See With Your Ears: Spielberg And Sound Design

[@GoalGuys]

I can't tell you how happy I get when I see a Nerdwriter video pop up in my subscription box. Great video mate!

[@goalguys2432]

Goal Guys same tho

[@davidkestler6242]

These truely are the crown of my supscription list. Nerdwriter1 is the gold standard

[@guywittamic]

exactly!

[@tomaslopez7690]

too true

[@Howesenberg]

Goal Guys! always cool to see you on other channels.

[@subroy7123]

"I'm not sure what they're doing in film school these days...." Lol at the not-so-subtle burn.

[@thecrowqueenisalie6266]

Might I point out, sir, your profile picture, it really enhances your comment.

[@24FramesOfNick]

The essay god has returned!

[@spinakker14]

24 Frames Of Nick that would be KaptainKristian

[@user-sm5ps4it5c]

who are you talking about? Every frame a painting is already dead

[@24FramesOfNick]

@spinakker Nah he's passionate love letters god

[@spinakker14]

24 Frames Of Nick what do you mean?

[@ujwalbasnet9444]

He means that he makes video essays to write love letters to things he is passionate about.

[@gapolh9783]

Wow, im in a media/film school and just today we had a lesson in sound design. But you really made a better example than my professor.

[@andib5921]

Yeah, I'm taking a film class and the teacher asked us to compare the sound design in 2 movies, but literally none of the lectures or class material have discussed that analytically so I'm watching video essays to figure it out.

[@vicenteortegarubilar9418]

Truly an underrated movie in spielberg's filmography.

[@danielplainview7737]

Maybe his best

[@thaddeusang2795]

def one of my favourites

[@Coltbrown]

Also; "1941"

[@vicenteortegarubilar9418]

Colt Venture And empire of the sun.

[@SacClass650]

Underrated design and scenes but, in my opinion, as a movie it's pretty accurately represented.

[@ilikeceral3]

Sound design needs to be appreciated more. It can make cinema accessible to the blind.

[@briannakirby5251]

you are very wise

[@rockyr2248]

@@briannakirby5251 Indeed

[@gpapa31]

Christopher Nolan has left the chat.

[@daniellado2523]

I agree that sound effects can help the environment of a film. And sometimes no music in a scene can make it better, like in No Country For Old Men.

[@NTJordan]

When I first watched No Country for Old Men, I didn't even realize there was no score. That's powerful.

[@HelloMisterJAMWAH]

God, the sound design in No Country is incredible. Puts you right in the story.

[@blehbleh8143]

Edward Yang's A Brighter Summer Day also doesn't have score.

[@kcherney6969]

Definitely. For me, the most memorable scene in NCFOM is when Chigurh finds Moss at the Eagle Pass hotel and it is largely because of the sound design. The ringing of the lonely, unattended desk phone (wasn't the attendant supposed to be there all night?); the quiet, increasing frequency of the tracking device beep (until it is turned off); the near-silent sound of Chigurh unscrewing the hallway light bulb before his approach. The scene is so suspenseful, in part, because the sound design puts you in Moss's head. It's a translation of that feeling when you know something isn't right, there's impending danger, your hairs are standing on end, and it's as if your hearing becomes superhuman. That scene is unforgettable.

[@FabinHim]

There can never be too many Spielberg video essays. The man is a genius. I’d love to see you do an analysis on the way his filmography shifts tonally (i.e. Schindler’s List and Munich versus Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park), and how Spielberg maintains his central aesthetics, while still remaining fluid.

[@mulsimin__]

As a man with hearing loss I tend to do more then just hear things. I tend to visualise what I hear so it can "sound" better. And what you describe right there is something I do on a daily bases so I don't loose track of what im trying to hear,,and also because I don't want to keep saying "what" when people are talking. Very nice video.

[@YesTheory]

So good.

[@nashoba5450]

Hey matt wassup

[@ernestodelacruz3255]

Glad to see you guys watch this too. Hit me up for a crazy adventure in San Diego California!

[@genapop1]

Yes Theory if you are ever in Russia . Moscow or st.petesburg . Hit me up on this comment ) .

