Comparing The Film Scoring Processes of John Williams and Hans Zimmer
Comparing The Film Scoring Processes of John Williams and Hans Zimmer
John Williams and Hans Zimmer are both brilliant composers of iconic blockbuster scores, but they have very different processes by which they craft their scores.
John Williams considers himself “Old School” when it comes to how he goes about actually writing his scores. He still uses pencil and paper to actually write out the score. He also prefers to score his films based on his initial…
“"Something I wanted to always do. Invent instruments that don’t exist. Invent sounds that don’t exist.”
Hans Zimmer, ‘Dune’ composer, gives his in-depth analysis and insider’s look at how the score was created for Denis Villeneuve’s 2021 film. Dune earned Hans Zimmer an Oscar for Best Original Score at the 2022 Academy Awards"
From Youtube channel Vanity Fair: How 'Dune’ Composer Hans Zimmer Created the Oscar-Winning Score | Vanity Fair
I rewatched Spirit for the first time as an adult and holy shit I remember loving this movie bc I was a weird horse girl but goddamn that movie is actually so good??? The soundtrack is FIRE. Hans Zimmer really said take no prisoners.
i love the juxtaposition between the way the Ten Commandments and the Prince of Egypt portray God. the Ten Commandments use reds and warm colors, and His theme is powerful with deep horns and trumpets. it’s strong and bold and invokes awe and authority, like His majesty is on display. this is an intimidating but loving God. (0:38)
the Prince of Egypt uses blues and cool tones, and His theme is quiet echoing choral notes. it gives a more personal mysterious feeling to Him. but when it builds in strength it feels overwhelming, like unimaginable wonders. (1:15)
they both highlight particular attributes of God, and yet neither of them are incorrect. God is fierce and loving, kind and merciful, holy and powerful, and all of these things and more. combining these two portrayals is only the beginning of forming an idea of the complexity of Yahweh.
“ ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega- the beginning and the end,’ says the Lord God. ‘I am the One who is, who always was, and who is still to come- the Almighty One.’ “ ~Revelation 1:8
i love the juxtaposition between the way the Ten Commandments and the Prince of Egypt portray God. the Ten Commandments use reds and warm colors, and His theme is powerful with deep horns and trumpets. it’s strong and bold and invokes awe and authority, like His majesty is on display. this is an intimidating but loving God. (0:38)
the Prince of Egypt uses blues and cool tones, and His theme is quiet echoing choral notes. it gives a more personal mysterious feeling to Him. but when it builds in strength it feels overwhelming, like unimaginable wonders. (1:15)
they both highlight particular attributes of God, and yet neither of them are incorrect. God is fierce and loving, kind and merciful, holy and powerful, and all of these things and more. combining these two portrayals is only the beginning of forming an idea of the complexity of Yahweh.
“ ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega- the beginning and the end,’ says the Lord God. ‘I am the One who is, who always was, and who is still to come- the Almighty One.’ “ ~Revelation 1:8
the Lion King has been one of my favorite movies for a long time, and i think it’s because Hans Zimmer’s score always sounded like it was describing God to me. but Simba’s journey speaks to me personally, most powerfully the scene when he meets Mufasa again. i’ve struggled with self hatred and unwarranted guilt and depression for most of my life, but that’s never changed who i am to the Lord, and how He cherishes me. He is coming soon and He longs for everyone to be one of His protected children.
“But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” (1 John 1:9)
“But to all who believed Him and accept Him, He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)
“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow- not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky or in the earth below- indeed, nothing in all of creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)
the Lion King has been one of my favorite movies for a long time, and i think it’s because Hans Zimmer’s score always sounded like it was describing God to me. but Simba’s journey speaks to me personally, most powerfully the scene when he meets Mufasa again. i’ve struggled with self hatred and unwarranted guilt and depression for most of my life, but that’s never changed who i am to the Lord, and how He cherishes me. He is coming soon and He longs for everyone to be one of His protected children.
“But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” (1 John 1:9)
“But to all who believed Him and accept Him, He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)
“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow- not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky or in the earth below- indeed, nothing in all of creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)
Transcript:
10: You said You’d always be there for me.. But You’re not. And it’s because of me. It’s my fault.. My fault.
Lion of Judah: Child
10: ..Father?
Lion of Judah: You have forgotten Me.
10: No! How could I?
Lion of Judah: You have forgotten who I Am, and so have forgotten who you are. You are more than what you have believed.
10: But how can You want me back? ..I’m not who I used to be..
Jesus: Remember… who I Am. You are My child, and you always will be. Remember who you are.. I have never left you. I will always love you.
The latest Movie Classics poster added to the ever growing collection is the fantastic theme ‘No Time For Caution’ by Hans Zimmer for the epic Christopher Nolan movie Interstellar.
