‘Music by John Williams’ Review: Steven Spielberg and Friends Pay Rapturous Tribute to the Master Composer
variety.comPeter Debruge Chief Film Critic From the deep, quickening heartbeat of “Jaws” to the astral opening blast of “Star Wars,” the music of John Williams not only earns its place among the most iconic film scores of all time, but it also proves memorable enough to carry with us out of the cinema.
So effective are his themes that to hum just a few notes of a Williams score is to be caught up in the same emotions you felt gazing up at the big screen in the first place, watching Superman take flight over Manhattan or Elliott and E.T.
bicycle across the moon. At age 92, the maestro has received no shortage of accolades — from institutions, admirers and his peers in the Academy — and yet, Williams has long resisted requests to turn the cameras around on him. “Music by John Williams” does just that, featuring extensive interviews with the composer, plus glowing endorsements from directors and musicians who’ve worked with him.
It is not a documentary so much as a tribute, a tool for fans designed to celebrate Williams’ legacy without getting too personal or technical in the process.
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