How Music Becomes an Actor in the Films of John Williams & Steven Spielberg

Stephen Colbert’s conversation with Hollywood icons Steven Spielberg and John Williams continues with a discussion of how Williams’ music plays an integral role in each of Spielberg’s films, in particular “Jaws” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” If you missed it, watch the rest of this fascinating interview here: • Steven Spielberg & Joh... .
#Colbert #StevenSpielberg #JohnWilliams #TheFabelmans
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Stephen Colbert brings his signature satire and comedy to THE LATE SHOW with STEPHEN COLBERT, the #1 show in late night, where he talks with an eclectic mix of guests about what is new and relevant in the worlds of politics, entertainment, business, music, technology and more. Featuring bandleader Louis Cato and “THE LATE SHOW band,” the Peabody Award-winning and Emmy Award-nominated show is broadcast from the historic Ed Sullivan Theater. Stephen Colbert took over as host, executive producer and writer of THE LATE SHOW on Sept. 8, 2015.

[@joliesummers8237]

Anyone else love that Steven Spielberg calls John Williams "Johnny?"

[@MattHoyle1]

It's the name he used when he worked briefly as a jazz pianist. His dad was a jazz performer, too. I've heard him say that he finally realized he was better at composing than playing. For which we can all be so greatful.

[@louiebee6745]

Also if you watch Lost In Space during the closing credits you'll see the theme composed by Johnny Williams.

[@dontgiveupplz]

@@MattHoyle1 ❤

[@doctornova3015]

He actually does go by Johnny. Yeah its pretty cool that he's not pompous and precious.

[@HarrisBanneck]

John Williams called J.J. Abrams “J.J. Baby”. I find it so adorable!

[@PezQ84]

The word 'legend' has lost all of its meaning these days but...these two ACTUALLY are living legends.

[@GT-wo2oj]

Talking about the meaning of the word but ironically even that definition isn’t the meaning of the word 😆 If your talking semantics then King Arthur is an actual legend.

[@PezQ84]

@@GT-wo2oj Fair point :D

[@rosy111]

no it hasn't, but yes they are. keepin' it real.

[@IanParks]

Yeah the words “legend” and “masterpiece” are thrown around way too often these days!

[@GT-wo2oj]

@@IanParks 100 years ago people thought the word “yeah” was thrown around way too often these days. Just say yes like the good old days.

[@AC3handle]

This isn't an interview, This is a MASTERCLASS.

[@derekseven1647]

Yessssss

[@derekseven1647]

John Williams thinks musically and Spielberg thinks visually That's a match made in absolute heaven.

[@thiagoteixeira6537]

John Williams looks amazing for 90!

[@Imperialmusicfan]

91 now!

[@thiagoteixeira6537]

@@Imperialmusicfan Long live the King of Scores!

[@Echiya]

Stephen Colbert needs to have a show where he does these in depth conversations.... this shit is gold.

[@nadefodder2874]

John Williams has scared me, made me cry, made me laugh, made me believe magic is real, made me believe dinosaurs walk the earth, made me believe aliens have visited earth but more than anything else he has taught me that music may be the only redeeming feature of the human race.

[@Sarah-ht7cs]

I would say the arts in general. But yes, to make people feel and think, to dream, to believe, what an amazing gift that is! Powerful!

[@d1p70]

humanity is the only redeeming feature of the human race.

[@b-dub6865]

Well then, you’ll love to hear that Steven is making a documentary about John Williams.

[@j.b.macadam6516]

Agreed! Music is the true 'Human Language', understood and felt by all!

[@b-dub6865]

@@j.b.macadam6516 Right. Music is the soundtrack of life!

[@rigeurmortis1]

They ought to put up the full interview online even if they couldn't telecast it on TV

[@jacob951245457]

I very much agree!

[@stevet1237]

Agreed.

[@happypasta6]

They should but won’t because it keeps you coming back and gets more clicks/views. This is also why they don’t number the multi-part interviews either.

[@rosy111]

@@happypasta6 or they make a whole separate extended interview on top of these for those with longer attention spans or the serious fans. More videos? More watch time? i'd come back for more of that!

[@vrruiz]

Yes, please.

[@brettgarsed]

I love how youthful they both sound despite the advancing years. I feel it proves that an inspired and creative mind is timeless.

