In the world of television, there's a new alien invasion that has captured the imagination of viewers and critics alike. Pluribus, a sci-fi series created by the Emmy-winning Vince Gilligan, has become a breakout hit, leaving audiences squirming in their seats. But how did this show, with its unique and captivating narrative, come to life? Let's dive into the creative process behind Pluribus and explore the brilliant minds that brought this chilling world to our screens.
The Vision and the Challenge
Vince Gilligan, known for his iconic works like Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, approached Pluribus with a clear mandate: create something wholly new. This directive permeated every aspect of the production, from the story's high-concept premise to the meticulous crafting of two distinct worlds. The challenge was to collaborate across departments and build a narrative that would engage and immerse viewers in a way that felt fresh and innovative.
Building the World of Pluribus
The pilot episode, "We Is Us," sets the stage for this extraordinary journey. It's a delicate balance, introducing a world on the brink of an extraterrestrial takeover while also establishing the stakes and characters. For the production sound mixer, Phillip Palmer, the beginning was a thrilling adventure. Starting with the very first scene, filmed at the iconic Very Large Array in New Mexico, Palmer and his team captured the essence of a bustling, vibrant world that would soon be transformed.
Re-recording sound mixers Larry Benjamin and Tim Hoogenakker describe their approach as a contrast between the busy, lively pre-infection world and the silent, telepathic post-infection collective. They crafted a soundscape that emphasized the loneliness and strangeness of the new world, using subtle sound effects and ambiences to create an eerie atmosphere.
Composer and sound mixer Dave Porter reveals the mandate to create a wholly new sound. He utilized a full orchestra and choir, crafting a musical arc that mirrored the pilot's narrative, from the excitement of a new revelation to the horror-filled realizations. Music supervisor Thomas Golubić adds that the challenge was to build two distinct worlds, one before and one after the virus, and to ensure that the sound design and music contributed to this world-building in a unique and engaging way.
Trusting the Audience and Embracing Silence
A key aspect of Pluribus is its reliance on silence and minimal dialogue. Vince Gilligan's trust in the audience to engage with the story and figure things out on their own is a hallmark of his work. This approach, combined with the absence of excessive dialogue, creates a unique opportunity for the music and sound design to shine.
Golubić explains that avoiding clichés and creating a new Albuquerque was essential. The sound design had to feel different, and the team took risks, embracing the opportunity to test themselves and find new ways of doing their jobs.
Porter highlights the aural space created by the absence of dialogue, allowing him to experiment with vocals and a range of sounds that are typically avoided due to their proximity to the dialogue range. Hoogenakker and Benjamin describe how they filled this aural space with subtle sound effects and reverb, enhancing the loneliness and spatiality of the scenes.
The Power of Silence and Tension
Editor Joey Liew discusses the tension and mystery built into Episode 5, "Got Milk?" He explains how silence can be unnerving, and how the absence of dialogue and sound can create an alarm-like effect. The use of diegetic sounds, like the loud refrigerator, helps to immerse the audience in Carol's headspace, and the subsequent pullback of these sounds adds to the suspense.
Hoogenakker adds that the gritty footsteps at the end of the episode enhance the feeling of isolation and loneliness, making the audience lean in and engage with the story.
A Chilling Conclusion
Pluribus is a testament to the power of collaboration and the creative vision of Vince Gilligan. By embracing the challenge of creating something wholly new, the team behind Pluribus has crafted a sci-fi series that captivates and immerses viewers in a unique and chilling world. The attention to detail, from the sound design to the music and editing, creates an experience that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. Pluribus is a reminder that sometimes, less is more, and silence can be the most powerful tool in a storyteller's arsenal.
