Will John Williams Score Episode 8?

I love him. I think he's amazing. But I really hope not. I felt the music was the most underwhelming parts of TFA the progressions would resolve themselves too quickly taking all the tension out of the scene. I REALLY love the music used for introducing Luke at the end!!! it's like a more complicated wizard theme. I do think that the franchise would benefit from a younger composer moving forward... I personally would love Jonny Greenwood. A huge Radiohead freak B love his scoring in there will be blood and even more in the master. I personally wouldn't want Hans Zimmer but I could see the appeal.

 

Alexandre Desplat is scoring for Rogue One. I see this as his test, if he nails it, the rest of the episodes are his, should Williams be unavailable. And it's not like he hasnt taken over for Williams before, just look at the final Harry Potter movies, he scored those and remarkably so. the score really felt like it was something williams could've done.

 

Hope so. TFA soundtrack was the best.

 

I think he might end up collaborating. I really liked his score, the way he repeats very subtly certain themes through the movie that, I suspect, will be fully explored int the next instalment. However, he is now, what? 80-something years? I would expect that he will share the next movie score with someone else, and be ready hand it over for the last movie (episode 9).

 

I agree.
TFA has my least favorite Star Wars music out of 7 movies.

 

It's funny I experience the same thing. I watched the movie twice in a row. After the first time I thought the music was underwhelming so I thought to myself I should focus more on the music the second time I watched. It was still underwhelming. Came home and bought the music, still underwhelming. After listening more there are now 4 TFA themes among my favourites

 

I think your mistaking familiarity for quality. The TFA soundtrack doesn't hold a candle to the OT soundtrack. Unlike the OT soundtrack, TFA's is underwhelming and forgettable. Maybe someone can explain how movie scoring works. Does the composer get a budget? Post a link with knowledge!

 

Perhaps John Barry would be a good choice. He composed the scores for the James Bond movies and has composed scores for award winning films such as Dances with Wolves and Out of Africa. He's won some academy awards and a few Grammy's I think.

 

I don't think he is because of age and health issues. I think he would do an amazing job if he did compose the music. But I also wouldn't mind seeing the torch passed.

 

I understand the criticism that this soundtrack does not have a new standout theme. But I think it served the movie exceptionally well, which is really what it should be judged on. At many of the most climactic moments that would normally call for a unique, memorable theme, the OT music was used (very appropriately, in my opinion). But this new music has some very beautiful subtleties, and I especially like the way it is interwoven with OT themes. The transition to the Force Theme in Maz's Counsel is one great example, as well as the last two pieces altogether, Farewell and The Jedi Steps.

 

I am glad some people are able to see it for what it is (IMO). I even used the words "slow burn" to describe it to some friends. It's definitely not as flashy as the prequel scores but in many ways its even more accomplished, and richer, than anything he's done for Star Wars before. I think he will keep doing them as long as he is physically able, and that if he makes it to Episode IX, my first listen will be one of the most bittersweet moments of my life. The year he did Episode III he did three other scores so there was no reason to think he'd be retiring anytime soon...but fast forward 14 years and it's unlikely he will ever score another film after Episode IX.

--- Double Post Merged, Dec 22, 2015, Original Post Date: Dec 22, 2015 ---

Forgettable? Then why can't I get the themes out of my head all day every day?? Rey's theme (which is actually a bunch of different melodies and devices and phrases strung together, more complex than we've ever gotten before in Star Wars), the Resistance March, the Kylo theme...they're all memorable and thrilling.

 

Okay, hear me out:

The Original Trilogy soundtracks are like your favorite beer: Both filling and refreshing, while at the same time, appealing easily to the masses.
The Prequel Trilogy soundtracks are like that "Jungle Juice" stuff you drink at house parties when you're 19: Pretty much everything is in it, it goes down a little too easy, and it hits you over the head.

The Force Awakens soundtrack is like a fine red wine, like a Barolo or an Amarone: Complex, subtle, and it takes you a few sips to truly understand why it's so amazing.

 

John Barry died 4 years ago

 

It's not the themes that are the problem in VII. The themes are fine and or great. I absolutely love Rey's theme!! It's the *other* music... the music during action sequences and dramatic sequences (but especially the action sequences).

I'll let ANH speak for itself here:

 

The score's fine

My complaint in the cinema was that TFA score wasn't that memorable but listening to it on its own earlier I remembered a lot of the scenes without referencing the track listing.

I think the film is so fast paced it's hard to come out of the theatre with it still playing in your head.

Some good nods to the originals and prequels too.