[@ThePenitentChannel]

❤

[@dahharo3565]

There’s even studies that back-up that an active mind is a vital part of health and longevity

[@frankinsaneandmyrrh1202]

that's a lovely insight, thanks for sharing :)

[@corner559]

The only thing I don't like about this interview is that it wasn't longer. Would have liked to have heard them talk about every film they've done together.

[@BooneLuleyo]

The same

[@jimmycakes7158]

Steven needs to get on a podcast

[@blsof8bc]

EXACTLY.

[@mao6832]

Absolutely!! You can see the excitement and joy on their faces when they talked about the movies they've worked together. :)

[@b-dub6865]

Steven is making a documentary about John Williams, so there you go.

[@TheKayaklover]

That man, WILLIAMS is 91 years YOUNG with a top notch brain !! Music keeps him living !! An American treasure❤

[@d1p70]

"so is like and, a conjunction". as an amateur in music theory, that has to be the best way i have ever heard someone describe the dominant in an octave! beautiful!

[@alexhidell663]

In 1999 I received the best Christmas present ever: a double CD of John Williams' greatest hits.

[@1987MartinT]

Awesome!

[@RobertSaxy]

I think I know the one

[@derekseven1647]

I have that too and I bought it for myself.

[@Dinan335xi]

Same here! It is my most prized CD in my entire collection. I listened to that hundreds of times.

[@imalwaysright]

You can't imagine sharks or noise effects without the Jaws score. Composing Jaws is legendary in itself, but to also create the scores for Star Wars, Superman, Indiana Jones, ET, Home Alone and the rest is just.. mind blowing. Legendary talent. One of a kind.

[@baberRuth]

"music stood in for an injured mechanical shark". So did the yellow (?) Barrels on the boat. With Jaws out, cast, crew costing $$. He came up w the barrels

[@sandal_thong8631]

They said Lucas was considering using known classical music for _Star Wars,_ somewhat like _2001 A Space Odyssey_ did, only faster tempo, naturally. That would have been a vastly different movie.

[@jdlrposh]

harry potter !! 😩

[@sammilbauer9252]

I love the simple emotional cues that John Williams uses in his scores. 2 notes, 5 notes, 12 notes, that's all he needs to make us feel something raw and pure, and it seals a moment of the film into our hearts and minds. Absolute brilliance

[@djb5320]

lol, yeah, only all 12 notes

[@sammilbauer9252]

@@djb5320 not as in all 12 notes in a chromatic scale, but a 12 note sequence

[@rsr789]

Consider that for all of the famous Spielberg soundtracks, Williams also composed all of Star Wars and the iconic Superman theme, amongst others. Just amazing.

[@stephendubinskas8821]

I have been blessed to grow up in the 70-80s to enjoy the brilliance of these two men in their prime

[@jiubboatman9352]

Williams, Zimmer and Horner genuinely influenced my life.

[@ryanm4319]

Hans Zimmer creates the background music that nature intended our lives to have

[@anirudhmenon4234]

Thomas Newman as well for me

[@brockpifer9929]

My favorite composers for movies and television John Williams of course Hans Zimmer John Debney Danny Elfman Randy Newman Thomas Newman Bruce Broughton Mark Mothersbaugh Jerry Goldsmith (RIP)

[@TheRockinBK]

@@ryanm4319Facts

[@therrin1138]

Many great composers listed, but no list is complete without those whose works the others built upon. Max Steiner, for King Kong (1933) and many others, and the Movie Maestro himself, Miklos Rozsa. My favorite scores by Rozsa: Quo Vadis (1951) Ivanhoe (1952) Ben-Hur (1959) El Cid (1961) King of Kings (1961)

[@solidsnake58]

I need to save this video for when I’m having a bad day. Steven and Johnny are delightful, humble, and inspiring artists, human beings and friends.

[@MattHoyle1]

I always feel happier after hearing John talk. He just seems like such a joyful man.

[@margholtz]

The friendship between them is endearing

[@Benisuber1]

6:54 Me-Re-Do is a finish, it's over, that's a resolution. Now we go Do-So, 'So' is like the word 'and' or 'but' - it's a conjunction. So you have an ending and a starting, you gotta do it again. Honestly blew my mind to hear him talk about music in this way. Of course in music theory courses you learn about passing tones and creating dissonance to your resolution, but the simplicity of this explanation and seeing that theory put into practice in one of the more famous movie themes ever is just incredible. Even if it's an after-the-fact realization. And really, a great great question from Stephen to elicit such a response. As recognized by John Williams, himself.

