Our take
Before this documentary, I didn’t have the faintest clue that the formative films of my childhood—Star Wars, Superman, Indiana Jones, ET, and Harry Potter, to name a few—were scored by one man: John Williams. This film is a loving tribute to Williams, who at 92, is still as lively as ever as he shares how he stumbled into Hollywood and found his calling as the definitive movie composer. It features interviews with frequent collaborators like Steven Spielberg and Yoyo Ma and fans like Chris Martin and Seth MacFarlane, but it’s truly Williams’ music that makes watching this a special experience. As soon as you hear the chilling first notes of Jaws, the brash opening of Star Wars, and the melodic strings of Jurassic Park, you’re hooked. Then Williams, often along with the directors, go on and recount how those came to be, and you find yourself seated, eyes wide with wonder.
Streaming arrival
The story
His unforgettable scores are an essential part of some of the most beloved movies of our time, over a career that spans decades. See and hear maestro John Williams' own story, with insights from filmmakers, musicians, and others he has inspired, complete with rare behind-the-scenes looks at the making of movie history.
Elsewhere
"“How does he do it?,” someone asks. “Music by John Williams” doesn’t have the slightest idea. This long and indulgent doc is content to let us bask in the mystery of it all."
— David Ehrlich
"What makes it special is that it truly cares about the nuts and bolts of marrying pictures to music and understands how to explain the finer points to people who aren’t musicians."
— Matt Zoller Seitz
Tells the storied life of composer John Williams, featuring interviews with frequent collaborators like Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, as well with fellow composers and musicians.
I just want to bask in the overflowing warmness that comes with Williams’ music. I hear the film scores and I’m instantly transported to the day I first saw these movies as a kid. What a powerful feeling!
Steven Spielberg and John Williams’ neverending collaboration is the true definition of real recognizes real.
The details
Who picked it
Renee Cuisia is the lead curator at A Good Movie to Watch. In her spare time, she likes to watch K-dramas and analyze them to death. She's also seen You've Got Mail one too many times but is still convinced it's one of the greatest films out there.
