John Williams & Steven Spielberg: We’ve Never Had An Argument In 29 Films Together

[@Chris-lf9ch]

John Williams is the greatest film score composer that has ever lived. End of story. Full stop. The end.

[@TheMonkeydood]

He's good but for me not the best

[@nik-ev3eh]

@@TheMonkeydood being nominated for on Oscar 53 times is pretty good.

[@guystudios]

Yes! Second best is Ennio Morricone imo.

[@lukesmale24]

Yes he is

[@TheDemonicPenguin]

John Williams, Bernard Herrmann, Ennio Morricone.

[@NadavNevo883]

Steven Spielberg is a legendary, phenomenal director. Second to none. John Williams is a wizard. He doesn't create art, he creates magic.

[@AshA-ww8hc]

Every Christopher Nolan movie is better than any Spielberg movie ever made.

[@NadavNevo883]

@@AshA-ww8hc Why did you feel the need to write this? I'm so confused.

[@SuperMoviemaster21]

If only David Yates and Mike Newell Realize that……

[@bencruise3156]

@@AshA-ww8hc I love nolan but thats probably the worst take in the history of humanity

[@pieterboelen2862]

@@AshA-ww8hc No.

[@richardadams4928]

The chemistry between John and Steven is inspirational and heart-warming. They've given us so much entertainment over all these years. Long may they continue to do so.

[@TangerineBliss]

John Williams' body of work is a gift to humanity. What a musical genius.

[@jonoeschger1552]

John Williams’ contribution to cinema and pop culture is immeasurable.

[@Hail_Sagan]

Hands down, the absolute greatest collaboration in cinema history. There will never be another pairing like Steven Spielberg and John Williams. Ever.

[@stephenhurd1489]

Really? There's plenty of sons of Abraham giving each other the reach around in Hollywood, all they need is a budget the size of Spielbergs

[@Hail_Sagan]

@@stephenhurd1489 It's called talent and chemistry. And the sad thing is, you actually think you're witty with your stupid remark.

[@vinnykona2432]

So far. There will be another. We just have to wait.

[@Hail_Sagan]

@@vinnykona2432 The chances of there being another director/composer collaboration whose movies and music will have the kind of impact that Spielberg/Williams movies have had, are very close to zero.

[@kingvagar]

​@@Hail_Sagan Especially with the lack of talent in Hollywood these days. In my humble opinion.

[@annsmith7207]

Two geniuses who leave their egos at the door when they collaborate so they can produce the ultimate product which benefits both of them -- no rancor -- no arguments just a complete alignment of their creative processes. How lucky for both of them to have spent a creative lifetime together doing what they love separately and together. Exceptionally fortunate!

[@nufsed12]

Saw John Williams in concert on Feb. 14, 2023 in SF. He was treated like a rock star. The crowd including me yelled and screamed for him. The best...

[@ColeEdits]

God he looks incredible for his age. Still working and still very aware. This man is sticking around for a while longer than most and I’m all for it! His music is a blessing and we need it!!😂

[@SpFlash1523]

You honestly can't tell that John Williams is 90, he looks 76-ish.

[@shogun2215]

I think the greatest soundtrack John Williams has ever composed is that for Schindler's List. Because how do you convey the pain, suffering and tragedy of what happened through music? And yet, somehow he does it.

[@neoanderson7]

Till this day the main theme always brings me to tears. He scored that film to perfection!

[@missg.5940]

It adds so much emotional depth to an already heart wrenching epitome of story telling🥹

[@cathyesposito3833]

It's so sad, but one of the most beautiful pieces of music I have ever heard.

[@jordansavage8606]

If I had to describe what it would sound like if thousands of angels wept all at once. My answer would be the Theme from Shindlers List.

[@TChops-hi7hr]

I'm pretty sure Steven got John an advanced copy of the Schindler's List film for him to compose. John got done watching it, called Steven & told him, "You need a better composer than me, dude." Steven replied, "I know, and they're all dead now."

[@kevtb874]

Sound, score and music is 40-50% of cinema and this man is a master of both tugging on your heartstrings AND delivering big iconic time tested themes that stick in the memory. He has soundtracked some of the most iconic moments in our collective memory of film. I'll be sad the day he dies and spend the week reliving the beauty he brought into our world.

