How can you put into a few words the ineffable career of John Williams? It's hard to even imagine, but the newest documentary about the maestro Music By John Williams will try. The feature will look at the career of the greatest film composer of all time when it streams on Disney+ on November 1.
The official trailer showcases people who have worked with Williams for decades such as George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and Kathleen Kennedy to discuss their long time friend. "Star Wars would basically not be Star Wars without Johhny Williams' music," Lucas says in the trailer while the main theme of the franchise billows in the background.
"The minute John raises his baton and plays the first theme," Kennedy shares, "You just go, 'Oh my God! Here's another one!'" This is true as Williams has defined generations worth of movies and TV shows. Besides Star Wars, he also composed iconic themes like Jurassic Park, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Harry Potter, and Home Alone just to name a few.
According the StarWars.com, the list of people sharing their love for Williams' work include Frank Marshall, Kate Capshaw, Gustavo Dudamel, J.J. Abrams, Chris Martin, Ron Howard, Chris Columbus, Itzhak Perlman, Lawrence Kasdan, Yo-Yo Ma, Ke Huy Quan, James Mangold, Alan Silvestri, David Newman, Thomas Newman, Seth MacFarlane, Anne-Sophie Mutter, and Branford Marsalis. When the documentary was announced, Kennedy said, "It’s no exaggeration to say that John Williams is the greatest film composer of all time. His music has transcended cinema and become a part of our global culture, touching the hearts of billions, both young and old. John’s music has done as much to keep classical music alive as it has to shape the world of film."
Music By John Williams premieres on Disney+ on November 1.