Premiere - Music By John Williams : A Monumental Opening at the 38th AFI Fest

By Mulder, Los Angeles, TCL Chinese Theatre, 23 october 2024

Hollywood’s TCL Chinese Theatre buzzed with anticipation as the 38th annual AFI Fest launched with the world premiere of Music by John Williams, an in-depth documentary celebrating the life and career of iconic composer John Williams. The film, directed by Laurent Bouzereau and co-produced by cinematic legends including Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard, and Kathleen Kennedy, draws a rich, immersive portrait of Williams, whose compositions have left an indelible mark on cinema and popular culture.

From the very first chords of Jaws to the orchestral swells of Jurassic Park, John Williams' music has defined countless cinematic moments over the past six decades. Music by John Williams retraces his remarkable journey, from his beginnings as a jazz pianist to becoming the most Oscar-nominated composer in history. Through archival footage and candid interviews with luminaries like Spielberg, J.J. Abrams, Gustavo Dudamel, and Kathleen Kennedy, viewers are invited behind the scenes into Williams’ world—a world of disciplined artistry, profound humility, and unparalleled talent.

John Williams is an American icon with a true and timeless global impact, remarked Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO, during the premiere event. Spielberg, Williams’ longest collaborator, shared heartfelt words about his friend and creative partner, calling him much more than a family friend… he’s a family member. For Spielberg, Williams’ work is foundational to his own storytelling, marking the opening of this year’s festival as one of the most significant and memorable events in AFI Fest’s history.

Laurent Bouzereau, inspired to document Williams’ story as the composer approached his 90th birthday, felt it essential to capture the enduring power of orchestral music and its ability to connect deeply with audiences. I discovered the soundtracks I bought on vinyl long before most American movies arrived in France, Laurent Bouzereau said, sharing how Williams’ music first opened his own heart to the potential of cinematic scores. This documentary honors not only his remarkable legacy but also his resilience as a composer dedicated to the survival of orchestral music.

Attendees at the premiere were treated to rare insights into John Williams’ life, with footage revealing intimate moments of collaboration, including his iconic partnerships with Spielberg and George Lucas. In one especially poignant scene, Williams demonstrates the birth of his unforgettable Star Wars theme on the piano, sharing anecdotes about crafting melodies for Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, E.T., and Schindler’s List. These cinematic scores, which have become ingrained in the cultural psyche, showcase Williams’ uncanny ability to evoke raw emotion through music.

Key collaborators in John Williams’ career, including Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy and producers like Frank Marshall, also appeared in the documentary, reflecting on their personal and professional relationships with the maestro. Kennedy, recalling their work on Raiders of the Lost Ark, emphasized how Williams’ dedication to perfecting each note has continued to inspire those who work with him. Witnessing John shape each melody, experimenting with horns, strings, or percussion, is watching genius in action, she shared.

For JJ Abrams, who directed Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Rise of Skywalker, collaborating with John Williams was unreal, noting that the composer’s humility is as powerful as his genius. Whether you know his music or don’t realize you know it, his work touches every heart in the room, Abrams said. He speaks through his music, connecting with audiences in ways words cannot.

The night was a celebration not only of Williams but of the transformative power of film music itself. As Ron Howard recalled fond memories of Williams' early days as a jazz pianist and his unforgettable performance on The Music Man, he touched on Williams’ evolution into one of cinema’s greatest composers. Howard noted how, even now, at 92 years old, Williams’ drive and passion have never waned, adding that his personal favorite Williams theme is the delicate and soulful Leia’s Theme from Star Wars.

The red-carpet event welcomed a who’s who of Hollywood, including actors, musicians, and directors who have been directly influenced by Williams’ music. From conductor Gustavo Dudamel to composer Alan Silvestri, and actress Bryce Dallas Howard, attendees paid tribute to Williams' legacy. As Dudamel eloquently noted, Williams’ friendship is one of my most cherished gifts. His music is a gift to us all.

The festival’s decision to open with a documentary was a first, and Spielberg expressed gratitude for the recognition of the form. Documentaries deserve to stand beside narratives on the same stage, he stated, underscoring the significance of honoring Williams with such a prestigious opening slot. Laurent Bouzereau’s deep respect for John Williams, nurtured over 30 years, shines throughout the film. It’s a portrait that captures not only Williams’ genius but also his down-to-earth nature—a theme reinforced by his family’s reminiscences about growing up with just dad, the musical genius who worked behind closed doors yet always took time to connect.

After the AFI Fest premiere, Music by John Williams will have a limited theatrical run before debuting on Disney+ on November 1. The documentary’s launch in Hollywood feels especially fitting given the countless Williams-scored films that have graced the screens at the historic Chinese Theatre. As the maestro himself once said, music has the power to transport us—and his career is proof of that enduring truth.

itw Alan Silvestri

itw Frank Marshall and Kathleen Kennedy

itw Gustavo Dudamel

itw Jenny Williams

itw Laurent Bouzereau

itw Ron Howard

itw Steven Spielberg

Synopsis:
Documentary about iconic film composer John Williams.

Music by John Williams
Directed by Laurent Bouzereau
Produced by Sara Bernstein, Laurent Bouzereau, Justin Falvey, Darryl Frank, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Meredith Kaulfers, Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, Steven Spielberg, Justin Wilkes
Starring John Williams, George Lucas, J.J. Abrams, Ron Howard, Kathleen Kennedy, Steven Spielberg
Edited by Sierra Neal, David Palmer, Jason Summers
Production companies : Lucasfilm, Amblin Documentaries, Imagine Documentaries, Nedland Media
Distributed by Disney+
Release dates : October 23, 2024 (AFI Fest), November 1, 2024 (France, United States)
Running time : 105 minutes