White Noise Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Hitler studies professor and his wife navigate a toxic cloud, a drug conspiracy, and existential dread, all while trying to remember where they parked the station wagon.

🍿 White Noise: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to the Gladney Family

Set in 1984, the film introduces Jack Gladney (Adam Driver), a professor of Hitler studies, and his wife Babette (Greta Gerwig), a community activist. They live in a comfortable suburban town and raise a blended family of four children from their previous marriages. Both Jack and Babette harbor a deep-seated fear of death, a theme that permeates their daily lives and conversations.

The Airborne Toxic Event

The Gladney family’s seemingly ordinary life is disrupted by a catastrophic train derailment that releases a toxic cloud into the atmosphere. This ‘Airborne Toxic Event’ forces the town’s residents to evacuate, triggering widespread panic and chaos. Jack and his family are caught in the ensuing pandemonium as they try to escape the encroaching chemical cloud.

Dylar and the Fear of Death

Following the evacuation, Jack and Babette grapple with the lingering effects of the toxic event and their own mortality. Their daughter, Denise, discovers Babette is secretly taking a mysterious drug called Dylar, supposedly designed to alleviate the fear of death. Jack becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth about Dylar and its effects on his wife.

Jack’s Descent and Confrontation

Driven by paranoia and a desire to confront his own fear of death, Jack becomes increasingly unstable. He uncovers a conspiracy surrounding Dylar and tracks down the man responsible for providing it to Babette, known only as ‘Mr. Gray’. This leads to a violent confrontation at a motel.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jack Gladney (Adam Driver): A professor of Hitler studies grappling with his mortality and a chaotic family life.
• Babette (Greta Gerwig): Jack’s fourth wife, secretly taking experimental drugs to combat her fear of death.
• Murray Siskind (Don Cheadle): Jack’s colleague, an American culture professor who studies Elvis and engages in philosophical debates.
• Denise (Raffey Cassidy): Babette’s daughter, who becomes suspicious of her mother’s medication and investigates its effects.
• Heinrich (Sam Nivola): Jack’s son, exhibiting signs of maturity and wisdom that belie his young age.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jack: “Family is the cradle of the world’s misinformation.” – This quote reflects the movie’s theme of questioning societal norms and the information we receive.
• Murray: “The station wagon is the most sinister object in the world.” – Murray discusses how mundane objects can be a symbol of our anxieties and fears.
• Murray: “I see these car crashes as part of a long tradition of American optimism!” – Murray expresses his offbeat theories, connecting even tragic events to American ideals.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $145,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $40,000
• Worldwide Gross: $71,728

💥 White Noise Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so ‘White Noise’ is… weird. I went in expecting something a little more straightforward, but it’s a total trip. The dialogue is so quirky and the situations are just bizarre, but I found myself strangely drawn in. Adam Driver and Greta Gerwig are amazing, especially when they are trying to figure out how to deal with the toxic cloud. The ending in the supermarket? Bonkers, but I loved it. This is one of those movies that sticks with you.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Noah Baumbach”
  • “Viewers interested in postmodern satire”
  • “Those who enjoy films exploring existential themes”
  • “Fans of Adam Driver and Greta Gerwig”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes (death, anxiety)”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Brief violence”
  • “Some language”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Baumbach’s ‘White Noise’ is an ambitious adaptation of DeLillo’s novel that doesn’t always cohere, but remains a fascinating and visually striking exploration of contemporary anxieties. The cast is superb, especially Driver and Gerwig, and the film’s blend of dark humor and apocalyptic dread is both unsettling and compelling.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “While ‘White Noise’ may not fully capture the brilliance of its source material, it still offers a thought-provoking and visually impressive cinematic experience. Baumbach tackles complex themes with wit and style, and the film’s distinctive aesthetic makes it a worthwhile watch for adventurous viewers.

Audience Reactions

The dark humor and absurd situations were both hilarious and unsettling.: Viewers appreciated the movie’s unique blend of comedy and existential dread.

Driver and Gerwig’s performances were praised for their authenticity and emotional depth.: Fans loved the performances, especially how the main characters dealt with their fear of death.

Overall Consensus: ‘White Noise’ is a divisive film that doesn’t quite stick the landing, but its ambition, unique vision, and strong performances make it a worthwhile cinematic experience for those seeking something different.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This is Noah Baumbach’s first time writing and directing a book-to-screen adaptation.”
• “The film includes a dance number in a supermarket set to LCD Soundsystem’s ‘New Body Rhumba’.”
• “The film is based on Don DeLillo’s novel of the same name, considered by some to be unfilmable due to its complex themes and abstract narrative.”

🖥️ How to Watch White Noise?

White Noise is currently streaming on Netflix. While it is a Netflix original, it may be available for digital purchase or rental on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies depending on your region. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed White Noise, you might like these similar films:

• Synecdoche, New York (2008): Shares a similar sense of existential dread, dark humor, and exploration of mortality through a surreal narrative.
• Annihilation (2018): Deals with themes of environmental disaster, the unknown, and human anxiety, although in a science fiction horror context.
• Marriage Story (2019): Directed by Noah Baumbach and starring Adam Driver, it offers a contrast to White Noise but displays a similar focus on family dynamics and human relationships.
• Brazil (1985): A dystopian satire from the same era that explores themes of consumerism, bureaucracy, and societal anxieties in an absurd and darkly comedic way.

🛒 White Noise Related Products

• White Noise (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A limited-edition Criterion Collection Blu-ray featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes content, interviews with the cast and crew, and a booklet with essays on the film’s themes and production. A must-have for serious collectors and cinephiles.
• Don DeLillo’s White Noise: Text and Criticism: An ebook anthology containing the original novel by Don DeLillo, along with critical essays and scholarly analyses of the text. A comprehensive resource for students and readers interested in delving deeper into the novel’s themes and literary significance.
• 1980s Retro T-Shirt: This nostalgic t-shirt showcases the iconic 1980s style. Perfect to wear while watching the movie!
• Poster – Adam Driver – Greta Gerwig – White Noise: A limited-edition poster showcasing Adam Driver and Greta Gerwig for the move White Noise.

🎧 Soundtrack

White Noise features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “New Body Rhumba” – performed by LCD Soundsystem
• “Lincoln Portrait” – performed by Aaron Copland

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

White Noise, Don DeLillo BOOK REVIEW

Ever wonder what the movie ‘White Noise’ is *really* about? This book review breaks down the original novel and gives you the lowdown on all the complex themes. Honestly, it made the movie way more interesting for me!

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