“One of the great moviegoing experiences.” - Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
“A uniquely transporting filmgoing spectacle.” - Gary Arnold, Washington Post
Wednesday, March 22 at 6pm | CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND marks the third film Williams scored for his longtime collaborator Steven Spielberg, following THE SUGARLAND EXPRESS in 1974 and JAWS in 1975 - the two have gone on to work together on over 25 films. With this score, Williams creates an atmosphere of both terror and curiosity, mixing ominous atonality with rhapsodic orchestral sequences. Music also becomes language in the film, when the “five tones” (Re, Mi, Do, Do, So) are used to communicate with the film’s extraterrestrial visitors - evolving from a playful call and response, to an otherworldly sound and light show. While many films are scored after principal production, with CLOSE ENCOUNTERS Williams composed the score before the film was edited, with Spielberg using it as his north star.
Awards & Nominations
Winner - Best Cinematography, Academy Awards
Nominee - Best Director, Best Score, Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Melinda Dillon)
Winner - Best Music, Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films
Scored by John Williams: We can all hum the JAWS theme, and recognize the scores to STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES within the first bars, but composer John Williams' inimitable career as a composer with over 160 titles to his credit, is full of surprises. Presented in partnership with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Scored by John Williams showcases the depth of his talent in scores that range from jaunty to ethereal, and from the noble to the ominous. View full series here.
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