Instructions:

Start Disc One when the “Universal – An MCA Company” appears. Play all of Disc One (tracks 1-13) starting with Astronomy Domine. Then play the beginning of Disc Two (tracks 1-4) ending with Comfortably Numb. Examine the CD booklet artwork during each song for additional connections. Watch movie with Closed Captioning to follow movie plot and themes. What follows is only a small list of the connections between the music and the movie.

Some things I noticed:

Astronomy Domine

The opening scene is looking at the star-filled sky.

The theme of the song is fitting.

“…Underground” is sung to alien fingers pulling a flower from the ground.

See Emily Play

“Gazing through trees…” is sung as E.T. looks through the trees.

The Happiest Days of Our Lives

Helicopter sounds as space ship flies away.

Another Brick in the Wall (Part II)

“We don’t need no education” as kids sit around table playing D&D.

Echoes

Song starts right at beginning of the next scene.

Mood fits the movie.

When investigators find the M&M’s, the guitars really kick in.

“Nobody sings me lullabies” as Elliot is tucked in by his mother.

Hey You

“Open your heart, I’m coming home” is sung and then Elliot grabs his chest.

Marooned

E.T. is marooned on earth.

Artwork shows something shaped like E.T.’s head.

The Great Gig in the Sky

E.T. shows kids from where he comes.

Shades in Elliot’s room are rainbow colored, just like the spectrum shown in the artwork.

Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun

Theme fits the movie.

Money

“It’s a gas” as teacher places cotton balls in jars to kill frogs with poisonous gas.

Hear mumbling “I was really drunk at the time” after E.T. gets drunk.

Keep Talking

Perfectly timed with E.T. learning how to talk.

E.T. communicates his desire to “phone home.”

Sheep

E.T. and kids are the sheep, while the men hunting for E.T. are the dogs.

“Things aren’t what they seem” as E.T. tries to heal fake wound of Elliot’s brother’s head.

When riding in the bike, E.T. with the cape looks somewhat like a shepherd.

“Fell on his neck with a scream” as they crash land the bike.

Sorrow

Fits the mood of the scene.

Brother finds E.T. by the river dying.

Shine on You Crazy Diamond (Parts 1-7)

Men in space suits enter house; the mood of the music fits the scene.

“Now there’s a look in your eyes, like black holes in the sky” as E.T.’s vital signs diminish.

Music is very somber as they declare E.T. dead.

Time

Alarms sound as E.T.’s heart lights up signaling that his friends are returning for him.

“Ten years have got behind you” as the men trail behind the van.

“Home, home again” as E.T. is trying to get home.

The Fletcher Memorial Home

“Home” is where E.T. is heading

Comfortably Numb

“Time to go…time to go…”

Lyrics fit the scene.

“Show me where it hurts” and then Elliot says “Ouch.”

“A distant ship’s smoke on the horizon.”

“I caught a fleeting glimpse” as the door on the space craft closes.