[@AdamMarriyati]

You should get in touch with Nerdwriter and maybe collab with something interesting. :)

[@WenBilson]

Sounds invisibility is one of its strongest assets, but I especially love when it takes centre place in the storytelling of a scene. Like how you point out the "impressionistic" design used to ramp up the intensity of characters emotions. Quiet is intense, silence is deafening. Thank you for this brilliant look into the side of cinema which often goes overheard. xx

[@eduardomoralesmendoza9322]

Invisibility is curius for me, I liked how I cant tell about great production desicions but as soon as I watch an essay like this, it is obvious how brilliant it truly is, even without that konwledge. But making it visible is something very special, that's why I love the french new wave and the fourthwall breaking. Idk thats my impresion of the start of your comment.

[@gustoonz]

Such a fantastic video.

[@imadethisaccountowatchyoutube]

today i learned that gus johnson is a nerdwriter fan and i could not be happier

[@islamicpotato9658]

Hope you are doing well, Gus.

[@Bryan-vu5fu]

Such a good video. The audio production is soothing and crisp. The delicate mix of commentary really is impressive. This doesn't even mention the overall flow of the video, which is excellent. Great job!

[@flowstategmng]

Dude, this makes me wanna rewatch EVERYTHING I ever watched!

[@hagron5702]

I was thinking the same throughout.

[@logeshwars2695]

🤣🤣🤣 Same here!

[@kathiravanganesh5618]

Finally someone analysis Spielberg films. Most of them KZbin channels analyse Nolan and Tarantino films. But Spielberg is legend

[@yorickmoran4823]

Kathiravan Ganesh He also did one on Saving Private Ryan as well.

[@ThePrimevalVoid]

...what are you talking about? There are several video essays dedicated to Spielberg.

[@SophiaAphrodite]

Because Nolan And Tarantino are movie snobs and only movie snobs consider them the elite.

[@hidof9598]

@@SophiaAphrodite , that's elitist mentality

[@michaelotis223]

@@hidof9598 this. Thank you.

[@liefwerk]

The director Jacques Tati did an amazing job at directing with his ears. He used sound to emphasize his visual jokes. Truly worth it to dig into his films.

[@hmmyesinteresting]

design is everything

[@royalzak2670]

Aesthetics is life

[@empermanual3014]

Are you some kind of omnipresent demigod of KZbin, hmm yes interesting? I've seen your comments on three of the videos in my subscription feed in a row, and it's unsettling

[@CharlesTheClumsy]

I see you everywhere.

[@MrMonshez]

and symbols can symbolize anything

[@Rellocollins]

sub back

[@murdockfiles9406]

Yes! Munich is one of my favourite of Steven Spielberg and yet completely underrated. So glad a video is covering this masterpiece. (Empire of the Sun is another one of his underrated films also!)

[@dneiss89]

Sugarland Express is pretty underrated.

[@gpapa31]

Masterpiece. And it looks like that WSS is also added to that list of underrated Spielberg movies.

[@lillyrey5727]

it felt as if I hadn't seen a Nerdwriter video for so long! It's one the few channels I love to watch in full screen. I know I'm gonna learn something great! You've shown a perspective I hadn't considered before. As always a great video!

[@dannydebold3119]

That scene was intense int he theatre but I thought my heart was going to burst out of my chest with only the sound design. Well done!

[@JacksMovieReviews]

Great essay! Out of curiosity did you see Spielberg, the HBO documentary? They spent a good bit of time talking about this scene and was wondering if you were inspired? If you haven't seen it, definitely check it out, it's a great look into his life.

[@tomsaer705]

Love ya Jack. Already said this on one of your vids but ey

[@JacksMovieReviews]

Hey what's up Tom!

[@tomsaer705]

Have you seen three billboards otuside ebbing missouri? seems like it'd be one you'd enjoy :)

[@JacksMovieReviews]

I did, and I liked it, but definitely wouldn't say that I loved it. Some elements hit really hard, they were emotional, funny, and everything I want from a movie like this-others fell flat.

