The Art of Creating Unsettling Silence: A Pluribus Case Study
In the world of television, few creators can match the brilliance of Vince Gilligan. His latest masterpiece, 'Pluribus', is a testament to his unique ability to craft captivating narratives that linger long after the credits roll.
What makes 'Pluribus' particularly fascinating is its use of silence as a powerful narrative tool. The show, which received a staggering 18 Emmy nominations, including Best Drama Series, takes viewers on a journey through two distinct worlds: before and after the arrival of an extraterrestrial virus.
The production team, led by Gilligan, was tasked with creating something wholly new. This mandate extended to every department, from sound design to music composition. The challenge was to build two contrasting worlds, each with its own unique atmosphere and tone.
Setting the Stage
The pilot episode, 'We Is Us', sets the stage for this high-concept story. The production sound mixer, Phillip Palmer, highlights the significance of starting at the very beginning, both in terms of the narrative and the production process. The iconic opening scene, shot at the Very Large Array in New Mexico, establishes the show's unique blend of science fiction and everyday life.
The sound design team, Larry Benjamin and Tim Hoogenakker, masterfully divided the world into two distinct parts. The pre-virus world is characterized by a bustling, busy atmosphere, with a rich tapestry of ambient sounds and background noises. This is in stark contrast to the post-virus world, where silence and telepathic communication reign. The contrast is further emphasized by the use of space and the absence of dialogue, creating a sense of unease and isolation.
A New Musical Landscape
Composer Dave Porter was tasked with creating a wholly new sound for the show. This involved a full orchestra and choir, a departure from his previous work. The score follows an arc, starting with a sense of naive excitement and gradually building tension and horror. This musical journey is crucial in setting the tone and immersing viewers in the unique world of 'Pluribus'.
Music supervisor Thomas Golubić emphasizes the importance of world-building through sound. He and Porter worked together to ensure that the music in the pilot episode, which is heavily score-driven, added a sense of reality to the pre-virus world. The use of silence and synth in the post-virus world further enhances the contrast between the two worlds.
Filling the Emptiness
One of the most striking aspects of 'Pluribus' is its reliance on non-verbal storytelling. Vince Gilligan trusts the audience to interpret the narrative without explicit dialogue, a hallmark of his previous works like 'Breaking Bad' and 'Better Call Saul'. This approach requires a delicate balance of music, ambient sound, and sound effects to convey the story.
The sound design team had to avoid the clichés of their previous work, creating a new and distinct soundscape for 'Pluribus'. The absence of dialogue allowed for more experimentation with sound, as Hoogenakker notes, providing a broader palette for the effects mixer to work with.
The Power of Silence
Episode 5, 'Got Milk?', is a standout example of how silence can build tension and mystery. Editor Joey Liew discusses the uneasiness of silence and how it makes viewers uncomfortable. The episode uses diegetic sounds and silence to get into the headspace of the main character, Carol, creating a mini-thriller within the series.
The use of silence in 'Pluribus' is not just a stylistic choice; it's a narrative device that engages the audience on a deeper level. It encourages viewers to lean in, to pay attention, and to fill in the gaps themselves. This is a testament to Gilligan's trust in his audience and his willingness to take risks.
Conclusion: The Art of Subtlety
'Pluribus' is a masterclass in the art of subtlety. It demonstrates how silence, when used effectively, can be just as powerful as dialogue in storytelling. The show's success lies in its ability to create a unique and immersive world, one that lingers in the minds of viewers long after they've finished watching.
Personally, I find 'Pluribus' to be a refreshing departure from the dialogue-heavy narratives that often dominate television. It challenges the audience to engage with the story on a deeper level, to interpret and fill in the blanks. This is the power of subtle storytelling, and it's what makes 'Pluribus' a standout in the crowded world of television.
