Rey’s theme by John Williams can offer so much to the fanbase

Rey's theme by John Williams can offer so much to the fanbase

As a gamer who has grown up with Star Wars being an integral part of my gaming and movie-watching experiences, I can wholeheartedly say that John Williams‘ compositions have been nothing short of magical. The way he breathed life into Rey’s character through her theme is truly captivating. It’s a testament to his exceptional talent as a composer and his unique ability to connect with the characters he scores for.

2017 saw the 84-year-old John Williams eagerly preparing to compose the music for Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi. As reported by Masslive.com, Williams shared that he gladly took up the task because of his fascination with actress Daisy Ridley, who played Rey in the series, and wished to ensure another composer didn’t score her performances instead.

In the sequel trilogy, Williams has developed an exceptional bond with Ridley, which is clearly evident in her on-screen portrayal and the theme she composed for the character. This theme, often referred to as “Rey’s theme,” features a harmonious blend of string and woodwind instruments. It was initially presented in Star Wars: The Force Awakens during Rey’s scavenging scene across the deserts of Jakku.

The central idea is consistently present across the trilogy. A particularly impactful instance occurs in The Last Jedi. As Rey and Chewbacca ultimately save the Resistance at the end, it’s “Rey’s motif” that pervades the scene, demonstrating to viewers that Rey is one of the new leaders within the Resistance.

Williams spoke to the LA Times about the film’s central idea, stating, “It’s quite intriguing working on her character because it doesn’t hint at a romantic theme in any manner. Instead, she embodies a fearless female explorer, yet one who is also deeply thoughtful and powerful due to her connection with the Force.”

Ridley herself has been in awe of Williams since she joined the franchise.

2015 saw her participating in one of John Williams’s scoring workshops for The Force Awakens, and it appeared she relished observing the renowned composer craft the film’s score. Moreover, she graced his 90th birthday celebration at the Kennedy Center in 2022.

The entire theme has a sense of wonder and the desire to be a feminine hero. It is both beautiful and inspirational. When the first film was released and I heard the theme, my wife was currently pregnant at the time with my daughter, Brooklyn. I kept listening to the theme thinking of the wonder and beauty of having a young girl. Since my daughter has seen the movies and loves the character of Rey.

In the upcoming “Star Wars: The New Jedi Order” movie, it seems likely that Ridley, as Rey, will find motivation from her character’s central idea, a concept that wasn’t only crafted for Rey, but tailored specifically for Ridley.

2024-08-31 01:51