How to Listen in on the Pope’s Conversations

When rerecording mixer and sound designer Ben Baird first read the script for Edward Berger’s Conclave, he was struck by the concept of “conspiratorial silence.” The film follows Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (played by Ralph Fiennes) as he navigates the secretive process of electing a new pope, uncovering secrets about each candidate along the way. Baird found the importance of sound magnified in a story where much of the action takes place in quiet, enclosed spaces.

To capture the unique sounds of the story, Baird and his team embarked on a journey to the Vatican, where they observed and took notes on the atmospheric sounds of the historic location. Despite not being able to record directly, Baird gathered inspiration from the singing and bells tolling that echoed through the sacred space.

To recreate these sounds for the film, Baird’s team assembled a group of singers from a local church to perform hymns in various languages, adding authenticity to the soundtrack. They also emphasized the ambient sounds filtering through the Vatican doors and windows to create an immersive experience for the audience.

One key aspect of the sound design was the attention to detail in capturing the character’s movements, like the squeaking of sneakers on shiny floors. Baird explains how they used unique sounds like fluorescent lights buzzing and Cardinal Lawrence’s breathing to enhance the storytelling and create a sense of tension and intimacy.

Overall, Baird’s approach to sound design in Conclave was to immerse the audience in the world of the characters, allowing them to feel the weight of the protagonist’s decisions and emotions. Through clever sound choices and attention to detail, Baird and his team brought the world of the Vatican to life in a way that enhanced the storytelling and the audience’s viewing experience.



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