Fans of legendary composer John Williams will soon gain a deeper look into his life and work through the new Disney+ documentary Music by John Williams. The film also releases in select theaters and explores the composer’s five-time Academy Award®-winning career, spanning beloved franchises like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and many more.
A Personal Look at a Timeless Composer
Directed and executive produced by Laurent Bouzereau, the film features one-on-one interviews with Williams, often seated at his piano. It charts his journey from a musician’s son to jazz pianist to the most celebrated film composer of our time.
Bouzereau includes interviews with luminaries such as Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Yo-Yo Ma, Chris Martin, Kathleen Kennedy, and Ron Howard. These insights highlight the impact of Williams’ music on generations of creators and audiences alike.
A 30-Year Dream Project
Bouzereau shared that he had dreamed of making this film for decades. After knowing Williams for 30 years and receiving many polite refusals, the project finally moved forward thanks to Spielberg. The director not only secured Williams’ blessing but also provided home movies of Williams scoring his films.
This documentary isn’t just a tribute to Williams’ career—it’s a glimpse into his creative process and the relationships that shaped his iconic scores.
The Work Behind the Music
One central theme in the film is how Williams tailors music for each character and scene. Bouzereau describes Williams as “an eternal student,” always looking ahead and never satisfied with repeating the past. That mindset has allowed him to stay relevant for decades and appeal to filmmakers across generations.
His use of character themes—such as “The Raider’s March” for Indiana Jones—adds emotional depth. In films like Star Wars, music isn’t just background; it introduces audiences to entire new worlds. Bouzereau points out how Williams used familiar classical styles to anchor unfamiliar sci-fi imagery, making the galaxy feel relatable and immersive.
Scoring the Invisible
In Jaws, the mechanical shark often didn’t work on set. Williams’ music filled that void, becoming the shark itself. The result? One of the most iconic musical motifs in cinematic history. According to Bouzereau, the audience didn’t need to see the creature. The music alone was enough to create suspense.
The Power of Collaboration
Collaboration plays a huge role in Williams’ success. Bouzereau highlights the composer’s unique working relationships, especially with Spielberg. Their creative partnership is one of mutual trust—what Spielberg calls “a brotherhood.” Unlike other composers, Williams embraces input and respects the shared vision of a film.
Lucas also praised Williams for his ability to collaborate without ego. That trait, rare among composers, allowed Williams to thrive in high-pressure productions and long-term partnerships.
Spielberg’s Role in the Documentary
Spielberg didn’t just inspire the film; he helped shape it. From the initial structure to the final mix at Skywalker Ranch, he remained involved in every step. Bouzereau credits Spielberg with elevating the film’s vision and helping secure additional support from Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, and Ron Howard.
Together, Amblin, Lucasfilm, and Imagine Entertainment made the project feel like a family affair. Bouzereau says this creative “triangle” gave him the freedom and confidence to tell the story fully.
Why Disney+ Is the Perfect Home
For Bouzereau, partnering with Disney and Lucasfilm felt natural. It’s the place where Williams’ work lives—through Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and other iconic franchises. With Disney’s backing, Music by John Williams became not just a passion project, but a definitive tribute.