[@rosy111]

I would argue that sound engineering and Score tells closer to 70-80% of the cinematic story

[@kallemetsahalme5701]

frankly depends on person. some are perfectly happy watching a movie or being at a bar without any music and some do either one only because of the music. im in the group that if i turn off music then i simply wouldnt play any videogame or watch any movie. even the "crappy" music is important in setting the mood.

[@Warhorse26]

That is amazing. The chemistry between those two was just meant to be. I absolutely love all the scores John Williams has composed, and he made the movies we now know as a household name justice with those outstanding soundtracks.

[@zoeydeu2261]

Everytime I hear Jurassic Park's theme song, it still gives me chills. John is an absolute legend!

[@debbiedoodiedandi]

Same!!!! Just beautiful

[@melanies.6030]

Wow, just think: there was a point in time that no music existed for those iconic scenes. Mr. Williams watches the soundless film takes, and asks himself "how would I feel if I saw ACTUAL DINOSAURS, what does being awestruck sound like?"....and then he comes up with the perfect theme!

[@andremarc1275]

same

[@KaitainCPS]

And there are SEVERAL iconic themes in JP: Theme From Jurassic Park is probably the most well known (with its emphasis on the majesty of the creatures - kzbin.info/www/bejne/onXPhmNuh7pqis0), but there's also "Journey to the Island", the primary "adventure theme" of the franchise, which is instantly recognizable: kzbin.info/www/bejne/in6xlIB3prx6Y6s And the opening titles don't actually use either of those themes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5WmqIihl8t5nMU

[@swadey2.017]

My childhood

[@AllieKitaguchi]

I had the honor of seeing John perform at the Hollywood Bowl and it was one of the most amazing concerts I've ever been to. I'm itching to go back.

[@theresabradley4716]

You are so fortunate to see a master at work. John Williams is a genius.

[@exupierre]

This interview gave me chills. This partnership gave us creative genius that is woven into our collective memories forever.

[@LMM7880]

John Williams played the piano in the soundtrack of To Kill a Mockingbird . I never knew that until recently. That piece still moves me to tears.

[@johnnytheyoungmaestro]

That's actually really cool. "To Kill a Mockingbird" was one of my favorite stories back in school, and we actually got to watch the movie after reading the book. I don't remember the soundtrack, but it's so great to know that John Williams did something musically besides what he's known primarily for. After all, he's a pianist, composer, and conductor, and one of the greatest we've ever had in today's world.

[@stefx6598]

Their mutualist intelligence shines through- the capacity of the musician to listen beyond his own tonalities, the ability of the filmographer to see beyond his own vision….

[@mikechicago6200]

Best filmmaker and beat sound master together still after decades...great pair of pals

[@PADS62]

You're ABSOLUTELY Correct! Amazing Duo! ❤️

[@matthewjohnson6886]

Two guys who without knowing it helped me tremendously through something we all call life. Literally living legends.

[@mauriceortiz8817]

👍

[@daveenyart]

Matthew...wonderfully said. Thank you.

[@louiebee6745]

The scene at the end of ET when the Eliot sees the spaceship leave, when the music hits...OMG ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!👍👍

[@atcogswell]

What an incredible interview. There were three masters in that room, nice job Stephen.

[@District.24]

Without a shadow of a doubt, John Williams is my favourite composer. John turns excellent movies into great movies with his gifts of music. His works connect us on an emotional level to the movie. Any movie that John touches makes me feel like I'm in Jumanji; that I've been sucked into that movie for those 2-3 hours. I can't thank him enough for that.

[@TrishaGunpath]

These two men bring me endless joy. E.T. will always be my favourite movie but I also have sung arrangements of most of his other scores and they are so complex and fun to perform. Perfect partnership.

[@rosy111]

🥰

[@krystofdayne]

Time for your favourite underrated John Williams score. Mine is The Terminal. It's just so memorable and playful, and blends John's classical composition style with his jazz expertise in a way that I haven't seen elsewhere, the clarinet solos are a delight every time. "The Tale of Viktor Navorski" is the main score to listen to.

[@nikosvault]

The Fury and JFK.

[@Mr_Bonk]

Hook

[@artiev5950]

Lincoln

[@idontwritecomments]

Sleepers

[@Elvisbackpack]

War of the Worlds

[@lambert4116]

John Williams essentially wrote the soundtrack of my life. Loving all his movies and being born in 1973. Unreal.

[@johnchessant3012]

John Williams is a national treasure. What he talked about here, composing distinct themes for each character that accumulate emotional impact as you watch those characters develop and interact, is so difficult that very few film composers even attempt it. But when it's done right, it is extremely powerful. That's a huge reason why his scores are the most memorable.

