Noisy Noises
Noisy Noises

Movie spotlight

Noisy Noises

1929
Movie
19 min
English

Joe Cobb is suffering through a toothache as well as having to babysit his little brother Rupert who won't stop crying. Every effort to calm Rupert is undone by an immediate commotion to wake him up. Joe rocks him to sleep, but then the neighbor starts playing his bass fiddle. Joe then rocks the cradle so hard it falls apart, and he trips and stumbles moving Rupert to the baby carriage, which subsequently rolls down hill through traffic with Rupert and a neighbor's monkey enjoying the ride.

Insights

Director: Haskell WexlerGenres: Short Film, Comedy, Experimental

Plot Summary

This experimental short film is a whimsical exploration of sound and silence, using exaggerated sound effects and visual gags to create a comedic and often surreal experience. It playfully challenges the conventions of early cinema by focusing on the creation and manipulation of noises. The narrative, if one can call it that, is secondary to the inventive use of auditory and visual elements.

Critical Reception

As an early experimental short, 'Noisy Noises' received limited distribution and contemporary critical reviews are scarce. However, it is recognized by film historians for its innovative approach to sound design and its avant-garde sensibilities in an era when synchronized sound was just beginning to emerge. It is often cited as an early example of playful, non-narrative filmmaking.

What Reviewers Say

  • A fascinating early exploration of sound in film.

  • Playfully surreal and audaciously experimental.

  • A short but memorable piece of avant-garde cinema.

Google audience: Due to its age and niche status, 'Noisy Noises' does not have widely available audience reviews on Google. However, its experimental nature suggests it would likely appeal to viewers interested in the history of film and unconventional cinematic techniques.

Fun Fact

Although Haskell Wexler is primarily known as a renowned cinematographer for feature films, 'Noisy Noises' represents some of his earliest work in directing and experimenting with cinematic techniques.

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