echo22

New to the JW Forum. I've gotten a kick out of this thread because I think it's an interesting twist to review a score before the movie has even been filmed. But here are my thoughts and predictions (as an enormous fan of both JW and IJ). All the Indy movies have a certain formula - as do their scores. You have the Raiders March, of course. Then there's the theme for the main villain and/or artifact (the Ark, The Grail, Mola Ram, The Nazi's in Last Crusade, etc.) Then there's the more emotional or romantic themes (Marion, Willy, Short Round, Henry Sr.) Then you will always have at least one central suspense or action theme in each film. (The truck chase, the slave children's crusade, the boat chase, the motorcycle chase, the belly of the steel beast, etc) I can't see Spielberg or Lucas changing this formula for the fourth and probably final installment. My guess is that you'll have a theme for Shia Lebeouf's character and Cate Blanchett (for whichever role she plays - villain or heroine) The main artifact or quest will get a theme. It's a sure thing. The villians will have some sort of march or choral piece - maybe something similar to the theme that was cut from Attack of the Clones and put back into Revenge of the Sith. Or even something like the Sunday Night Football theme. (I can't help but think of Indy when I hear it.) A Russian or KGB theme would be a nice addition. If Marion is in there - you know they'll bring back her theme. Even if only for a minute. Sean Connery? - same thing. The Raiders March will be used as it was in Temple of Doom and Last Crusade. You may hear alot of it in whatever opening action sequence - it's been almost 20 years, after all. You'll probably have a more humorous action theme (like the motorcycle or basket chase) for the scene in New Haven that they've been talking about. Maybe with a little late 50's flair. Then, like the tank scene, you'll probably have a much more serious and suspenseful action theme. Which will lead to the finale. I guess this could be considered the formula for most action adventure films - but it's more emphasized in the Indy movies. Just listen to the closing credits. The first three Harry Potter films also had a very similar formula. Even more so than the new Star Wars films - unless you were to combine Eps. 1-3 to make one long movie score. I suppose one of the things I'm looking most forward to is a 2008 John Williams following this same formula - but in a new and exciting way. When I first saw Last Crusade, I still remember how I felt hearing the music. It was totally different than what I expected - but it so had that Indy feel to it. I couldn't wait to see it again - partly for that reason. Next May, if we can come out of the theatre feeling the same way, then it's bound to be another John Williams classic.