The Spooky Sound Design of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Beetlejuice 2 has hit theaters, bringing with it not only the iconic Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O'Hara but also the unmistakable sonic atmosphere that defines Tim Burton's world. More than three decades after the first film, this sequel not only recaptures the macabre humor and visual mayhem that made the original famous but expands its universe through meticulous design that transports viewers to an afterlife full of life (and death).

With Burton back at the helm, practical effects and stop motion set the film's visual pace, but it's the sound that really brings its monsters, ghosts, and impossible landscapes to life. From the distorted screams of the creatures to the subtle whispers in the underworld, every aural element has been designed to immerse us back into that grotesque and extravagant world. The sound design in Beetlejuice 2 is not just an accompaniment: it is another character that plays with the audience, sometimes guiding the plot and sometimes disorienting it, just as Beetlejuice himself would do.

Spoiler alert!

There are several things to analyze here, so let's go by parts. On the one hand, it is worth highlighting one of the most memorable moments of Beetlejuice 2: the seven-minute musical number that takes place during the wedding scene between Lydia (Winona Ryder) and Rory (Justin Theroux). This sequence, accompanied by Richard Harris' iconic song “MacArthur Park,” is a key part of the film's development and its sound design plays an essential role in its success. Tim Burton, known for his theatrical approach, took full advantage of this opportunity, not only visually, but sonically, creating an atmosphere that is at once extravagant, chaotic, and, of course, deeply involving.

The main challenge of this musical number was to integrate the music organically with the visual chaos unfolding on screen. The sound team had to work in perfect sync with the soundtrack to ensure that every effect and line of dialogue was heard clearly, without the aural elements competing with each other. During the moments when Beetlejuice interrupts the ceremony, the sound effects range from spectral laughter to abrupt changes in musical tone, creating an almost nightmarish atmosphere, but always maintaining the film's signature dark mood.

On the other hand, Beetlejuice 2 stands out for its ability to mix the surreal with the everyday. In the first part of the film, during Charles' funeral, where a choir sings Harry Belafonte's “Day-O”, the sound team managed to recreate the gloomy atmosphere - so reminiscent of the first installment - but with a more refined approach. The echoing voices resonate in a wide, empty space, creating a sense of discomfort that gradually transforms into nervous laughter as the scene takes an unexpected turn. These contrasts between the world of the living and the world of the dead are key to the film's sound design, as sound is used to mark shifts in tone and space in the narrative.

In the underworld scenes, such as when Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) interacts with other ghosts or creatures, a combination of practical effects and distorted sounds are heard. The creators of the sound design chose to include handmade sounds, such as bones crunching or dry footsteps on the dusty ground, which enhance the visual texture of the scenes and give them a handcrafted feel reminiscent of the special effects of the original 1988 film. This approach, which largely leaves CGI aside, is reinforced by clearly identifiable sounds, such as the howling of spectral winds or almost inaudible whispers that seem to emerge from the back of the room.

Similarly, Michael Keaton's return as Beetlejuice not only brought back the character's quirky personality but also his distinctive sonic chaos. Each appearance of the character is accompanied by exaggerated sound effects that underscore his unpredictable and anarchic nature. The sound designers ensured that each entrance and exit of Beetlejuice was a unique aural experience, using everything from unhinged laughter to rapid-fire transformation sounds reminiscent of the cartoon.

For example, in the scene where Beetlejuice bursts into the wedding, the use of sound design is key to highlighting his power. As the musical sequence progresses, there is a crescendo of sounds including screeches, explosions, and eerie reverberations, all designed to reflect the mounting tension in the scene. Beetlejuice is, in many ways, chaos incarnate, and his presence is felt all the more because of the sound effects that accompany his erratic movements and manipulation of reality.

Finally, in the black-and-white flashback sequence that narrates Beetlejuice's origins as he robs graves, the sound design plays a pivotal role. Being narrated in Italian, in a style reminiscent of Fellini's cinema, the soundtrack and sound effects take on a more dramatic and operatic tone, using classic sounds that transport us to a bygone era. This contrast between the anachronistic sound of the sequence and the modern chaos of the main film creates a sonic culture clash that is both dissonant and fascinating.

If you are interested in these and other sound design topics, don't miss our reviews and articles. If you need professional advice for your audio, film, or television projects, Enhanced Media Sound Studio is happy to help you take your work to the next level of quality.

*The images used in this post are taken from Pexels.com