Sunday, 15th December 2024
Behind the Sound of The Brutalist: A Special AMPS Screening and Q&A Recap
On Friday, December 13, AMPS hosted an exclusive pre-release screening of The Brutalist. The screening was followed by a fascinating Q&A with Andy Neil and Steve Single, the sound designers behind the film’s striking auditory experience. AMPS member and Oscar winner Nina Hartstone conducted the post-screening conversation, guiding the audience through the challenges and artistry of the sound team’s work on this ambitious project.
Pushing Boundaries with Sound and Storytelling
The discussion opened with reflections on how the film’s sound design mirrors the philosophy of brutalist architecture—monumental yet minimal, bold yet detailed. Andy and Steve shared how they pushed the boundaries of sound design to create a visceral experience without alienating the audience. “It’s about embodying the philosophy of pushing as far as you can, but also knowing when to pull back,” Andy explained.
Streamlined Collaboration for a Unified Vision
Working with a tight team and a budget under $10 million, Andy and Steve highlighted the benefits of focused collaboration. “The conversation was just between Brady [the director], David [the editor], and us,” Steve noted. Months of pre-production discussions ensured that everyone shared a unified vision, enabling the team to streamline workflows and explore ideas deeply.
Challenges and Innovations in Sound Design
The team discussed the complexities of crafting clarity and richness in challenging auditory settings, such as dialogue over the sound of a sewing machine. They credited advancements in sound tools with achieving results that would have been impossible only a few years ago.
The marble quarry sequence stood out as a highlight, described by Steve as “a discovery process.” Experimental sounds like ice cracking represented the essence of marble, creating an otherworldly, immersive auditory experience. “It was as though the marble itself was speaking,” he reflected.
A Harmonious Relationship Between Sound and Score
The integration of Daniel’s score was a recurring theme throughout the conversation. Described as “bombastic and driving, with a voice like no other,” the score was incorporated into the sound design from the earliest stages of production. This early collaboration ensured the score and sound design complemented each other seamlessly, with intentional contrasts adding depth to the film’s emotional impact.
Details That Bring the World to Life
The team's dedication to detail was extraordinary, from meticulously recording Foley (including using 50 varieties of paper to draft sounds) to capturing the nuanced textures of costumes and environments. Director Brady Corbet’s passion for sound was evident, as he engaged deeply with every aspect of the auditory design, from subtle ambient noises to intricate Foley work.
