Music by John Williams, directed by Laurent Bouzereau and having premiered at AFI Fest, is being hailed as a masterful tribute to a cinematic legend whose music has surpassed the fame of the directors and actors he has worked with. Arguably, the name John Williams evokes a more visceral emotional response than names like Steven Spielberg or Tom Hanks. This documentary acknowledges the multitude and variety of responses Williams' work garners, with his scores inducing vivid associations from the viewers.
However, the documentary, in its commitment to celebrating Williams, does not delve as deeply as enthusiasts might wish. Yet, it does thoroughly showcase the profound impact of Williams' music. The film stirs up a myriad of emotions from fascination to tearful appreciation while inciting viewers to seek out his scored features, many of which are available on Disney+.
Bouzereau leverages his extensive experience in producing Hollywood documentaries to gain intriguing insights into the world of Williams and his collaborators. Notable appearances include Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, J.J. Abrams, Ron Howard, Chris Columbus, Frank Marshall, Kathleen Kennedy, and an esteemed lineup of fellow musicians all-hand to laud Williams' genius.
The documentary traces Williams' journey from a jazz pianist to a revered film composer. It meanders through his early collaborations with Spielberg which led to his scoring Star Wars, Close Encounters, and Black Sunday. Refreshingly, the storytelling is warm and engaging, and neither feels dry nor rigorous.
The film does miss out on discussing Williams' creative process and some pieces of his extensive work are overlooked or mentioned briefly. However, the focus of the documentary remains firmly on Williams the artist in his 92nd year, still composing and conducting at an astounding pace. The documentary ends on a note of celebration, leaving viewers with a profound sense of respect and admiration for John Williams and his captivating musical legacy.