[@BerriBerriJam]

But I think he meant Re-Me-Do

[@aprilmaguire216]

Steven and john are the loving best friend/business partners i didnt know i needed.. omg they’re adorable they make eachother so happy.

[@dbyd777]

Alive in the same lifetime of these 2 living legends 🙏🏾

[@vars280287]

I'm glad to have lived in the time when these two maestros gifted us with their craft

[@dimitreze]

he could talk about each score like that it would be amazing

[@AllTradesGeorge]

I'd be thrilled to have another fifty years of their collaborations. Two brilliant artists who consistently bring out the best in each others' work.

[@insaneapples1559]

My 3 year old likes playing with a giant shark stuffie and he sometimes moves with him going "Dun dun... dun dun.. dun dun dun dun" That's the legacy of John Williams. I don't even know where he learned it. It's just synonymous with a shark attack.

[@d1p70]

lol is it the ikea shark?

[@RabidPeanutButter]

BLÅHAJ is the best.

[@insaneapples1559]

@@d1p70 Yeeees. Love those Ikea plushies.

[@NewMessage]

Hey, when all you hear is one or two notes... that pause puts you on the edge of your seat waiting for what comes next... you KNOW there's more coming....It's really quite brilliant. Subconscious suspense to go with the overt suspense of looking out over the water. Brilliant.

[@Bodrumbum]

You can not measure the level of creativity that these two LEGENDS represent...

[@imalwaysright]

it's hard to get your mind around the talent that each has - phenomenal

[@baberRuth]

Makes us understand "fate" has to be real.

[@romulus_]

@@baberRuth I'm not sure it is but sometimes it sure feels like it must exist.

[@baberRuth]

@@romulus_ PBS "Finding your Roots" Ep recently. 5⭐. NFL HOFer & an Actor. They really came up with great & surprising finds in family trees. Actor; good athlete in school. Bc he was big, he played Goliath in a HS play. Lit a fire in him. Supporting self as a security guard early in acting career. Sent up to SF. Also showing up was Mexican ex-con. Actor had drinking problems. Ex-con sobered him up. Host said "do you believe in fate?". So this phrase was fresh in my mind. If you can stream PBS..yr 9 Ep #6. Amazing show

[@GalXE06]

The obvious mutual respect these men have for each other is palpable and wonderful!!

[@lorigoshert6667]

There are a lot of movie-score composers that are just as talented as, say, Handel or Schubert, but only a few are recognized as such. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us for so many decades, Mr. Williams.

[@DanFlashes99]

I'm not sure I agree, partly because so many film composers (including Williams) borrow liberally from past composers, especially the late 19th/early 20th century like Mahler, Strauss, Stravinsky, Ravel, Barber etc. As well, it's hard to compare because even though Williams' music works great in concert form with a symphony -- we all come to that concert with the movies in our heads, and the music is inextricably associated with the films. So we can't really know how well film scorers would fare as pure art composers. (An exception might be Leonard Bernstein who did both)

[@mohamedfaizan9844]

This interview is a gift that keeps on giving

[@3allz]

Hard to quantify how much of an impact these 2 guys have had on the world. Such iconic work from both of them that is now just part of the modern zeitgeist. They've made us laugh and theyve made us cry, all the while throwing a mirror up on our selves!

[@jonoeschger1552]

Their contribution to cinema and pop culture is immeasurable.

[@jbone2345]

I absolutely love their utmost respect for each other. Very organic and professional relationship.

[@rjpittman4510]

Isn't it amazing to hear them describe coming up with the Jaws score?

[@JesusMusicDrew]

Yes! So wild & incredible. Absolutely genius

[@kthx1138]

3 notes that are so simple...but played on low bass viols, terrifyingly effective!

[@KJOechslin1]

The ending where he says go on here for another 50 years..... that got me 😢❤🙌

[@Obiter3]

For my generation, the music of our lives. Cheers to the greatest🍻

[@BrandonCroker]

What absolute masters of their respective crafts and I include Stephen in there as well.

[@darkjosh1]

What a duo these two have been!

[@thedarkknight2221]

These 2 icons LITERALLY shaped my childhood. If I ever met them in real life I would go full Wayne’s World 2, get on my knees, and bow while saying “I’m not worthy, I’m not worthy!”

