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Music by John Williams

Play trailer 2:24 Poster for Music by John Williams PG Released Nov 1 1h 45m Documentary Biography Music Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 44 Reviews 97% Popcornmeter 50+ Ratings
From his early days as a jazz pianist to his 54 Oscar® nominations and five wins, the documentary takes an in-depth look at Williams' countless contributions to film, including many iconic franchises, as well as his music for the concert stage and his impact on popular culture. The film features interviews with artists and filmmakers whose lives have been touched by his timeless music.
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Music by John Williams

Music by John Williams

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Critics Consensus

A warm retrospective on a modern master, this documentary is a symphonic treat for anyone who loves music in the movies -- or just plain great music.

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Critics Reviews

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Keith Watson Daily Telegraph (UK) ... A feelgood study of a man remarkably spry at 92 and blessed with a cupboard refreshingly free of skeletons. Rated: 3/5 Nov 4, 2024 Full Review Nick Schager The Daily Beast There may be no cinematic artist more deserving of a lionizing documentary than Williams, and that’s precisely what he receives from "Music by John Williams." Nov 2, 2024 Full Review David Ehrlich indieWire “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. Rated: B- Nov 1, 2024 Full Review Ruth Maramis FlixChatter Film Blog A heartfelt and delightful tribute to the maestro who has composed the soundtrack of our lives. I love Williams’ music not just for its lovely melodies but for the emotions it stirs in me. Rated: 4/5 Dec 18, 2024 Full Review Diana Tuova Loud and Clear Reviews Going for breadth rather than depth...the film is still a touching love letter to Williams’ craft that will delight millions of his fans. Rated: 4/5 Dec 17, 2024 Full Review Grant Watson Fiction Machine Personally I found the documentary most interesting when engaged in process stories: breaking down and explaining issues of inspiration, composition, and technique. Rated: 6/10 Nov 25, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Joymahidul movie R Music by John Williams is a moving and thoroughly enjoyable tribute to the legendary composer who redefined cinematic music. The documentary masterfully weaves together interviews, iconic scores, and behind-the-scenes stories to explore Williams’ journey from a jazz pianist to the creator of some of Hollywood’s most memorable soundtracks. Steven Spielberg and George Lucas provide heartfelt anecdotes that highlight Williams’ genius and humility, while fellow composers like Alan Silvestri share how his work shaped the industry. The film’s exploration of themes like leitmotifs and emotional storytelling adds depth for both casual viewers and film score enthusiasts. Though it primarily focuses on Williams’ most famous works like Star Wars and Jaws, leaving less room for lesser-known gems, the film is a fitting homage to a career that has touched countless hearts. It’s a must-watch for anyone who loves movies, music, or the magic they create together. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 12/10/24 Full Review Tom F It’s nice to work through the Wikipedia biography/hagiography but nothing particularly revealing or interesting. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 12/07/24 Full Review Garrett B Solid documentary of one of the greatest film composers of all time. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 11/25/24 Full Review Jens B ❤️ The perfect documentary for a cozy Sunday afternoon. Sure, 100 minutes can't do justice to the vast body of work by Williams—personally, I think a series would have been more fitting. Nevertheless, it's delightful to indulge in all the memories his music has sparked in me. 🎼 John Williams is simply the most influential film composer for me—and apparently for many others too. The fact that Bouzereau didn’t have to do much more than pair the scores with film visuals and talking heads? Fair enough. And the friendship between Williams and Spielberg? The sweetest thing I’ve seen this week. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 11/24/24 Full Review Farah R A documentary worthy of the iconic maestro behind generations worth of unforgettable tunes, Music by John Williams is touching, insightful, and enjoyable. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/23/24 Full Review Phillip L Though I don’t have time to see it in movies I have to give a great review as for the fact that music is one of the most important parts when dealing with film and cinematography…. And its expressions in life can really make a population grow into ways that make all people great and free from problems … and so much more language can only do so much and having music is just a greater expression of words… Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/22/24 Full Review Read all reviews
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Movie Info

Synopsis From his early days as a jazz pianist to his 54 Oscar® nominations and five wins, the documentary takes an in-depth look at Williams' countless contributions to film, including many iconic franchises, as well as his music for the concert stage and his impact on popular culture. The film features interviews with artists and filmmakers whose lives have been touched by his timeless music.
Director
Laurent Bouzereau
Producer
Sara Bernstein, Laurent Bouzereau, Justin Falvey, Darryl Frank, Steven Spielberg, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Justin Wilkes, Meredith Kaulfers, Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall
Distributor
Disney+
Production Co
Lucasfilm, Amblin Documentaries, Imagine Documentaries
Rating
PG (Brief Language|Some Violence|Smoking)
Genre
Documentary, Biography, Music
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 1, 2024, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 1, 2024
Runtime
1h 45m
Sound Mix
Dolby Digital
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