[@itacryan]

These two together is what makes a movie worth watching from beginning to end.

[@andyschnell58]

John's description of his job is truly remarkable and instantly made me think he just described how I believe Angelina Jordan creates her genius level story telling as a musical artist. Capturing the emotion.

[@lindaswanson9328]

Both of these men have brought us countless hours of escape and enjoyment through the years. Amazing talent in both. 53 Oscar nominations! Unreal! Thank you to both! And thank you Stephen Colbert for bringing them to us.❤️

[@shedskin01]

For those of us who have literally grown up with all of their films to the point that they have become a part of our lives, what a beautiful full circle moment this interview has been… Thank you Colbert for bringing us these master minds together in such an intimate, personal, and very special way.

[@lazersly]

I have loved John Williams since I sat in front of my father's Boston Dynamics speakers and blasted the Jurassic Park soundtrack on repeat for weeks on end. I picked apart every movement, every instrument's flourish, every little statement of a theme. From there, I discovered he had already scored so many other themes I had grown up with as a kid in the 80s. He's my idol and someone who has basically scored my life. Thank you, John, I think you're the most incredible human beings to have lived in a long time.

[@brockpifer9929]

He like created the soundtrack of your life 😁

[@Elwaves2925]

Not only his work with Spielberg but he also gave us all those great themes in Star Wars (not just the main one) and my personal favourite, the iconic music that gave Superman something to fly along with. Being around in the 70's and 80's, he effectively wrote the soundtrack of my early life.

[@FreezeMathias]

Love his work for the Harry Potter soundtrack aswell

[@Elwaves2925]

@@FreezeMathias He's done so much that I'd forgotten that one but yeah, it's another great score that's instantly recognisable.

[@stormtrooper26]

I say all the time that John Williams wrote the soundtrack to my life. Star Wars, Superman, Indiana Jones, ET, the list goes on and on. He is truly a legend.

[@MultiDarkElf]

Superman and the original Star Wars trilogy remain among my favorite scores by the man. Another one is Spielberg's Hook, which has all these memorable themes interacting with each other into one cohesive musical whole filled with awe and wonder. All of them masterpieces.

[@MrLivewire1970]

It's amazing how healthy and how much energy these two men have. Steven Colbert is really a great interviewer and you can tell his guests always feel comfortable sharing stories with him.

[@abidrzaidi]

A couple of things: 1 - John Williams is and will always be the greatest film score composer that has ever lived, and is most likely the greatest composer (in general) of our age. He makes me nostalgic for a time I wasn't even alive for! 2 - Interesting to see him out on the interview circuit - it seems as though he is being campaigned quite heavily for score, potentially as its his last film score (or at least one that he thinks he'll be nominated for). What a treat it would be to see him win for Best Score almost thirty years after his last win for Schindler's List.

[@FreakieFan]

John is definitely getting a nomination for the next Indiana Jones score too.

[@punknaught]

91 and still making magic

[@russellkellett9535]

The greatest musician of all time and the greatest director of our time legends

[@chrisaguilera1564]

These two men are my childhood. They are legends. To be in the same room to interview them, what an honor.

[@womanofsubstance8735]

How dare these men get old when the movie industry relies so much on their talent and creativity and skill?! They are both indispensable!

[@seekeroftruth101]

These two are living legends. God bless them and thank you for all the amazing memories.

[@AP-hn8wd]

Wow, John Williams is 91yrs old, his faculties are in tact and has a demeanor of a young 60yrs old. To many more years of Mr Williams movie soundtracks.

[@YouGuessIGuess]

They are the most successful artistic duo in American history. No two people have advanced a medium as far as they have by working together.

[@trishrobbins9942]

These two men have a level of creativity and vision that boggles the mind. Wonderful interview!

[@seansegal5112]

This man inspired me to begin my current profession. I currently write score for television and film and look up to this man daily.

[@suburbanhousewife40]

I feel so grateful to hear Spielberg and Williams talk about how they work. Just beautiful.

[@NellieKAdaba]

Me too.

[@user-nd7nq3pc8o]

Comment #256 - I don't think many people reach this far into the comments though certainly appreciate Stephen interviewing legends such as these gentlemen in this manner. Not enough of the legends are given airtime on prime time. Bravo and I hope more to come !

[@markcunneen5167]

Great interview by Colbert to ask good questions and receive insightful answers. That's an interview!

