I think of myself as a film composer.
John WilliamsRead
When we see Rey, we want to hear Rey's theme, and when the Force is referred to or felt, we want to hear the Force theme, and so on. We hope that these references make sense to the fans and make the aural connections that we want them to have.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of musical themes in storytelling, particularly in films, to evoke emotions and connections with the audience.
John Williams highlights the significance of musical cues in film, specifically how recurring themes associated with characters or concepts, like Rey or the Force, enrich the storytelling experience. This connection enhances audience engagement, allowing them to feel a deeper emotional resonance with the narrative as they anticipate familiar melodies that reinforce their attachment to the characters and the story.
Themes
MusicThemesStorytellingFilmEmotions
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about film soundtracks, this quote can illustrate the crucial role of thematic music.
More from John Williams
All quotes →I don't make a particular distinction between 'high art' and 'low art.' Music is there for everybody. It's a river we can all put our cups into and drink it and be sustained by it.
John WilliamsRead
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