Like many fans, 1977 was a seminal year in my film score education. Beyond the blockbuster status of STAR WARS came an even more affecting score from the pen of John Williams--CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND. I remember well the spine of the LP peaking out from our living room bookcase where my...

Based on Anne Tyler’s novel, THE ACCIDENTAL TOURIST (1988) stars William Hurt as travel writer Macon Leary, whose marriage to Kathleen Turner is shattered after the accidental shooting death of his teenage son. He lives his life in limbo until his relationship with an eccentric dog trainer (Geena...

In my “9 on the 9th” post last week listing my favorite John Williams scores, I was asked in the comments, “No love for Indy?” While I don’t adore the Indiana Jones movies, or their scores, as much as some film music fans, far be it from me not to acknowledge their craft,...

Last month’s “9 on the 9th” list post featured the music of Jerry Goldsmith, the man behind my first love of film music. So I thought it appropriate that this month’s post focus on another essential composer in my early years of film music exploration, and arguably the most famous film...

Summer 1978 and the buzz was “super” for SUPERMAN. At age 16, I considered it uncool to show my anticipation for the film. Sure, I had fond memories of watching George Reeve on TV as a kid. Having Richard Donner, who directed my beloved OMEN, attached to the picture helped a bit. But only...

Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner. Tom and Jerry. Carl Hanratty and Frank Abagnale, Jr. It’s all about the chase. Steven Spielberg’s confection, CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, was based on Abagnale’s (Leonardo DiCaprio) true story as he cons his way across the globe, cashing more than $2.5 million...

Forget Neil Armstrong.  John Williams‘ “one small step” (or more accurately half-step) was a giant leap…at least for film music. The simple, yet effective, two-note motif Williams employed in JAWS invokes terror from the opening bars. It has been parodied and plagiarized ever...