Steven Spielberg once expressed of John Williams, “Without John Williams, bikes don’t fly, nor do brooms in Quidditch matches, nor do men in red capes. There is no Force. Dinosaurs do not walk the earth. We do not wonder, we do not weep, we do not believe.” This sentiment is at the heart of Spielberg’s new documentary as a producer, alongside Ron Howard, Imagine Entertainment, and director Laurent Bouzereau, capturing the life and legacy of the legendary composer in Music by John Williams. Through conversations with some of Williams’ closest friends and collaborators, the documentary offers an intimate glimpse into the man behind the music that shaped generations.
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A Must See For Iconic Cinematic History
At a screening during the Newport Beach Film Festival, Bouzereau explained how this project grew from a short tribute video for Williams’ 90th birthday to a feature-length documentary. With so many willing to share their experiences, the documentary brings together an impressive lineup, including directors J.J. Abrams, James Mangold, Chris Columbus, and Star Wars creator George Lucas, as well as stars like Chris Martin, Seth McFarlane, and Ke Huy Quan. Each figure speaks to Williams’ immense impact on cinema, music, and culture at large, revealing how his work has touched their lives and careers.
This documentary is especially timely as Williams turns 93, celebrating his more than sixty-year career that spans from iconic film scores to jazz and classical music. The film delves into Williams’ early years, both in film and television and as an accomplished jazz musician, sharing little-known details that will surprise even his most ardent fans. His journey is one of a musician who, alongside professional achievements, made time to raise a family and build deep connections with those around him.
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Williams’ daughter appears in the film to offer a personal perspective, sharing stories of their family life and her father’s musical upbringing. These segments reveal a man as devoted to his family as he is to his craft, including the story of his late wife, whom he met when she was a singer, later an actress. Her inclusion lends an emotional core to the documentary, recounting the family’s resilience through tragedy just as Williams began his collaborative journey with Spielberg and Lucas.
Williams himself narrates parts of the documentary, often seen in natural, sit-down conversations with Bouzereau. The interviews, never forced, feel like warm recollections from those profoundly impacted by Williams’ music. Beyond Hollywood, the film highlights his contributions to classical music, notably his summers conducting at Tanglewood and his tenure with the Boston Pops Orchestra. Esteemed contemporaries from the world of classical music also join to honor his influence across artistic disciplines.
Yet, for all the depth the documentary captures in celebrating Williams’ influence, it leaves a lingering question: what influenced Williams himself? We receive anecdotes but little insight into the inspirations that shaped his creativity and musical voice. While the film is an affectionate tribute, one might wish for a glimpse into what drives this maestro to create.
As the documentary concludes, it’s clear that Williams’ contributions to music and film have created indelible memories for millions. His recent compositions for Star Wars and Indiana Jones show that he is still going strong, and Music by John Williams leaves viewers hoping for more from this beloved artist. The documentary reaffirms Spielberg’s words, showcasing that Williams’ music has made us wonder, believe, and live more fully. Be sure to catch this must see movie, Music by John Williams and rediscover the magic of a true national treasure November 1st on Disney+
