Video: Steven Spielberg, John Williams Write ‘E.T.’ Music

Steven Spielberg John Williams ETThis newly surfaced look behind the scenes of E.T. is worth taking a moment to note both its likeness to the close collaboration we witnessed between David Lynch and Angelo Badalamenti on Laura Palmer’s theme in Twin Peaks and the subtle way in which it differs from that haunting moment. In each case, we have great longtime film partnerships hinging plot themes to image and sound, but in the Lynch/Badalamenti clip there’s a feeling the music itself has equal influence on the story to be told — as proven by Lynch’s “I see Twin Peaks” epiphany. Either way, it’s a pleasure to watch teams like this work their magic, and obsess over the details. This official footage was released to support the 30th anniversary of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, which arrives on Blu-ray this fall. Catch Spielberg and Williams find notes for the character of Elliott above.