"Here is how I work: when I think that a film needs to have a principal theme, I search for a melody"

Michel Legrand's quote talks to his imaginative process as a composer. He believes that a movie should have a primary style, and he searches for a tune to reveal that theme. This recommends that he starts with the concept of the movie and after that looks for a melody that will catch the essence of the story. He is trying to find a tune that will evoke the emotions of the characters and the story. He is likewise searching for a melody that will be memorable and will stick with the audience long after the movie has actually ended. This quote speaks to Legrand's commitment to developing music that is meaningful and memorable. He is looking for a melody that will record the essence of the film and will be remembered by the audience. He is searching for a melody that will evoke the emotions of the characters and the story.