John Williams: His 10 Greatest Film Scores

5. Raiders Of The Lost Ark (1981)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufr-qyHdPCI One of John Williams' most recognizable film scores is his 1981 work for Spielberg's action classic Raiders Of The Lost Ark. Treading back to the fantastical film scores of his mentors Alfred Newman and Max Steiner, Williams crafted one of the most epic film scores ever recorded. Williams contribution from the film's memorable opening sequence set the tone early on for what was to be a masterpiece from Williams. Throughout the film Williams revisits the "Raiders March" theme, adding mystery, suspense and romance to the mix with other great sequences. One of the finest works that Williams creates for the film is nearing the film's climax when the mysterious Ark Of The Covenant is ceremoniously opened. The music slowly builds as supernatural events begin to occur from within the Ark, leading to the gruesome deaths of those who doubt its power. Williams powerful score adds the proper sense of horror and malevolence to the sequence. Raiders Of The Lost Ark would be the first of 4 films Williams would score in the Indiana Jones series, with each film owing to his original "Raiders March", and he was once again Oscar nominated for Best Original Score for his classic work.
Contributor
Contributor

Kyle Hytonen is a film school grad, an independent film-maker, photographer and sleeper-inner.