a 'silent film'?

The prologue of *E.T.* is described as a 'silent film' because there is no dialogue spoken during the first eight minutes. The entire emotional arc is conveyed through music, making it a symphonic narrative that sets the stage for the rest of the film. The music serves as the primary storyteller, creating emotional depth and context.

How does the music reflect the tension between E.T.'s longing for home and his connection with Elliot?

The music reflects this tension through the interplay of the piccolo theme and the flying theme. As E.T. yearns for his home, the piccolo theme conveys his alienation and longing. However, as his bond with Elliot deepens, the music transitions to a more hopeful and uplifting tone, symbolizing the possibility of reconnection and the emotional weight of their friendship.

What does the shift in harmony and melody signify when E.T. is about to return home?

The shift in harmony and melody signals the emotional climax of the film, where the music reflects both the inevitability of E.T.'s departure and the bittersweet nature of the moment. The harmony grows more chromatic and romantic as Elliot realizes the gravity of the situation, culminating in the final moments where the music expresses both the sadness of farewell and the joy of their shared journey.

How does the film’s score contribute to the sense of urgency in the climactic chase scene?

In the climactic chase scene, the music intensifies with rhythmic motifs and fast-paced melodies. The motifs of E.T., Elliot, and the government forces overlap in a chaotic and urgent manner, mirroring the tension of the pursuit. This high-energy musical score propels the action forward, heightening the sense of danger and excitement as the characters race against time.

What is the emotional impact of the final rendition of the flying theme?

The final rendition of the flying theme carries deep emotional weight, symbolizing the culmination of E.T. and Elliot’s journey. It expresses the sense of completion and resolution, as the music reaches its triumphant conclusion with a sense of finality, while also conveying the lingering emotional connection between the two characters.

How does the music at the end of the film reflect E.T.'s departure?

The music at the end of the film reflects E.T.'s departure with a mix of sadness and hope. As E.T. boards his ship, the music becomes both uplifting and bittersweet, symbolizing the emotional journey of both characters. The piccolo theme returns briefly, answering the musical question posed at the beginning of the film, bringing the narrative full circle.