[@baberRuth]

Hawaii resident when Jaws came out. Altered my snorkeling habits for a yr. Always turning around, looking for something that doesn't exist around Oahu

[@emu_warrior]

not icons, they are literally geniuses of their craft

[@Sushi33312]

@@baberRuth Same here. Ft Lauderdale native, never feared anything in the water. Lifeguard training. Terrified of the ocean after jaws. Two years later, swimming with friends out to a sandbar, my friend, saw something huge and dark in the water as I swim back to shore! My heart in my throat, I swim for my life! Turned out it was a shoal of minnows!

[@baberRuth]

@@Sushi33312 🙏 we & others, I'm sure, felt, succumbed to Spielberg & music directors brilliance. Know the story behind those yellow Floating Barrels?

[@paulcassidy7732]

This is an immensely interesting interview. Well done Stephen!

[@hutch1197]

These are two individuals who very simply have a sincere passion for what they do. You can tell they're not doing this for the fame or wealth. They're doing it because they love it. And it shows in their work.

[@somishows2020]

THis may be my absolutely favourite interview of John Williams ever.

[@engerek666]

There are many scenes that I can't think of without the music. Thanks for that John Williams.

[@Shadoweclipse1386]

Even though I've been playing guitar for 20 years, I know almost no music theory, but I could listen to John Williams talk about his creative process and theory all day.

[@SoundtrackFred]

A great interview! Colbert really knows how to speak and let speak the two. Thanks!

[@TheDd2402]

Is it only me or does anyone else think John Williams could have easily played John Hammond’s character in Jurassic Park without anyone knowing.

[@kikivolauvent1]

As a singer and musician (both not professionally), I can only say that this talk made me über-happy. Williams not only has the words (50 yrs being friends is just the beginning) but delivers also all the notes. Spielberg is a whole world on its own - I noted the day the film is released in its original over here (I hate dubbed films). Thank you for this extra-ordinary gift.

[@greyareaRK1]

Wow, fantastic! Both of them have had such a masive impact on the world of cinema. Williams is a delight. I grew up listening to his music at my friend's place as we sat about making designs and miniature sets based on those movies. Those soundtracks still transport me (though Jaws kept me out of deep water for years)!

[@strangewayfaringstranger]

That's cool. If it were me, I'd have also bought an 8mm camera like Spielberg did and try to make my own movie scenes haha.

[@maryrichardskallman]

I love Stephen’s off-stage interviews!

[@lhawes0527]

These two are music 🎶 together! What brilliancy✨️

[@JaderRubini]

This is so delightful to watch in just so many ways ❤

[@shedskin01]

Beautiful is not enough to describe this interview! I’m at a loss of words. But my soul has been lifted just listening to these three!

[@Hopster1]

Two of the most iconic movies of my childhood were Jaws (I live on Cape Cod) and Close Encounters. Close Encounters had a profound effect on me that to this day I believe keeps me open to peace and new ideas. Thanks to you both.

[@womanofsubstance8735]

John Williams has entertained and carried me from Star Wars in 1977 through Harry Potter, and many others (I have not seen all of his scores, but loved all I heard). He always draws you into the story from the beginning.

[@mcgarrygirl7884]

I could watch Stephen interview them for 5 hours. I love John Willuams scores so much. They get to the heart and soul of everything Spielberg writes, woven into the fabric like color on a white quilt that Spielberg brings to him. Jurassic Park, Schindler's List, E.T., Raiders, Munich, it's unforgettable music and such a marriage to the words Spuelberg writes and the emotions he doesn't have to.

[@gatorjay7972]

Great music lesson. We had the do rei me in elementary school. Never knew about so being a conjunction .

[@jamesgoines7663]

50 years together.... that's a good start. Wow

[@DiegoGarciaBellido]

What a pleasure to hear these two genuses together!!!

[@stelladonaconfredobutler9459]

my god they were great. was like listening to Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner setting up for TV dinner waiting for Jeopardy! Long term respected relationships they both touched the hearts and souls of so many. Blessings to all. xoxox

[@robertjosephkeil]

These guys are absolutely brilliant. Not just an academic brilliance, but a humanistic, aesthetic brilliance that reaches people on an almost primal level.

[@BooBuKittyPhuk]

Stevens Spielberg's smile listening to John describing creating ET was so sweet.

[@rotallyPumpered]

I really respect John Williams' ability to express his intentions for his music. It's equally from the heart and the intellect, and he doesn't come off as pretentious in any way when he communicates that. He has a deep understanding of music's power to draw people towards an emotion.

[@strangewayfaringstranger]

Haha they remind me of an old married couple. They are awesome.

[@I.amthatrealJuan]

Both international treasures

[@DigSamurai]

That was an incredible look into the minds of two masters of their craft and the questions Stephen asks were brilliant.

