The Maestro of the Movies

 

The annual John Williams concert at the Hollywood Bowl is such a steady ritual in my summer.   That's why it was so devastating when an illness bumped him from his baton last summer.   The actual health issue is still being kept quiet. which is never a good sign.

Feeling a little blue over this, the new Disney documentary "Music By John Williams" helps to fill the void.   Produced in a joint venture by Steven Spielberg and Ron Howard, a lot of the talking head footage of Mr. Williams was clearly done right before his illness.  That said, it's a wonderful ending to his career if, by chance, we don't get to enjoy him again.

This is your standard linear documentary that shows all the developments in his astounding career.   From working on TV as "Johnny Williams" to "Jaws" to "Star Wars" and countless others, the documentary highlights the music and that's the way it should be.  There was little here I didn't already know, but, with this film, it's great to be reminded of the obvious.

Here's hoping this documentary doesn't serve as a cinematic eulogy.  Looking forward to seeing his name on the Hollywood Bowl calendar in 2024.

LEN'S RATING:  Four stars.

Dinner last night:  Salad.