The Music Lives: John Williams

“I have to say, without question, John Williams has been the single most significant contributor to my success as a filmmaker.” – Steven Spielberg

Address four of the questions after engaging in the materials below. Due April 9 (11:59 pm).

The music of John Williams has had a lasting impact of cinema and it has changed the voice of music’s impact on film. From “Jaws” to “Star Wars” to the “Harry Potter” franchise, his mark is well-established, and now in his eighth decade of life, he’s still producing award-caliber scores.

At 85 years old, John Williams has earned 51 Oscar nominations (22 wins), which is more than any other person alive; only the late Walt Disney has more nominations (59). Williams’ latest nomination was for Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017).

Explore his biography, articles, and video clips below, and then address the questions for the response post.

Read the biography and check out clips of his music in action on the link below from the Biography Channel:

https://www.biography.com/people/john-williams-9532526

Here – John Williams discusses the “power of music” in this 6-minute interview:

In this five-minute clip from the AFI Lifetime Achievement Award recognition, you get a glimpse of the humor (and humbleness) of John Williams as he celebrates other within his journey:

This eight-minute segment explores the universal language of music from John Williams score for “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.”

After taking in all the materials  – address the following questions and post your responses to four of the questions by Monday, April 9.

1. How does John Williams discover and find musical voice for characters?
2. What intrigued you the most about Williams’ life?
3. What did you find most interesting about Williams’ approach to scoring film?
4. Provide thoughts about Williams’ exploration into “the power of music.”
5. As we’ve explored the importance of music, sound and silence this semester in film, how does getting to know more about John Williams and his approach help you appreciate the audio journey of film more?
6. Williams has been involved in some amazing blockbuster films throughout his life, as you’ve explored his life through the bio, clips & interviews – which of his films have had the biggest impact on you? Why? And how did his music add to that impact or appreciation?