Michael Heilemann

The Origins and Inspirations of John William's Star Wars Score

John Williams' throwback to romantic adventure films, the most financially successful score of all time, also borrowed from the past.

Michael Heilemann
The Origins and Inspirations of John William's Star Wars Score
Michael Heilemann

Crucifixion

The Imperial Attack / Blockade Runner track from the Star Wars score has a certain resemblance to the Crucifixion track from Franz Waxman's 1935 Bride of Frankenstein score. A track which was reused, as it happens, as the intro music for the Flash Gordon serial (and more on that later).

Michael Heilemann
Crucifixion
Michael Heilemann

Psycho & Sanjuro

Who would've thought that a cue from Psycho, of all films, would end up in Star Wars ? Well, it did, here's the how and where of it.

Michael Heilemann
Psycho & Sanjuro