“The future's all yours, you lousy bicycles.”
Talking About Wicked, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and more with our returning guest, Re-Recording Mixer Andy Nelson

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Oscar-winning Re-Recording Mixer Andy Nelson as we explore his remarkable career in sound mixing and his deep love for cinema. In this episode, we discuss both his work on the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked and his enduring appreciation for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, examining how each represents different aspects of sonic storytelling in film.

Nelson's journey through musical cinema reads like a history of the genre's evolution. From his work on Evita with Alan Parker's meticulous pre-planning approach to the groundbreaking live recording techniques used in Les Misérables, Nelson has helped shape how modern movie musicals sound. His latest project, Wicked, combines these decades of experience with cutting-edge technology. Working alongside director Jon M. Chu and collaborating with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, Nelson details how they've created an immersive musical experience that honors the stage show while embracing cinema's unique possibilities through tools like Dolby Atmos.

Speaking about Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Nelson reflects on how the film influenced him during his early days as a projectionist in London. We explore the movie's brilliant use of silence punctuated by Burt Bacharach's score, particularly in the iconic bicycle sequence. The discussion delves into how the film balances its lighter moments with darker themes, the incredible chemistry between Paul Newman and Robert Redford, and how William Goldman's sharp script creates such memorable characters. Nelson's perspective as both a fan and industry veteran offers unique insights into what makes this classic work so well.

From the groundbreaking sound work in contemporary musicals to the timeless appeal of a classic Western, our conversation with Andy Nelson illuminates how sound shapes storytelling in cinema. Whether it's the immersive musical numbers of Wicked or the carefully crafted sound design of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, this episode demonstrates the crucial role audio plays in creating movie magic.

Film Sundries

• Andy Nelson on IMDb
• Watch Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatch
• Script Options
• Theatrical trailer
• Letterboxd

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