The Ben Shapiro Show: "Where Your Favorite Movie Music Comes From"

Date: January 3, 2026
Host: Ben Shapiro

Episode Overview

In this episode, Ben Shapiro explores the classical roots of some of Hollywood's most iconic film scores, focusing on the works of John Williams. He discusses how Williams openly draws inspiration from the classical canon for themes in films like Star Wars, Jaws, Harry Potter, and Indiana Jones. Shapiro brings an educational yet passionate perspective, highlighting the intersection of film music and high art, and offering accessible insights into how these symphonic masterpieces came to be.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. John Williams' Influences and Transparency (00:45)

• Williams' Classical Literacy:
  Shapiro emphasizes that John Williams is "unbelievably literate when it comes to the classical repertoire" and is open about his inspirations for various film scores.

2. Star Wars and Gustav Holst's The Planets (01:05)

• Williams' "Empire Theme" is directly inspired by Holst's Mars, Bringer of War:
  • Quote:

    "What you will hear is that they're using the exact same rhythm, right? Dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun."
    — Ben Shapiro [01:35]

• Holst's "Neptune, the Mystic" also influences Tatooine's music cues.

3. Eric Korngold and 1930s-40s Film Scores (02:05)

• Korngold, a major composer from Hollywood’s golden age, directly inspired Williams, especially in Star Wars and Indiana Jones.
• Notable scores mentioned: The Adventures of Robin Hood and King's Row.

4. Edward Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance” and Star Wars’ Throne Room (03:05)

• Williams' "throne room" music at the end of A New Hope mirrors the regal pageantry of Elgar.

5. Superman and Ottorino Respighi’s Pines of Rome (03:30)

• The Krypton theme draws from the ending fanfare of Respighi’s work.
  • Quote:

    "If you want the Krypton theme for Superman, all you have to do is go check out the Pines of Rome by Otto Respighi and move to the last few minutes."
    — Ben Shapiro [03:30]

6. Jaws and Antonín Dvořák’s New World Symphony (06:05)

• The iconic two-note Jaws motif has roots in Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9:
  • Quote:

    "The very last movement of the New World Symphony, you're going to hear the very beginning of Jaws, right? So, yes. I mean, very, very similar, obviously. Same motif."
    — Ben Shapiro [06:50]

7. Harry Potter, Stravinsky's Firebird Suite & Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker (07:30)

• Orchestration in Harry Potter’s music mirrors techniques from Stravinsky and Tchaikovsky.
• The celeste in “Hedwig’s Theme” echoes Nutcracker:
  • Quote:

    "The celeste, which is kind of a rare instrument, is used in Hedwig's Theme and is supposed to mirror Tchaikovsky. Probably."
    — Ben Shapiro [07:50]

8. Indiana Jones and Rossini’s William Tell Overture (08:10)

• Indiana Jones theme echoes the famous overture, best known for its use in cartoons.
  • Quote:

    "You can make the case. I think that's actually a fairly solid case that Indiana Jones is supposed to be mirroring the William Tell Overture by Rossini."
    — Ben Shapiro [08:10]

9. Williams’ Craft vs. Talent and Dedication to Learning (08:40)

• Williams is not just talented but a craftsman, openly borrowing and building on traditions:
  • Quote:

    "And it just demonstrates there's a difference between craft and talent—that you actually have to develop a craft. John Williams spent years developing an actual craft. He knows all the background influences. That's why his music is spectacular."
    — Ben Shapiro [08:45]

10. Comparing John Williams and Hans Zimmer (09:20)

• Shapiro prefers Williams’ approach for its classical depth:
  • Quote:

    "People ask me, do you like better Hans Zimmer or John Williams? I'll take a Williams score any day over Zimmer. And I kind of like Zimmer."
    — Ben Shapiro [09:25]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Williams steals from the best, or at least he's imitating the best. And he will openly tell you that it's why he is great at his job."
  — Ben Shapiro [08:35]
• “It's why people ask me, do you like better Hans Zimmer or John Williams? I'll take a Williams score any day over Zimmer.”
  — Ben Shapiro [09:25]

Important Segment Timestamps

• [00:45] - Introduction to John Williams and his influences
• [01:05] - Star Wars and Holst’s The Planets
• [02:05] - Eric Korngold’s Hollywood legacy
• [03:05] - Elgar and Star Wars’ ceremonial scenes
• [03:30] - Superman and Respighi
• [06:05] - Jaws and Dvořák
• [07:30] - Harry Potter, Stravinsky, and Tchaikovsky
• [08:10] - Indiana Jones and the William Tell Overture
• [08:40] - Williams’ craft, influence, and why it matters
• [09:20] - Williams vs. Zimmer

Summary & Tone

Ben Shapiro delivers an accessible and enthusiastic masterclass on the classical origins of iconic movie themes. He balances rapid-fire insights with a genuine appreciation for both film and concert music, encouraging listeners to dig into the sources behind Hollywood’s greatest scores and recognize the deliberate craftsmanship that elevates composers like John Williams above the rest.

For those interested in film music or classical roots, this episode serves as both a guide and celebration of musical tradition living on through cinema.