See With Your Ears: Spielberg And Sound Design

MY BOOK OF ESSAYS IS OUT NOW!
AMAZON: amzn.to/3dk14yu
EVERYWHERE ELSE: bit.ly/3qJEbHT
A look at how sound design can structure a movie scene.
Get 10% any purchase here: squarespace.com/nerdwriter
NEW NERDWRITER MUGS: store.dftba.com/products/the-...
Support Nerdwriter videos: / nerdwriter | Subscribe: bit.ly/SubNerdwriter
Facebook: / the-nerdwriter-3141415...
Twitter: / theenerdwriter
Patreon: / nerdwriter
MUSIC
Joey Pecararo, "The Bishop"
/ the-bishop
Watch More Nerdwriter:
Latest Uploads: • Video
Understanding Art: • What The Truman Show T...
Essays About Art: • What The Truman Show T...
Essays About Social Science: • How To Correct Donald ...
Popular Videos: • How Donald Trump Answe...
The Nerdwriter is a series of video essays about art, culture, politics, philosophy and more.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Gunnplay]

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

[@hagron5702]

I was thinking the same throughout.

[@logeshwars2695]

🤣🤣🤣 Same here!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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. :)

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@mingthemerciless834]

Thank God! I thought you were gone forever

[@furyvsblitzkrieg]

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

[@bwoahviously]

See also: the opening scene of Bridge of Spies. Spielberg again eschewing score for city ambience. Much more tense and arresting than if music was needlessly playing over it. And directed and edited beautifully.

[@graemewilson7975]

Brilliant dissection of a classic Spielberg sequence

[@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!

[@736Jar]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@craigthomas6255]

The quality and thought that goes into each of your videos is refreshing, and really stands out amongst most of the other KZbin content out there. You do great work, keep it up!

[@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!

[@wahwahrecordsofficial]

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.

[@AMatterofFilm]

Happy New Year! I really appreciate the effort you put into your videos. You're a big inspiration! Looking forward to your new videos :) This one was great, as usual.

[@essentialpunk]

You are easily the highlight of my subscription tab. every time i see you upload, I am excited to see what you have in store for us this time.

[@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.

[@dannybribiesca]

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

[@Max_Demian991-]

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

[@Takabeee]

Finally seen you on trending. So happy your channel is growing. I love your perspective on things and how well you explain things for what they really are. Thank you.

[@Hex72]

Absolutely loved the way you walked us through this. Superb video as always.

[@andressimonian]

Genius movie and genius analysis

[@sukhrajsingh466]

definitely going on "the list"

[@seen921]

Love when one of these pops up. Great job. Great way to start off the year!

[@jaredjanzen6481]

Love these videos. Your thumbnails stand out great in my subscription box, gets me really excited to watch.

[@CoinOpTV]

well done dude

[@customatic]

I love you Nerd Writer!

[@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!

[@jenniferr1506]

This is so great!! I've heard and noticed how sound impacts a scene, but seeing/hearing your version of that one scene compared to the original really blew my mind!

[@sultanwadood7467]

Would pay big money to watch your movie! Brilliant video

[@Paulinemoke]

Sultan Wadood he does have a patreon ;)

[@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.

[@eduardoabellan1287]

I'm happy to say that this may be the only KZbin channel I enjoy watching so far. Congrats for the amazing job you are doing in every video you create. And thanks, since I feel like I'm enjoying cinema in a new way

[@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!

[@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? :/

[@well3034]

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

[@mikojYT]

Your challenge at the end of the was a perfect way to get people to take action and make films, especially after watching a very educational and inspiring video. Keep it up!

[@NadjibChannelthemovieguy]

Excellent work, as usual, I just love how you pay attention to details, there are some things that I can never express but you do that for me and for that I thank you, Evan

[@juangomez7586]

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

[@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.

[@brandond.johnson167]

So glad to see you back for 2018. Such great work.

[@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

[@Computer17Blue]

One of my favourite films of all time.

[@mardtdevisser1189]

what is the movie i want to see it

[@Computer17Blue]

Mardt de visser Munich

[@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.

[@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.

[@HughBurgessSinger]

Man you’re observations are so on point, never arrogant and self indulgent, you pace with excellent dissection and deconstruction.

[@RafaelDivoz]

You are the MASTER of video-essay.

[@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!

[@kayleyryan5280]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@ckramcess]

Never clicked a notification this fast.

[@landonfaulkner8355]

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

[@TreyVanCamp]

So brilliant. So much anticipation with the sound effects.

[@WJstudios04]

Eric Bana!

[@eli88958]

More like Nerddirector amirite?

[@JeremiahFernandez]

lel u so witty

[@RainbowDreams321]

Your editing is becoming as awesome as your writing always has been! So excited and proud

[@SkelezMineCraft]

woooow

[@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.

[@TheMazTheSpaz]

Wow I stood up, and got goosebumps! Powerful video!

[@nurwdnr]

i just found your videos and i'm obsessed! the way you analyze everything is so fascinating!

[@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 :)

[@virakchhang]

He never talked about what wasn't music!

[@gabrieljlemay]

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

[@jamieh6084]

You are already standing out already in my subscriptions! Keep it up, they are amazing!

[@rodrigomonney]

"How Nerdwritter Makes A Video"

[@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

[@seyeruoynepotsuj]

I LOVE seeing a Nerdwriter video come up on my feed. I've learned to appreciate filmwork from this channel.

[@yvningsiren]

Your videos already stand out! I’m so in awe and envious of your talent. Thanks for being so inspiring!!!

[@ToMinecraftAdventure]

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

[@Foreverjulysound]

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

[@stilebu2b72]

PROD. July C3PO...

[@PatheticStan]

love the way you pick at the craft. great video

[@ChrisAnthonyPinnock]

Sound Design is an amazing tool, it allows you to isolate sounds you wish to be in focus no matter the distance :) I lesrned that yesterday and so much more from this video! Great one nerdwriter!

[@einthoven2043]

You should show this analysis to Nolan and Zimmer!! Great respect to them, but they are really poor in building ambient atmosphere!

[@murdockfiles9406]

I agree with Nolan, but have you heard scores for The Thin Red Line or Prince of Egypt? Hans Zimmer is very capable of building ambient atmosphere

[@Mharriscreations]

Have you watched Dunkirk? That movie had amazing sound design.

[@murdockfiles9406]

Michael Harris I think it was more ambient atmosphere than sound design

[@binojgeorge8079]

Murdock Files Dunkirk:- most dissapointing in terms of bgm, forget ambient atmospheric sounds, it never had any.

[@binojgeorge8079]

Murdock Files and i think you have mistaken ambient pads, synthesiser sounds as ambient atmospheric sounds. Its not.

[@ronstar47]

1st

[@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.

[@MrJvolker49]

Happy New Year! Always a pleasure to hear, as well as see, your thoughts on art and the crafts of art. Keep up the good work.

[@sweetgold]

Lol not trying to take shots at Nerdwriter, I understand he is a lone youtuber creating great essay and just trying to make an example (which was effective), but when he tried to pull that trick at 1:14, my first reaction was "Eww, this sound design is weird, doesn't deserve an essay. Steven Spielberg released a feature film with such crappy foot step audio?"

[@badaxtion1878]

Aidan Page I honestly thought the sound design was weird too lol

[@Ultracity6060]

I assumed he was fiddling with the audio again, since he'd just done it with the music.