National Film Vault

FILM NOTES

Universal Pictures released E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in June 1982, directed by Steven Spielberg. The film became the highest-grossing release of its time and remains a defining work of the New Hollywood era, blending science fiction with an intimate story of childhood friendship. Its score by John Williams and its practical creature effects set benchmarks that influenced a generation of filmmakers and audiences alike.

These three consecutive 35mm frames capture the celebrated moon-flight sequence featuring Elliott and E.T. The silhouette of Elliott's bicycle passes across the face of a full moon, with pine trees framing the composition. Holding three frames from this single continuous moment gives the cell a rare sense of motion suspended in time.