[@tomsaer705]

I get that completely - I was a big fan, and was actually kinda emotionally affected after I finished watching the film which is a big plus for me. Wasn't convinced by Lucas Hedges, but loved everyone else.

[@BlureTiyers]

Munich is Spielberg's most criminally under-appreciated film. Glad you made a video for it.

[@clsimon6]

The best person on this platform doing this. I love love your tone, pacing, and attention to detail! It helps captivate your work! Happy 2018, great video as always and looking forward to the next one!

[@westminsterabbey.6916]

Man this takes me back. I wrote an essay about this scene back in art college. I stayed up till 6 in the morning the day before hand-in, redrafting it until I was happy with it. This scene is just so beautiful to me, from start to finish, and I wanted to fully express that beauty as effectively as I could. I keep meaning to dig it up and read through it again, see how it reads now. I often think if I did that I'd want to rewrite it again to perfect it haha. This video essay is amazing by the way. You've done with this format what I was unable to do with just the written word. I would have loved to have done something like this back then, if I'd had the time and the resources (ah the old excuse...). I think I'll go a find that old essay and see if I can improve on it.

[@graemewilson7975]

Brilliant dissection of a classic Spielberg sequence

[@fionakida]

I'm at USC's film school right now, and I'm so happy to have seen this video - we had an intense semester learning several different components that go into making a film, but the most draw-dropping discovery was definitely how sound was worked into film, from design (backgrounds, dialogue, sfx, adr, etc.) to foleying, sound mix, music, and the works -- watching films or just walking around and truly listening to what's around you, how many different sounds are going on, how coarse or dry they are dependent on the texture of the ground and so forth, the subconscious effect it makes - wow

[@furyvsblitzkrieg]

you could make a living on Spielberg movies alone. The man will forever be one of the best.

[@kristhayes8465]

I'm teaching a Grade 12 Film Production course for the first time this semester. I've been watching your channel for a few months, and have learned an incredible amount from your video essays. Thank you so much, I love your work, excited for what you have coming up in the next few months.

[@joaopprb]

Speaking of sound design, it's amazing how you, on this final seconds speaking with us, creates such a "smoothie" feeling after feeding our brains. It's awesome! The music, the tune of your voice. It really surprises me how careful you are with your videos. Thanks for teaching me so much. have a great new year you all

[@johanneshauswirth7799]

Hey Evan. I really can not emphazise enough how much your Video Essays on Arts bring out the finesse, with which the artists compose their works. You are such an courious analyst, and by that never forget that you are telling a story by yourself, building tension and therefore interest for your work. What makes your content so outstanding to me is that, no matter which topic you focus on, i as a listener can always hear your honest and real dedication to the project and the serious respect you pay to the work. You also are a great motivation for me. Thanks a lot.

[@junkytboy]

The first main sequence in Stephen's new movie "The Post," when the first story was dropping, had so much visual storytelling that you could have watched the 15 minutes without words and completely understood what happened

[@opedromagico]

The visuals make you understand, the music makes you feel 👏🏻

[@larryknicks]

Dan Harmon mentioned something like this when he made Community. He told his team to make a scene as if there was no music to work with. When they added music after the fact if they wanted

[@landonfaulkner8355]

You’re use of words and story telling is just beyond phenomenal

[@Asher312]

FCK this was awesome. Great job making this. Sound design is truly just THAT amazing because nobody ever notices it's awesome driving force and you illustrated that BRILLIANTLY

[@alexkairis3927]

It's like Nerdwriter keeps bringing to my attention things that I instinctively appreciate. He just makes it tons more tangible and I love it.

[@736Jar]

Honestly by far my favourite channel right now... by far. Beautifully done.

[@holyflutterofgod]

This might be one of your best videos ever. People talk a big game about the importance of sound design, but a nice clear-cut breakdown of such a masterfully executed example was absolutely in order.

