How vital is music to the biggest movies of all time?
Try watching “Jaws” with the audio turned off during “Duh-nuh… Duh-nuh… Duh-nuh, duh-nuh, duh-nuh” scene.
Or Star Wars without the “”Da-da-da-daahhh, da-da-da-daahhh… DAH-da, DAH-da, da-da-da-daahhh…”
Spielberg, Lucas, and Harry Potter all have one thing in common: Music by John Williams.
Thanks to Harrison Lazarus and Eileen Crim for moving this doc up in my queue!
Trailer for “Music by John Williams”
Watch “Music by John Williams”
You can watch “Music by John Williams” on Disney+ at https://www.disneyplus.com/movies/music-by-john-williams/3MuVn20bbVQ5
You can find the latest streaming options at https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/music-by-john-williams.
Ratings:
- My Rating: 96/100
- IMDB Rating: 8.2/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 97/100 (Users); 100/100 (Critics)
Release Date: October 23, 2024
My Review of “Music by John Williams”
The Setup
John Williams has shaped modern cinema like few composers before him. “Music By John Williams,” directed by Laurent Bouzereau, runs 1 hour & 45 minutes and dives into his unparalleled influence on film music.
Williams is the maestro behind legendary scores for “Star Wars,” “Jaws,” “Indiana Jones,” “Harry Potter,” “E.T.,” and “Jurassic Park”. He’s been called “the purest form of art” by Steven Spielberg, his longtime collaborator.
Director’s note: Bouzereau has helmed acclaimed projects such as “Timeless Heroes: Indiana Jones & Harrison Ford” (Lucasfilm/Disney+), “Mama’s Boy” (HBO/Amblin/Playtone), “Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind” (HBO/Amblin), and “Five Came Back” (Netflix/Amblin).
This doc is produced by Steven Spielberg (Ron Howard) — and you get lots of Spielberg comments!
You Can’t Make This Sh*t Up
- George Lucas famously said, “I truly believe that the soundtrack is half of the movie. Star Wars basically would not be Star Wars without Johnny Williams’ music.”
- Williams’ “Hedwig’s Theme” (the main Harry Potter melody) was, in his words, “the easiest thing in the world to wrap.” It took him little effort, yet it remains one of the most iconic pieces in modern film.
- Coldplay walks onstage to Williams’ “E.T.” theme before their concerts, recognizing his music as part of cultural consciousness.
More Highlights from the Doc
- Williams’ journey started in an unexpected place—his first-ever film score was for a Newfoundland documentary titled “Welcome?” before he moved into mainstream cinema. His early days also saw him working on classic TV themes, including playing the piano signature in “Peter Gunn” and contributing to “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
- His collaborations with Spielberg resulted in some of the most iconic scores in history—Jaws’ two-note terror, the soaring heroism of “Superman,” and the emotional punch of “Schindler’s List.”
- Williams has been nominated for over 50 Academy Awards, making him the most nominated living person in Oscar history.
- At 91, he remains active, composing music for upcoming projects and conducting live performances of his work.
- His ability to create instantly recognizable motifs—like the “Imperial March” from Star Wars—cements his genius in film history.
- A lesser-known fact: Williams’ early career saw him working as a jazz pianist for Henry Mancini, playing on recordings for classic films before stepping into composing himself.
Lesser-Known Details from the Doc
- Williams originally planned to become a concert pianist before shifting to composition.
- He once wrote the theme for “Gilligan’s Island” under a pseudonym.
- Despite composing some of the most memorable melodies ever, he does not listen to his own work recreationally.
- He views his film compositions as “service to the film,” rather than standalone masterpieces.
- His music has been scientifically studied for its emotional impact, with researchers finding that Williams’ compositions elicit stronger responses in audiences than nearly any other film composer’s work.
Wrap Up
This documentary captures not just John Williams’ technical mastery but his emotional and cultural impact. More than a composer, he is a storyteller whose music transcends generations. Whether you recognize him as the man behind “The Raiders March” or “Duel of the Fates,” one thing is clear—Williams’ music is cinema itself. A must-watch for film and music lovers alike.
Thanks for reading!
Rob Kelly, Chief Maniac, Daily Doc