Making Noise Quietly

Making Noise Quietly is a British drama film released in 2019, adapted from Robert Holman's critically acclaimed stage play of the same name. Directed by theatre veteran Dominic Dromgoole, this poignant film features compelling performances by Matthew Tennyson, Luke Thompson, and Barbara Marten. The film is not a straightforward narrative, but rather a triptych of tales, each unfolding its distinct yet interconnected story set against the backdrop of war, exploring its influence on people's lives in different eras and circumstances.

The powerful opening act takes us back to a summertime in rural Kent during World War II, where quirky artist Eric (Luke Thompson), and a young conscientious objector, Oliver (Matthew Tennyson), engage in a layered discourse, delving into themes of duty, morality, and the essence of war itself. It's a verbal spar, a ballet of words that unfolds poetically, highlighting the clashing ideologies and the cost of war in a way never shown before.

The second act propels us thirty-five years into the future, in the midst of the Falklands War in 1982. A naval officer, Geoffrey (Matthew Tennyson), is tasked to deliver news of her son’s death to a mother, May Appleton (Barbara Marten), living in suburban London. The scene explores themes of guilt, loss, and coping mechanisms, while constituting a raw and deeply moving investigation into the human condition. The performances of Tennyson and Marten are unforgettable and their chemistry powerful, creating a significant emotional impact.

The third and final act takes place in the Black Forest, Germany in 1996. It witnesses an unexpected encounter between a disturbed young British BAME man, Sam (Trystan Gravelle), and Helene, an elderly German lady (Deborah Findlay). Their conversation is a careful exploration of prejudice, tolerance, the impact of trauma, and the possibility of peace, painting a vivid picture of how war scars can transgress generations.

While the stories are visually distinct, the threads of war, its consequences, and the relationships between people are common throughout, creating an undercurrent of connection. Each act is a delicately constructed link in a greater narrative chain, a intricate examination of the human experience within the context of war. The nuances of the dialogue reveal the layers of the characters, their struggles and the social landscape they inhabit.

Visually, the film is an array of quiet, serene landscapes juxtaposed against the turbulence of war. Cinematographer Ole Bratt Birkeland beautifully captures the locales, being Kentish countryside, cityscape of London, and the mesmerizing Black Forest, creating a stark yet visually appealing contrast with the weighty themes. Each location sets the tone for the unfolding narratives, painting an immersive picture for the viewer.

The direction by Dromgoole is tight and impactful, moving seamlessly between the stories while preserving the feel of the stage play. Given his background in theatre, he adeptly translates the play into cinematic language, preserving its characters' depth, its thematic potency, and compelling dialogue.

The film's title, Making Noise Quietly, might seem like an oxymoron. Still, it perfectly encapsulates the essence of the narrative - highlighting the underlying disturbances in seemingly quiet lives, and the ripples wars create, resonating through years and lives, causing 'quiet disturbances'.

The performances of the cast are impressive. Matthew Tennyson impresses playing two different characters in two segments and Barbara Marten's portrayal of a grieving mother is both moving and captivating. Luke Thompson and Deborah Findlay also shine brightly in their respective roles, delivering complex performances with aplomb.

Making Noise Quietly is not just a standard war movie. It uses war as a milieu, and in its wake, it explores a wide spectrum of human emotions and experiences - loss, grief, guilt, redemption, and much more. The film dismantles war's grand narratives to focus on the lesser-known but equally impactful stories at the edge of the battlefield - in homes, fields, and forests.

In summary, Making Noise Quietly is a powerful, compelling, and thought-provoking film, beautifully translated from stage to screen. It delivers a poignant portrayal of the deep and lasting impact of war on individuals, exploring the subtle yet profound changes each undergo. Armed with exceptional performances by its cast, it is a must-watch for those looking for a contemplative cinematic experience.