"Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound" A masterpiece documentary directed by the sound editor himself Interview with director Midge Costin [Director's Interview Vol.85]

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2020.10.16Kazuo Ozaki

Gary Rydstrom, who is the key to the creation of this work

Q: The film focuses on great people who revolutionized film sound, such as Walter Murch, Ben Burtt, and Gary Rydstrom. What did you feel when you actually met these three people? please tell me. In particular, Rydstrom was in charge of the sound design for the Japanese OVA (Original Video Animation) called ``Kujakuou'' (1988), and is a person with whom we have a deep connection, as he showed us that sound can enhance the impression of a work.

Costin: Gary is very smart and very funny. He has a great sense of humor, is humble, and has self-respect. I knew Gary from working in the film industry. He also comes to USC as a lecturer, and we sometimes have lunch together.

I knew that I would need Gary's help in order to film interviews with many film directors, so I first brought my film plans to him. I had met Ben Burtt and Walter Murch before, but we got to know each other even more through making this film.

Walter is an intelligent Renaissance man. He was extremely literate, knowledgeable about astrophysics and French and Italian literature, and had his own theories about various phenomena that it was fascinating to hear him talk about.

Ben Burtt is also a very smart guy, very knowledgeable about the history of film, especially the history of sound, and was an incredible resource for those of us making the film. Ben is someone who still retains the same enthusiasm and curiosity he had as a child. I never get bored or tired of working in film, and I'm always discovering new things about recording, mixing, and the history of film.

All three of them have different personalities, but they are all full of charm.

The shock of sound design brought to you by “Eraserhead”

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