[@bkm2797]

Steven and John are soulmates, before they came to live this life, they agreed they would be there for each other sharing their gifts and of course friendship that has lasted many lifetimes.

[@NathanLorenzana]

That was mind blowing, it rarely happens in history how two geniuses can connect on that level, and how the end result just works. And not only works, but so much of that music becomes iconic too.

[@thatguywholovesmovies409]

They are without a doubt the greatest director and composer collab ever! 😭❤️🙏🏾

[@Luke101]

John Williams is still sharp as a tack. Absolute genius and a true gift to the world

[@edgar2dnd]

MAN!...I can't believe John Williams is still working and still looking the same! He is ETERNAL!

[@mattbod]

Two men who brought a lot of joy to me as a child. It’s lovely to see them together.

[@FreakieFan]

A 5 minute interview can't possibly be all Release the full extended interview please!

[@thomasleroy68]

So extremely happy I finally got to see John Williams and his work last year , 2022 , at the Hollywood Bowl. A magical night I will NEVER forget ❤

[@angelocanale8102]

Williams is the greatest composer in film of all time. Quite simply the best. Mind blowing and also a little sad to think that he’s watched some of the greatest movies ever made incomplete and without music the way we’ve all had the benefit of enjoying them.

[@johnmcmillion876]

But think how his mind was working watching the silence roll by. I can't even imagine the spirit that thinks in such musical brushstroke.

[@TheObiwantoby]

Had the opportunity to see John with the Cleveland Orchestra. Truly some of the best emotions and aural pleasures. Truly a gift to mankind.

[@embreis2257]

it is just incredible what this man did over the years. not just the score for the 29 films with Spielberg. that alone would be tremendous. no, he did the scores for 123 films (if I counted correctly) over 69yrs and on top of that he conducted several orchestras. he was the principal conductor for the Boston Pops from 1980 to 1993.

[@scottyharp]

What a great night of interviews with such honest men.

[@zez_gval]

Two legends. I wish they could go on forever making movies together.

[@michaelandres1363]

Colbert is an expert interviewer. His question "what is your job?" brought out such great content from Spielberg and Williams.

[@desireeespinosa3954]

The love between these two men is beautiful and palpable. A love that comes with age and wisdom 🥲

[@davec5233]

This may now be my all-time favorite interview by Colbert and I love so many of his beforehand.

[@jamesgray1210]

The magic that these two have created...humbling beyond belief.

[@azathoz]

Steven Spielberg and John Williams are to legends to me, and I wish they were young again to enjoy another 50 years of new movies made by them together.

[@susannet.401]

Wow .. how enlightening.. so much respect for these 2 .. actually 3 Men… I could listen for hours .. imagine how many interesting stories these two must have !! 👏🏻👏🏻

[@gallery7596]

Got to see Williams conduct in Toronto in 1981. Truly grateful to have been in the presence of such a genius.

[@marktaylor2056]

I just love that you can listen to John Williams film scores and see the film in your head. Star Wars, Indy, Jaws the list goes on.

[@tonytrent3396]

You know the magic and wonder that’s in the world when your six years old these two brought it back for me as an adult

[@1xOlettex1]

John Williams. Oh man. I have so many feelings. This man is a musical GENIUS.

[@suninmoon4601]

John Williams: a prolific and successful film composer all whose scores have a distinctive and immediately recognizable style.

[@jessegreco8855]

I have never been more moved by a concert than the time I saw a symphony orchestra play nothing but John Williams. Maybe the most powerful and evocative music I have ever heard live.

[@kaushikmalepati2495]

Music was one of the earliest mediums of storytelling and will always go hand in hand in a movie. Sir John Williams has given so much depth to every movie, it's fair to say it wouldn't have had the profound emotion watching a movie without his score.

[@mayap6055]

John Williams is such a legend. So grateful you are featuring him.

[@icc2010]

I dont imagine anyone not liking anything john has written/composed.

[@derrickstorm6976]

Might be my favourite interview from the show, absolutely fantastic and lovely people

[@NellieKAdaba]

I feel the same.

[@nebulan]

I love John Williams! Ever since i was 13 and saw the star wars ep1 premiere, he's been my favorite music artist and that star wars Phantom Menace is still my favorite album to relisten to

[@kathykiger7548]

I am fan girling so hard rn. John Williams is so phenomenal. When I think of movie composers there are only two - John Williams and not John Williams. How fun to hear these two together!