[@mingthemerciless834]

Thank God! I thought you were gone forever

[@schnacker41]

This is one of the best nerdwriter essays in a long time. Gotta be honest his essays sometimes tend to go into "pretentious" territory especially when he's talking about anything other than film. This one was on point tho and I like that it shines a light on a part of filmmaking most people underestimate as a narrative device.

[@MakoTheFrog]

0:36 "we all know that movies only have 2 ways into your brain, through your eyes and your ears..." oh my sweet summer child, what kind of ignorant fool has never eaten Shrek the Third on DVD before? and you call urself a student of film...tragic smh my head.

[@hannahc2265]

pathetic These mainstream movie buffs couldn’t even begin to pick up on the textural subtleties of crunching down on a sweet Shrek the Third dvd. Don’t waste your time here buddy. Us intellectuals gotta stick together

[@jorgenholt]

Agreed... smh shaking my head smh my head shaking

[@fadelpw511]

I put a pirated emoji movie into a flash drive and shove it up my ass

[@tia6498]

Um. . . What

[@icalculi]

can someone explain? :/

[@manuelperezmora6960]

This essays are getting better and better. I really like the way you intervene the material to make and argument. It's way more efficient than hearing someone explain it to you.

[@dhruvghanekarofficial]

Great analysis . Munich is probably one of Spielberg’s best work. A master at the height of his powers . The film deserved a lot more love at award season , but it didn’t get it as the film polarised opinions due to its ambiguous ending . Keep up the great work mate!

[@averagejoe6617]

Also Brokeback Mountain was arguably more popular and groundbreaking. At least, there wasn't such a mainstream movie dealing with LGBTQ themes the way it did.

[@sofianossantatsoglou2844]

Finally someone talking about that sequence! Amazing and carefully crafted essay. I can see your passion and admiration for the topic from the very beginning! I love it!

[@sukhrajsingh466]

definitely going on "the list"

[@WarcraftHD]

Wow, this was one of your best videos in my opinion. The fact that you did those editing tricks that differ from the actual movie + when you cut the camera and let us 'watch' really drove the point home really well. Thank you!

[@sultanwadood7467]

Would pay big money to watch your movie! Brilliant video

[@Paulinemoke]

Sultan Wadood he does have a patreon ;)

[@vdevov]

Thank you for being the one that explains my work, for everyone I know, from now on.

[@CoinOpTV]

well done dude

[@CMOSBOSS]

This may have been the best nerdwriter video to date. The blackening of the screen towards the end was pure genius.

[@Max_Demian991-]

man, you should do a documentary on this. Brilliant!

[@BasementMinions]

So happy to hear your restful break was indeed restful. I absolutely love sound design, it is so difficult to find concisely put together sound design videos so I very much appreciate your example here.

[@well3034]

Another Quality content... I wish more KZbinrs are like you Good Job, You deserve more Views per minute

[@5ilver42]

I'm always really happy to see people talk about the importance of sound in video

[@binojgeorge8079]

This movie is a brilliant piece of art. Thematically and visually. Ive always regarded this as one of the top 3 spielberg movies. The movie doesnt take sides. Gives an ambiguous ending, no clear answer. The ending-world trade message was chilling. This cinema predicted that america will bring war to its own soil. Sadly, after 10 years, as we can see, it happened. Visuals and other techniques are brilliant in its own way. Cinematography is perfect 10/10. As a musician myself, i loved the music and the absence of it. Even though every storytelling elements are brilliant, these things doesnt distract you from watching whats happening in the screen.

[@lunasmileyy]

when you took out the video, that was quite possibly the most amazing experience i’ve ever had watching a youtube video

[@andressimonian]

Genius movie and genius analysis

[@chimedemon]

Ahh, see it’s people like you that make me love everything about film like it’s the first time I’ve loved. It’s a rare treat that I absolutely cannot describe, and cannot be missed by others.

[@dannybribiesca]

Amazing!! Glad you're bring up such an important part of filmmaking and putting it under the limelight!

[@amccfischer]

I am so glad that you did a video about film sound that was NOT about music alone.

[@redmatte-92]

One of my favourite films of all time.

