Music by John Williams

I saw this film as the first red carpet event of the AFI film festival of 2024. Introduced by Steven Spielberg and Ron Howard, who produced the film, they expressed their devotion and dedication to John Williams. John Williams certainly deserves that dedication - filmgoers and music lovers will definitely agree with Messrs. Howard and Spielberg. The documentary details how Williams got his start in the film industry as well as his personal life which had a tragedy that I was not aware of until seeing this film. We learn how Williams came up with the score to films such as "Jaws", "Raiders of the Lost Ark", "Star Wars" and many others. There are also funny anecdotes of Spielberg's initial reaction to Williams' score of "Jaws" and Spielberg's quip about Williams' composing the score to "Schindler's List", which adds a bit of levity to otherwise emotionally devasting story. I also learned about the Boston Pops musicians' snobbish reactions to Williams' direction as well as many more interesting facts about this absolute musical genius. I highly recommend this film to anyone interested in filmmaking as well as music.

I was 12 minutes into this documentary when I knew I was going to love it. I was an early collector of movie scores, and the composer whose work most filled my shelves was always John Williams. I was the nerd that played his scores while doing my homework. The first time I heard the Jurassic Park score I was in love with his work, though perhaps even before then, of course.

This documentary is a love letter to a man so brilliant and great that you just can't believe how humble he is. His entire career is showcased here, as well as personal struggles I didn't even know about!

Of course, I spent too much time on Amazon buying some of his earlier jazz albums because I didn't even know that's how he truly got his start.

This documentary is a longtime coming. It's about time this man got the showcase he deserves in this format. The best night of my life was when I was lucky to get a ticket to watch John Williams conduct his music with the Seattle Symphony. Act 1 was phenomenal, but when he started Act 2 with "Theme from Jaws" and then welcomed Steven Spielberg onto the stage, an outstanding night got that much better. This documentary took me back to that amazing night, but it also brought me more of an understanding of the man and his music that I love SO much!

What can one say about a music composer who has provided music for iconic movies like Jaws, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter movies, ET, Raiders movies, Home Alone, Schindler's list, Saving Private Ryan and many many more.

This documentary is for the hard core movie buff who understands and appreciates the role of backgound music in motion pictures. It chronicles the life and work of music Maestro John Williams who has provided music for many movies of different genres over the last 70 years or so. Now in his 90s with a large number of nominations/ awards to his credit, his work remains unparalleled. Whether it is the neoromanticism or the leitmotif or the 2 note ostinato in his music he had the power to reach the hearts of the average audience making the film director's job easier in the process. We get a good exposure of his work and thoughts through interviews. Director Steven Spielberg who has collaborated with him in around two dozen movies gives insights into various occasions of their work together.

Someone has rightly mentioned that the background score of a movie represents half the movie. The BGM truly supplements the acting on the screen and brings out emotions to amuse, enthrall, excite or move the audience. A movie without BGM is bound to fall flat. Can we transmit the ominous danger of " Jaws" or the pathos of " Saving Private Ryan " or the emotions of "ET" without the mesmerizing musical score of legendary music composer John Williams. In an awards function actor Christopher Reeve famously said that he couldn't have flown as Superman if John Williams had not provided music. John is reported to have said that "music is enough for a lifetime but one lifetime is not enough for music". He also said that music to him is as essential as breathing.

Music by John Williams offers an engrossing dive into the life and legacy of John Williams, a composer whose scores have defined cinematic moments for generations. Directed by Laurent Bouzereau, the documentary pays detailed homage to Williams, following his career from his jazz-infused youth through his classical triumphs in Hollywood. Archival footage, intimate interviews, and firsthand accounts from luminaries like Steven Spielberg and George Lucas underscore the deep trust directors place in Williams to elevate their films through music. Spielberg recounts their 50-year collaboration with warmth, illuminating how Williams shaped Jaws, E. T., and Star Wars with his distinct style and emotional insight.

Beyond just a career retrospective, the film reveals Williams' enduring dedication to his craft, showing him still composing by hand-eschewing digital tools in favor of the traditional pen-and-paper approach. Notably, interviews with fellow musicians, including Yo-Yo Ma and Gustavo Dudamel, highlight Williams' unique musical methodology and his influence on contemporary film scoring. The documentary captures Williams not only as a master of melody but as a creative force who has transformed orchestral film music into an emotional experience for viewers.

This documentary appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers, showcasing the depth, humanity, and meticulous artistry Williams brings to every composition. Bouzereau's intimate direction and deep respect for Williams make Music by John Williams more than a celebration; it's a heartfelt tribute to the man whose scores have truly become the soundtrack of our lives"

Chronicling the life & career of inarguably the greatest film composer alive today, Music by John Williams is crafted with heart, soul & admiration and celebrates the decades spanning legacy of the artist whose memorable compositions over the years have left an indelible mark on both film & pop culture. More a tribute than an in-depth sketch of his personal & professional life, Laurent Bouzereau's documentary provides a glance into the ideas & incidents that inspired his greatest scores, his collaboration with Steven Spielberg & endeavours outside the film industry but it isn't as informative as I expected and fails to offer any new insights.

Brought to screen through interviews, behind-the-scenes footage & film clips, the documentary observes the significant impact his orchestral scores had then n now and garnered him a whole generation of fans all over the world. Perhaps, the only thing I can complain about is that it isn't long enough, for I would've enjoyed many more hours of it. Also, for no valid reason, there is too much Chris Martin in it. Nevertheless, anyone not aware of Williams' contribution to the medium is in for a treat as they finally learn about just how many iconic themes this legendary maestro has graced us with and how vast & versatile his body of work throughout the decades has been.