The Movies That Made Me

THE RIP writer/director Joe Carnahan

Jan 20, 2026
Join a captivating discussion where Joe Carnahan dives into the magic of John Williams' scores that shaped his cinematic journey. From the emotional depths of E.T. to the iconic tension of Jaws, each piece is explored for its impact. Discover anecdotes about legendary filmmakers like John Huston and Paul Newman. The hosts reflect on how music transforms films, highlighting themes from Raiders of the Lost Ark to Munich. Carnahan also shares insights on filmmaking, lean writing, and the intricate balance between score and storytelling.
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ADVICE

Use Score To Reveal Your Cut

  • Run a rough cut without music to see what's missing, then add a composed score to reveal the intended emotion.
  • Joe Carnahan says a composer can turn a rough cut into the movie you meant to make.
INSIGHT

Live Orchestra Reveals Hidden Timbres

  • Hearing a live orchestra can reveal timbres and textures you didn't know instruments could produce.
  • Joe Dante describes a visceral concert moment where the orchestra stunned him with new sounds.
INSIGHT

Music Tells Character Backstory

  • Williams blends the earthly and the otherworldly to tell story through music.
  • Joe Dante praises the Superman 'Leaving Home' cue for narrating Clark's dual identity musically.
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