[@mardtdevisser1189]

what is the movie i want to see it

[@redmatte-92]

Mardt de visser Munich

[@angelagilmartin2109]

My new favorite YT channel! Trying hard not to binge watch you 🤣

[@poraomaneiro]

I will never forget the sound of the tripods in War of the Worlds.

[@micahnewman]

YES, I'm surprised NerdWriter didn't pick a better example like that. Effective sound design in sci-fi can really sell the whole package. (Like _Oblivion_ - another example of great sound design.) Just the sound of those things churning out "fertilizer" gave a terrifying feel of unstoppable machinery that cares nothing for humanity.

[@amadeusoasis5358]

As a middle schooler at the time that scene made me tense in the theater(edge my seat experience) and I love every moment of it. Spielberg really knows how to mix visuals and audio together.

[@bac24axes]

Your videos absolutely stick out. Every single time I am notified of a new Nerdwriter vides it is a gift and my day is instantly made! Thanks for all that you do and keep it up!

[@customatic]

I love you Nerd Writer!

[@Supernaturlisch]

I used to not really notice the audio aspect of movies - until I started appreciating film music. Now, it's one of the key things I look at when watching a movie. And it's the reason why watching Blade Runner 2049 was SUCH an amazing experience. It felt like my whole body was vibrating with the sounds.

[@ckramcess]

Never clicked a notification this fast.

[@prestonok3694]

This was FANTASTIC. Such an overlooked part of film. Music is also a powerful tool but when used correctly. That way the absence of it also has an effect just like shown here.

[@RafaelDivoz]

You are the MASTER of video-essay.

[@arvin1976]

You are my favourite channel dude. Every video is so therapeutic, educational, and just genuinely fascinating. I'd watch your videos about things I'm not even interested in and I'd still be gripped by your video. Keep doing you

[@mikerphone.]

Anyone ever had a broken pair of speakers that made the continuous tension building sound? Its just a constant low ringing sound, i guarantee you've heard it a million times in movies and tv shows. Anyways, i had a pair of speakers that did that and it made everything i watched so incredibly built up and tense. It was kind of fun, but it ultimately takes away from the artists design for the scene.

[@arifahamed1324]

His camera work is god level❤the blocking 🔥how he communicates the scene ❤

[@karczewskii]

DAMN, I have to watch the movie first! BRB

[@BongSalvador]

Marcin Karczewski Am too.

[@phero2]

You guys should have watched this masterpiece years ago. Get on it!

[@somedudewithanappleonhisfa6819]

If there was an award for best editing on KZbin it would go to you

[@juangomez7586]

DO PLEASE ANOTHER VIDEO ABOUT WESTWORLD....!!!!

[@swiftee543]

Nice to see another video from you. Not only is it a great discussion of an aspect of film that is not talked about enough but also a good look at Spielberg's cinematic skills in one of his best movies.

[@eli88958]

More like Nerddirector amirite?

[@JeremiahFernandez]

lel u so witty

[@kayleyryanmelodies]

I love your videos, each one so brilliantly insightful and carefully edited and written.

[@WJstudios04]

Eric Bana!

[@gabrieljlemay]

Dude, this is by far the best video about filmmaking you've done so far.

[@rodrigomonney]

"How Nerdwritter Makes A Video"

[@ritwiksingh7685]

i so happy finally someone made a video essay on this scene. idk how many of you agree but this one of the most underrated movies of all time.

[@Beforethecredits]

Welcome back!! Seems I'm a little late to this. I was wondering where you had been, literally just last night I made the Joke that You had died. Also I like that you are tackling another movie video with this video, it seems like it has been a while sense you have dont that. What are you thoughts on small channels setting demonetized? I have almost 3k subs and I'm not even close to the 4k hour threshold.

[@WenBilson]

I'm 2000 hours and 500 subs off. I feel your frustration. Just keep in mind you're a talented editor with interesting content. You need to constantly improve your skills as a content creator and get lucky with a break-out video. I see you everywhere BTC, on this comment section and others. And as little as it's worth, I'll subscribe and watch through your videos again. I hope this bolsters your spirits. All the best. xx

[@Beforethecredits]

Thanks Wen, I see you a lot of places as well. It just seems like they keep wanting to make it harder and harder for new creators to make it. I am part of the YPP so I can add my patreon because it is the only money I have made via youtube. However I will lose that ability now because of this. I make nothing but who knows, maybe Ill get lucky and have a video go viral I make some money? Not anymore though.

