White Noise (2022)

Deemed ‘unfilmable’ by dozens and in development since 2004, Don DeLillo’s 1985 novel has finally been adapted for the big screen. Oscar-nominee Noah Baumbach takes on the mammoth task of bringing DeLillo’s book to the screen, writing and directing the film for Netflix. “White Noise” tells a unique story about one family trying to survive in the face of adversity and chaos, propelled by themes of American consumerism, academia, and the wonders of childhood, all wrapped up in a colourful adventure.

Jack Gladney (Adam Driver) is a Hitler-studies professor at the-College-on-the-Hill, he has a family with his lovely wife Babette (Greta Gerwig), bringing up four children, three of which are from previous marriages. They lead a normal life, have normal jobs and normal hobbies, but their livelihood is soon upended when an unexpected train crash unleashes a deadly cloud of gas over their town. With the toxic cloud of gas growing by the hour, Jack and Babette are forced to evacuate and leave their suburban home. Once the threat has subsided and the toxic gas now gone, Jack and Babette are forced to confront the issues that are beginning to affect their once happy marriage. But, when Jack is pushed to his limits, just how far will he go to protect his family and the ones he loves?

Making his first on-screen appearance since the 2021’s “House of Gucci”, Adam Driver delivers a knockout performance as he takes on the role of Jack Gladney. Driver’s performance as the enthusiastic professor wonderfully compliments Greta Gerwig’s turn as Babette. Gerwig delivers a quirky, intriguing, and enjoyable performance that lights up the film just like the colourful production design. The pair share lovely chemistry together that brilliantly elevates their stellar performances. Don Cheadle gives a refreshing and strong performance that reminds audiences why he’s such a good actor. Cheadle shares a scene with Driver early in the film in which the two each deliver vigorous lectures about Elvis Presley and Adolf Hitler; the fiery scene is easily one of the best in the film and highlights the talent on show in both Cheadle and Driver’s performances. Alongside the adults of the cast, Raffey Cassidy (“The Killing of a Sacred Deer”), May Nivola (“With/In”), and Sam Nivola (“Maestro”) all give brilliant performances that inject just the right amount of comedic relief at all the right times. The cast work together very well, each delivering electric performances that elevate Baumbach’s adaptation of DeLillo’s novel.

Baumbach’s stellar knack for worldbuilding works in his favour when it comes to adapting a book like “White Noise”. The Palme d’Or nominee crafts a colourful world parallel to our own that turns the film into an exciting adventure for the audience. Production designer Jess Gonchor provides the film with interesting and vibrant production design that helps Baumbach on his journey to bring the world of “White Noise” to the big screen. Lol Crawley (“The Devil All the Time”, “The Humans”) crafts striking visuals that make sure “White Noise” isn’t just a strong film in terms of its narrative but makes sure it takes its place as one of of 2022’s visually appealing films. On top of delivering a solid adaptation of a novel once deemed to be unfilmable, Noah Baumbach’s directorial effort reminds audiences why he’s such a strong director, he brilliantly crafts a unique and entertaining film for audiences that draws them in to the wacky world of Don DeLillo. Baumbach also shows off his talent in the world of writing by penning a strong screenplay that allows the film to smoothly move between genres while also balancing drama and emotion in equal balance. The film allows Baumbach to go in a completely new direction compared to his 2019 drama “Marriage Story”, which Adam Driver also starred in, swapping the gut-wrenching emotion for apocalyptic disasters and absurdist comedy.

Netflix brings audiences an absurd, yet entertaining, film. Lead by stellar performances from Adam Driver and Greta Gerwig, and supported by electric performances from the rest of the cast, the film is a hilarious yet chilling story that deals with complex themes like consumerism, the fear of death, and family. Noah Baumbach brilliantly adapts Don DeLillo’s 1985 novel of the same name, and the film is easily one of 2022’s most stylish flicks.