Unveiling the Man Behind the Scream: Ben Burtt
Remembered Reflections: Ben Burtt Discusses the Persistent Impact of the Wilhelm Scream in Popular Culture
Ben Burtt, an American virtuoso in the realm of sound design, is the brain behind some of the most iconic soundscapes in Star Wars and Indiana Jones films. Born in the chilly winters of Jamestown, New York in 1948, Burtt embarked on his thrilling journey in the film industry by joining Roger Corman’s New World Pictures. The man behind the masterful sound design of Chewbacca’s roar, the electrifying hum of lightsabers, and the iconic crack of Indiana Jones’ whip, Burtt is no stranger to the world of film[1].
Wilhelm Scream: A Cultural Icon in the Making
The Wilhelm Scream is an auditory gem that has captured the hearts of millions and become a cultural sensation. This legendary stock sound effect can be traced back to the 1951 film “Distant Drums,” later finding its way into Warner Bros.’ sound library. Burtt stumbled upon this gemstones of yesteryears, and, as an inside joke among sound designers and film crew members, he used it in the original Star Wars film. Since then, the Wilhelm Scream has found its way into an endless array of films and television shows, serving as a delightful Easter egg for film enthusiasts[2].
Burtt’s usage of the Wilhelm Scream is noteworthy because it not only became a recurring element in his sound design but also stands testament to his impact on filmmaking history. By incorporating it into blockbuster franchises like Star Wars, Burtt has etched his name indelibly on the auditory landscape of cinema[2][4]. Despite describing the Wilhelm Scream as a "monster," Burtt acknowledges its enduring impact and how it has become synonymous with his sound design legacy[2][4].
But what's the deal with this scream that Burtt couldn't stop his team from using, even when he tried? Well, it started as a private school-age prank between Burtt and his friend, Richard Anderson, that was eventually exposed to the world, thanks to the infinite reach of the internet[3]. As the Wilhelm Scream became prominent in Hollywood movies, challenge ensued between Burtt and Anderson as to who could place it in the most unexpected films. Burtt even managed to sneak it into an Indiana Jones flick, much to the delight of fellow cinephiles[3].
Now, you can hear the Wilhelm Scream in everything from insurance commercials to your favorite Netflix Originals, leaving Burtt both baffled and amused. "I cringe a little bit," he once said. "But there's nothing I can do. It seems like for sound editors now, the Wilhelm is a sort of rite of passage, a kind of audio baptism. You put it in and join the club. But none of it was intentional."[3]
Curious about other exciting projects the expert sound designer is working on? Stay tuned for the latest updates on Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC Universe, and Doctor Who[5]. As for Burtt, his trophy room is about to expand, with the addition of the Locarno Film Festival’s Vision Award[2].
- Ben Burtt's influence on technology, particularly in the realm of movie sound design, is so profound that he's responsible for iconic elements like Darth Vader's breathing and the Indiana Jones whip crack.
- The Wilhelm Scream, a cultural icon Traceable to the 1951 film "Distant Drums," found a new life in the Star Wars series, thanks to Ben Burtt's discovery and playful incorporation.
- The popularity of the Wilhelm Scream led to a friendly competition between Burtt and his friend, Richard Anderson, with each attempting to place the sound effect in unexpected films, such as an Indiana Jones movie.
- Despite the Wilhelm Scream's widespread presence in modern media, from commercials to Netflix Originals, Burtt remains both baffled and amused by its continuous usage.