[@MuseMediaUSA]

Sound is 50% of the moviegoing experience, yet so often overlooked. Great video!

[@pasajerodelabrujula8261]

In my opinion, Spielberg is a filmmaking God he has a filmography like no other (Stanley Kubrick is his daddy though). I have to say that the Cohen Brothers; No Country For Old Men is unparalleled. The tension in this movie is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced at the movies.

[@Mharriscreations]

Maybe it's a stylistic thing, but while I thought the tension in No Country For Old Men was good, I wasn't particularly impressed by it. It was mostly forgettable. The movie that I always return to for well done tension is the original 1955 Invasion Of The Body Snatchers.

[@XxPx3xNx6xUx1xNxX]

Haven't lost a step. Glad to see you putting out new content in the new year. I can't imagine how hard it is to keep coming up with interesting and engaging subjects but what you put out always seems organically inspired and never forced. I respect that. This, Wisecrack, Folding Ideas, Lessons from the Screenplay, Cinemasins and a few others are the channels I spend the most time on but I think yours is my favorite because of just how polished they are. 2018 is going to be awesome and I can't wait to see what you come up with.

[@virakchhang]

He never talked about what wasn't music!

[@scottshields3054]

Nicely done. I work in sound and I've had a ton of conversations with filmmakers about the importance of sound. I always tell them that people will watch a horrible grainy picture with good sound, but they won't sit through a high def film with bad sound...and then they usually keel over and need a stiff drink when I tell them how much it costs to do good sound.

[@vincentratay4188]

Hey Nerdwriter, could you please make a video about "Boyhood"? I really love this movie and the concept behind it, but unfortunately I can't describe the magic, which some scenes carry in it. Why is it so special? (apart from being filmed for 12 years) What's the difference between the dialogues in it and the interactions in other movies? Did Linklater create (and develop) the characters differently? I think a video about Boyhood would suit your channel perfectly! Greets from Munich, Germany Btw great video :)

[@Ladondorf]

The way you changed the focus of the scene by replacing the audio track was absolutely brilliant.

[@greg4629]

good video but could do without the blocking out the visuals . i get it but as much as you want to emphasise the role of the audio your point isn't that the audio can stand on its own. you even said this in the earlier part of the video. your earlier point was that the audio leads the visuals. then you moved into the idea of the audio telling the story on its own. the first part was brilliant. the second part just wasn't true

[@smitmahajani7663]

This is *probably* the best Nerdwriter1 video. There's a lot to choose from, but this one is just class!

[@ToMinecraftAdventure]

*I CAN’T HEAR YOU! IT’S TOO DARK IN HERE!*

[@Okiyah]

Where I live (Quebec province, Canada) when talking familiarly, we tend to say that we listened to a film. I never gave much thought about this popular phrasing until a french exchange student in college pointed that we should be saying that we "watched" a film. The essay makes me appreciate this small language deviation ;)

[@SkelezMineCraft]

woooow

[@itslonelysaram6722]

I'm going to make a short movie for an assignment in uni and I am watching lots of your videos to help me gain insight how to focus and edit the movie! I have very basic skills so I am not hoping for A+ results, but I'm so excited!

[@Foreverjulysound]

CP30!!!!!!!!!!!

[@stilebu2b72]

PROD. July C3PO...

[@robertbaillargeon3683]

It's been a while since a Nerdwriter video knocked it out of the park like this one did. Bringing attention to the invisible "taken for granted" aspects of art is always endlessly fascinating.

[@ItzClobert]

Nerdwriter is one of the best film analysis channels on KZbin.

[@gavranarh]

this channel provides top notch content with unwavering consistency that is seldom found on yt. rest assured it's not unappreciated. thank you