A John Williams documentary is coming
- Thread starter Tremas
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Tremas
Master Member
You mean when he was just 'Johnny' Williams?
Paul Andrew
Master Member
I can't wait.
I'm not one for effusive praise, but John Williams' body of music and it's sheer brilliance cannot be overstated. Seriously, his compositions have elevated films from great to spectacular and it really shouldn't have to fall to Disney to be singing his praises. All of Hollywood has benefitted from his scores, not just Lucasfilm.
I am of firm belief that without Williams score for Star Wars, it would not have been half the hit it became. I can still remember being 13 years old, sitting in the theater and being completely blown away by the music. Both George and Steven owe John for most of their success.
It really can't be overstated. John Williams is the greatest composer who has ever walked this Earth. And I doubt he will ever be surpassed.
He has had some really great work, but for me Jerry Goldsmith is the one.
He is most certainly in my book the greatest American composer of the 20th and 21st century.
It was more of an objective statement, really. No other composer has touched so many people emotionally, and will continue to do so.
I slightly favor Trek over Wars (if I absolutely had to pick one), so Goldsmith is up there for me too (though Horner's TWoK score is just as important), and I'd say that musically as well as emotionally, Howard Shore's score for The Lord of the Rings is as good as anything Williams or Goldsmith have done.
But Williams has such a connection to so many beloved movies across the spectrum.... and can in three notes, instantly recognizable, bring someone to tears, or transport you to another world.
Rumor has it that this production, with Kathleen Kennedy as producer, is basically conceived as a vehicle to buff her credentials after her unprecedented run of failures. The subject matter is basically a slam dunk for industry kudos and would allow her to "quit on a high". Another, more concerning possibility is that she might leverage that credibility for more of her personal SW projects instead of retirement. Just something to think about.
Objectively I agree, this is all personal and everyone's mileage may vary.
Williams' Superman theme was such a huge part of my childhood and will always have a special place in my heart.
But when I think of a piece of music that moves me, can INSTANTLY give me goosebumps it is Jerry Goldsmith's theme for Star Trek First Contact, the nobility, the heroism, the sense of what is true and good is all there in that one epic piece.
Williams' music is probably more recognisable that Jerry's but I think Jerry is often overshadowed by Williams but Jerry had just as much of an impact. From whimsical scores like Supergirl, to the hard hitting LA Confidential, the avant garde scores of Planet of the Apes, the breadth of work for the Star Trek movies and Voyager, Alien, First Blood, The Omen.
John Williams is a more familiar name but I think Jerry had a greater range in his work.
Tremas
Master Member
Wouldn't be surprised. But I'll still watch it.
Even KK can't ruin John Williams!
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