No, I am not a Star Wars or Indiana Jones homer, blinded by countless hours spent listening to his music in my bedroom. To me, his compositions are more than a great musical score but a story. I will never be ashamed to say that I get chills or become misty-eyed listening to certain tracks. Yes, John William's Star Wars score "gets me in my feels." His music can transport me to certain scenes. The track in Return of the Jedi features The Battle Of Endor III which harmonizes the redemption of Anakin Skywalker, as the harp gently strums the Imperial March, it immediately puts me into the movie scene as Anakin tells Luke his last words, "tell your sister you were right."
John Williams is quite possibly, behind Lucas and Spielberg when it comes to greatest storytellers of all time. His music captures the emotion and timepiece it is associated with. His music is some of the most recognized themes/songs of all time. No offense to Beethoven, but I bet you could name at least five John Williams compositions before one Beethoven song. I bet most folks who haven't seen a Star Wars film, can at least know off the top of their head the rousing Main Theme of Star Wars. It's easily the first thing that pops in my head when I think Star Wars. I have never been a big fan of E.T. but the Flying Theme easily whisks me away and makes me feel like I am flying (dang that was corny.)
The themes of John Williams are timeless as well. Try to imagine for a second Star Wars without John Williams. You wouldn't have the Main Theme, The Force Theme, The Imperial March, The Throne Room, Princess Leia's Theme, and the list could go on and on. The fact that John Williams has made a theme for almost every single character of importance in Star Wars, and for them to all be altered as the movies go on is amazing. John Williams, I could argue, makes Star Wars what it is. The Battle of Yavin is the ultimate climax, as the trench run goes on, the score gets more intense, resulting in a crescendo that could make the Death Star blow up. And without Duel of the Fates, let's face it, Phantom Menace would've been pretty "Duel". See what I did there? Also, imagine for a second, no Throne Room track in A New Hope. It wouldn't be nearly as triumphant a moment if it were silent, or some campy music were playing as Han and Luke (and not Chewie) accepted their awards. Would've been a little quiet and awkward.
But his greatness extends way past Star Wars. In fact, it started before. I could argue that no song has ever been more copied, recycled, or inspired more themes than The Jaws Theme. Heck, Jaws Theme, made the shark way more scarier, the shark "Bruce" is the theme. The theme will probably live longer than Jaws (maybe because of the horrible sequels) but the whole film is a steady build up, and the overall score of the film, creates the monster's suspense. As the music grows louder, the shark grows closer. It's pure genius by John Williams, just one example of his genius.
I hope John Williams outlives us all to be completely honest. He is a national treasure and is such a humble man, and is an inspiration to me to be my very best in my profession as he was in his, but to never lose sight of what is important. Will I cry if John Williams passes away? Of course. Do I even want to think about that? No. He has been a part of my and so many other childhoods, in such a subtle way. I don't think Star Wars or Indiana Jones should hire another composer for their main films, if Williams is ever not available. It is almost disrespect as he created so many of the themes that resonates with so many people. I can't imagine the films without him. But that's not what Mr. Williams would want. He would probably want someone who was also inspired by him, to compose new films. I'm sure most composers refer to his endless collection of work, and revere at as a sort of Bible, to be looked at as something sacred, but also very real and respected.
In the end, John Williams has created some of the most beautiful and revered songs of all time. Timeless and ageless classics never to be forgotten. He has inspired so many people, including myself. I have never been able to play a musical instrument and would barely know an oboe from an elbow (SpongeBob reference, because I'm still 10 years old.) But, the time and talent he has poured into his work is almost as extensive as any human on Earth. He is a living, breathing, example that hard work pays off and I will always be grateful for his music that will forever transport me into a galaxy far, far away, Metropolis, Hogwarts, and even Egypt with Raiders. Thank you, Mr. Williams, for everything, you are a living legend.
