Review of White Noise (2005) by Will G — 19 Oct 2013

A surprise box office hit in early 2005, 'White Noise' feels more like a suspense-laced drama than a first-rate thriller. Bolstered by a the presence of a proven, veteran actor in Michael Keaton, 'Noise' struggles to figure out exactly what kind of movie it should be, as its focus on electronic voice phenomenon (EVP) gives it the excuse of throwing in a bunch of loud sound effects, but there is a shortage of true scares.

As Keaton's character appears to be sincere in his efforts once he stumbles upon the ability to communicate with his recently deceased wife through recording snowy TV static, he is not the most sympathetic character himself, and even his scenes with his young son are a bit wooden.

As for other elements of 'Noise,' the limited CGI is pretty laughable, but that's to be expected for a film of this genre and budget. In terms of pacing, it's fine - doesn't drag on and there isn't any one single scene that feels out of place or interrupts the flow, even when there are some more subdued scenes.

Although, at times, the movie starts feeling like a full-length version of that scene from 'Poltergeist' when the daughter leans up against the snowy TV. Probably one of the better parts of 'Noise' is the end - which is not as cliched as many similar films are.

While 'White Noise' is by no means anywhere near a masterpiece, it is an acceptable thriller that explores a medium that really hasn't been explored previously.