Peter Charney’s review published on Letterboxd:
When I was a kid, my mom bought me a compilation CD of John Williams' movie music, and it quickly became a kind of sacred treasure for me. Without his music, I’m not sure I would have fully committed to playing piano or started composing my own music. It’s safe to say I wouldn’t have developed a directorial sensibility so profoundly shaped by rhythm and musicality.
I’ve been fortunate to see Williams conduct live on four occasions, including unforgettable performances at Tanglewood and the Hollywood Bowl—both featured in the documentary. While I don’t know if I’ll ever have the chance to see him again, I’m grateful for this film, which feels like a cinematic compilation celebrating his greatest hits from an extraordinary career.
Though Music by John Williams could have gone deeper into his craft—exploring the intricacies of his scores, the evolution of his themes, or the meticulous art of cue spotting—it still provides a solid appreciation of his collaborative genius and his astonishing versatility across musical styles. Most importantly, it captures his immense contributions to pop culture and his role in elevating film scores to a respected place in the symphonic tradition.
It’s comforting to know that, even when we no longer have John Williams, we will always have his music—woven into our pop culture references, our favorite franchises, and the world’s concert halls. His legacy is immeasurable, and while this documentary (which frustratingly leaves out several of my personal favorite scores) could never encompass his full oeuvre, it serves as a beautifully accessible way to experience some of the greatest music ever written for an hour and forty-five minutes.
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