[@Nicotine46]

What a beautiful interview !

[@mdavis3]

John Williams is the most underrated living composer! He has had a HUGE place in our movie history for the last 40+ years.

[@abelcastro4813]

Dude has gotten every achievement you can imagine in music and MANY filmmakers as well as musicians have sung his praises for decades. You thinking he’s underrated in any way shape or form is kind of hilarious.

[@mdavis3]

@@abelcastro4813 I'm sure he's gotten lots of awards! If you ask most people who he is, I bet they won't know.

[@anmnou]

I am so glad I watched this! Very touching...

[@kateuhler7803]

Legend🥰. I love John Williams. (And Steven Spielberg). Our best living composer💜 kudos to him for being so inspired by Richard Wagner, with his obvious themes for each character.

[@davidlesley1328]

A truly exceptional interview where all participants are at the top of their game, so enlightening it should be saved at the Paley Centre for future viewing, and learning

[@davidjoe3368]

Mr Williams understands music and it's relation to emotions like no one else! You have to go back well over a century to find another Master Composer that can stand with John Williams! He truly is the greatest Composer in our Galaxy!

[@wakka13371]

Two GOATS

[@dot8605]

Three intelligent people having a conversation based on questions about visual and audible creations that shaped the modern world - what a treat!

[@geomantilla]

I could watch them and hear them for hours. True legends. ♥️🤝

[@matthagen67]

These two men's contribution to culture is gargantuan.

[@hayberdasher8625]

The brilliance shines through. Watch their movies kids. You'll be glad you did.

[@sMVshortMusicVideos]

That was awesome!

[@julioperez1850]

Thanks, Steven for providing us with these interviews! Listening to Spielberg and Williams talk about how they came up with the iconic soundtracks for both Jaws and Close Encounters is a sight to behold! I could listen to them both all day!

[@dawnadriana1764]

"The shark was in the shark shed getting fixed." I laughed myself silly.

[@kristinjones7029]

Petition to make John Williams immortal so that he can get those 50 more years plus as many more!

[@gear5soul]

Colbert really outdid himself here. I enjoyed this interview and Steven and Jonathan looked equally joyous. Colbert is very professional.

[@druidictroy1157]

That scene, the whole extended one from Close Encounters, is one of my most favorite and most memorable movie scenes from my youth. The whole movie really struck me deeply but it all led up to that really powerful piece of cinema!

[@visions_of_noah]

What a blessing to be alive at the same like these two men! You can tell they admire each other and John Williams just seems like such a kind person

[@mbanerjee5889]

How he came up with the music for each movie is fascinating. I don't know anything about music composition but it's still so impressive.

[@jvmlucky13]

Great interviewers get the best conversations even with the best people!

[@Icandoitifiwant]

UGH! The thought of us losing John Williams in particular just hurts! Not that I don't love and respect what Steven has contributed at all, but I just view John Williams as this GENIUS NATIONAL TREASURE that we will never be able to replace.

[@stephaniecuevas8451]

Love both of these two gentlemen and have been to two John Williams concerts. They're amazing

[@mattgreven7615]

Wow. Thank you. That was amazing. I could listen to "Johnny" talk for hours on where his inspiration comes from, etc. The most prolific composer of our time.

[@noooooooammmmmm]

What a couple. They are so inspiring.

[@Crimsonphilosophy]

Dang he would have a great masterclass

[@zeroinifnite5730]

I could listen to these two talk forever

[@kanturad8854]

I absolutely love how Colbert was able to bring such joy and excitement out of them with his questions that allowed them to share a new story or different perspective on the themes we have heard hundreds of times.

[@pattomwau]

The Jaws theme always made me think of a sharks tail going back and forth.

[@myrnashoults9735]

I go to movies, I either like them or I don’t. I have never given enough thought or credit, to the very intentional costume choice, scenery or music. Listening to this man speak, I am hooked! I’d love nothing more than to sit with him and pepper him with questions. I cannot get enough of Steven Spielberg or “Johnny” 💜

[@electricloup]

He is truly Legendary, and has a lot of knowledge about things, so he can work Universaly! Without him, Films would not be the same

[@waffleoutlaw9951]

How poetic that the 3 notes in the Jaws theme spell out F E D

[@VivianeJones]

Close encounters is definitely a conversation ❤ communication ❤️

[@nufsed12]

4:08 "If you're not nervous, then you're not trying"