[@RobertSaxy]

The answer to the question of I could hangout with anyone dead or alive who would it be my answer would most definitely be John Williams. I am over the moon excited about this interview and can’t wait for next week for more. If there has to be a guest along with him Steven Spielberg be the only one I’d be excited about. John Williams music meant a lot to me emotionally during my teens and got me through a lot. I hesitated for a long time to find out anything about him because I didn’t want to ruin what the music meant to me, luckily when I did eventually start looking into him it seems like he is a great person too.

[@claybyrd2]

John Williams and Steven Spielberg is a remarkable and iconic team. I have always found it fascinating that John Williams created the music for Gilligan's Island!

[@louiebee6745]

Lost In Space!

[@ericminch]

Who did the lyrics? Because it's always bothered me that they sing "Like Robinson Caruso" instead of "Crusoe".

[@louiebee6745]

@@ericminch Actually the Gilligan's Island theme song was composed by George Wyle, with lyrics by the show's creator Sherwood Schwartz.

[@annieanonymous611]

Genius x2. But John Williams, well I hope he knows how much his music means to people. There are no words to describe his talent but Steven gave it a go. What a wonderful gift he has given to this world with his musical vision.

[@AdventuressAli]

I seriously feel privileged and blessed to be alive for this interview. Wowww talk about a rare discussion with a pure master

[@visions_of_noah]

Wow, This is HUGE. Steven's coverage on Spielberg might be one of the most significant moments of the Late Show.

[@Catherinzsl]

What a phenomenal working relationship. And that we, the viewing audience, get to benefit from their collaborations.

[@SM-gl8yo]

1:39 John Williams' score for "The Reivers" 1969. His first Oscar nomination; absolutely sublime score.

[@MrLorcanduffy]

2 brilliant guys. Still at the top of their game.

[@davide724]

John Williams and Steven Spielberg both played significantly influential roles in the development of my love for movies. They are among the best in their crafts.

[@chrisf8021]

Jerry Goldsmith and John Williams utterly dominated musical pop culture, chiefly from the mid 70s to the mid 80s. Star Wars: New Hope, Star Trek Motion Picture, Superman, and Supergirl are four of the most brilliant and energetic soundtracks ever written.

[@UDONTCME111]

What a pleasure to hear from these two legends. Never heard them speak together.

[@jjasper7512]

A real pleasure to watch, and thanks to John Williams, when I was swimming in the sea and my brother kayaked past while playing jaws music on his phone, I broke all sorts of records heading to shore! There's real power in his scores!

[@1stAricopolus]

The professional Batman Superman duo. I'm happy the duo has never been halted by ego and that we are able to get an interview from them while they're still alive and well. Didn't know I needed this but I guess I do. 😅

[@Matt-wx9xd]

I think what we see here is a strong synergistic and empathic understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses. I'm sure John does a thorough sampling in front of Steven before each film to see what he prefers. It's a good lesson in trust.

[@GiantMovieNerdtm]

The fact that John has lived long enough to finish the franchises he helped start makes me so happy. This man is dedicated to his job and loves his job so much

[@meraymaddah6451]

John Williams is 91-years-old and he is still a master of his craft! His talent is ageless

[@roadkill_666]

Part of my childhood starter pack right there. I love their interviews. They put into words what I can't describe. They're brilliant and amazing at what they do.

[@DebbieDenkeMusic]

Amazing interview - especially when Stephen Colbert asks them if the reason they never had one disagreement in 29 films was because the director and composer knew how to stay in their own lands, and Spielberg answered "I think it's more because we're in the SAME lane"...wow! Looking forward to pt. 2 next week.

[@Cloud-rp5mz]

These two guys helped me through a lot of difficult times in my life. Thank you for everything John and Steven ❤️

[@BlondeManNoName]

John Williams is a musical genius and Spielberg made truly amazing movies with him!

[@neverleftthe80s29]

Amazing man. His work is unbelievable.

[@meechibell9602]

Musical genius + Nobody does it better = John Williams. Steven Spielberg & John Williams are the BEST of the best in story telling and that's all there is to it. And now I need to go watch one of their movies! :)

[@iPsychlops]

Three treasures to humanity. Artists on par with the historical greats. All in one short video. ❤

[@mighty9156]

Guys.. just think of the Home Alone theme, or Harry potters theme... or E.T... just to name a few, or dont let me even start about the starwars theme. John Williams is the best movie composer ever. Periodt