The soundtrack and crackling static, contorting into mysterious moans, create a chilling mood, but the characters are so thin.
White Noise (2005)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:147
Fresh:13
Rotten:134
Average Rating:3.5/10
Consensus: While there are some built-in scares, the movie is muddled and unsatisfying.
Runtime: 1 hr 48 mins
Genre: Horror/Suspense
Synopsis: People have always searched for a way to communicate with the other side--fascinated, motivated, driven to find a way to connect with loved ones who have passed on. Electronic Voice Phenomenon... People have always searched for a way to communicate with the other side--fascinated, motivated, driven to find a way to connect with loved ones who have passed on. Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP) is the process through which the dead communicate with the living through household recording devices. These extraordinary recordings--captured by people all over the world, in their homes, with a simple tape or video recorder--seem to confirm what many of us have dared to believe: it is possible for the dead to communicate with us. And all we have to do is listen. Now, from Universal Pictures and Gold Circle Films comes the suspense thriller that explores this very-real, other-worldly communication--White Noise. Tapping into our deepest fears and most profound longings, White Noise forces us to re-examine the world in which we live and, in the process, question our most basic notions about life and death. Michael Keaton plays successful architect Jonathan Rivers, whose peaceful existence is shattered by the unexplained disappearance and death of his wife, Anna (Chandra West). Jonathan is eventually contacted by a man (Ian McNeice), who claims to be receiving messages from Anna through EVP. At first skeptical, Jonathan then becomes convinced of the messages' validity, and is soon obsessed with trying to contact her on his own. His further explorations into EVP and the accompanying supernatural messages unwittingly open a door to another world, allowing something uninvited into his life. White Noise is directed by veteran television helmer Geoffrey Sax, written by Niall Johnson (The Big Swap), and produced by Paul Brooks (executive producer of My Big Fat Greek Wedding) and Shawn Williamson (House of the Dead). -- © Universal Pictures [More]
Starring: Michael Keaton, Deborah Kara Unger, Chandra West, Ian McNeice
Starring: Michael Keaton, Deborah Kara Unger, Chandra West, Ian McNeice, Nicholas Elia, Sarah Strange, Mike Dopud, Mitchell Kosterman, Keegan Connor Tracy, Miranda Frigon, April Telek, Aaron Douglas
Director: Geoffrey Sax
Director: Geoffrey Sax
Screenwriter: Niall Johnson
Producer: Paul Brooks, Shawn Williamson
Studio: Universal Pictures
Reviews for White Noise
In short, watching actual white noise would be preferable to sitting through White Noise. Avoid like your life depended on it.
Through it all Keaton furrows his brow with impressive intensity. But his efforts are hampered by a script which requires him to do the exact opposite of what any right-minded individual would do in his circumstances.
White Noise is not the kind of thriller that makes you scream and leap about in your seat, but it will likely have you squirming and gasping.
Though it's not based on an Asian horror film, White Noise sure feels like one...
I was pleased nonetheless with convincing acting, well spread tension and suspense, and a great concept.
Unfolds with precision and excellent pacing. It’s been a long while since I’ve been so unnerved in a theater.
Director Geoffrey Sax bravely avoids treating White Noise as another grab bag of scare tactics.
Even though logic takes a holiday in White Noise, Geoffrey Sax, a British television director making his theatrical debut, lavishes enough craft on the paranormal thriller to send more than a few chills down the spine.
White Noise works because Michael Keaton makes you believe in what he's going through.
The ending *is* ludicrous... but if you like ghost stories, White Noise is disquieting enough.
Even if its dorky climax throws you out of the mood again, there are staticky bits of White Noise that still manage to cling.
The only problem is that there's just not that much of a reason to sit up and check out what all of the noise is about.
There's a decent concept here, but the fuzzy execution, lack of scares and a corny conclusion kill this one.
Around the two-thirds mark, this restless bum had an urge to move considerably farther than the seat's edge.
...a clumsy, dreadfully preposterous and pedestrian thriller that seems to believe loud noises are the same as good frights.
Latest News for White Noise
May 02, 2006:
"White Noise 2" Set Visit: Hanging With Nathan Fillion, PLUS The First "White Noise 2" Set Photos!
Our "White Noise 2" set coverage wraps up with not one, but many delights: a sit down with Nathan Fillion, plus the first ever photos from the spooky set to grace the... More...
April 27, 2006:
"White Noise 2" Set Visit: Shawn Williamson On Horror Remakes, "Dungeon Siege," and...Canadian Horror?
RT's "White Noise 2" set coverage, Part Three: producer Shawn Williamson, whose 50+ credits include "Slither," "White Noise," and many of Uwe... More...
April 26, 2006:
"White Noise 2" Set Visit: Patrick Lussier Promises Twists, Talks Horror
Our "White Noise 2" set coverage continues with RT's conversation with director Patrick Lussier, as the horror editor-director talks about working with Wes Craven and... More...
March 14, 2006:
Nathan Fillion Talks "White Noise" Sequel
Sci Fi Wire talked to "Serenity" star Nathan Fillion about his upcoming thriller, "White Noise 2: The Light," which has just started filming in Vancouver. More...
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