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 intimate family drama. Its emotional restraint and practical effects set a standard that influenced mainstream filmmaking throughout the decade and beyond.

This cell, titled Elliott, captures three consecutive frames from a quiet interior moment, each showing the young protagonist leaning forward in his red plaid flannel shirt, his face turned toward the camera in low-key light. The repeated framing across all three strips reflects the stillness Spielberg favored when drawing out Elliott's inner life, making this a considered piece of character portraiture from one of cinema's most enduring performances.