In this interesting video, sound designer Ben Burtt discusses how he added special authentic sound touches to Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln (2012). Although there are no known recordings of Abraham Lincoln’s voice, Burtt was able to capture some other sounds from the 1860s.
For example, they sought out the sounds from clocks and doors in the White House from Lincoln’s time. As part of Burtt’s research, he also was able to track down two pocket watches owned by Abraham Lincoln. For the watch that was in Lincoln’s pocket when he was killed, the Kentucky Historical Society allowed the filmmakers to wind the watch so they could capture its sound for the movie. Check out “The Sound of Lincoln” below.
What do you think of the lengths Burtt went to capture authentic sounds? Was it worth it? Leave your two cents in the comments.
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