E.T.'s Jell-O Footsteps

The distinct, squishy sounds accompanying E.T.'s walk across the screen are a testament to the ingenuity of cinematic sound design. Rather than relying on synthesized effects, sound designer Ben Burtt achieved this iconic audio by creatively manipulating an everyday dessert: Jell-O. During the film's post-production, Burtt found that squishing his hands in grape jelly provided the perfect delicate, otherworldly sound to bring the extraterrestrial's movements to life. This unusual yet effective technique captivated director Steven Spielberg, who reportedly exclaimed, "Oh my God – that's great!"

This technique is a prime example of foley artistry, a specialized field within sound design named after early sound effects artist Jack Foley. Foley artists craft and record everyday sounds in sync with the visuals in films, television, and other media to enhance the auditory experience and create a sense of realism. These sounds, ranging from footsteps and rustling clothes to breaking glass, are often not direct recordings of the actual event but rather creatively produced approximations using various props and materials. The goal is to make the audience believe the sounds are naturally occurring within the film's world, seamlessly integrating them into the narrative.

The world of foley is filled with such clever substitutions. For instance, in other famous films, the sound of a velociraptor hatching from an egg was created by crushing an ice cream cone, while the eerie sound of breaking bones might be mimicked by snapping a stalk of celery. Even the growls of lions in The Lion King (Review) incorporated a mix of real lion vocalizations with those from bears and humans. These examples highlight how foley artists transform mundane objects into extraordinary sounds, demonstrating their vital role in crafting immersive and memorable cinematic experiences.