The Netflix film “White Noise” is a unique cinematic offering that tells an engaging story set in the vibrancy of the 1980s.
Directed by Noah Baumbach and based on Don DeLillo’s novel of the same name, the film follows the life of a professor, portrayed by Adam Driver, as he navigates family life and a surreal emergency known as the “airborne toxic event.”
The production translates the novel’s setting faithfully, rooted in the Midwestern backdrop that is central to the storytelling. Do you want to know where was the movie White Noise filmed?
Much of the movie was shot in various Ohio locations, capturing the essence of the era and the authenticity of the novel’s setting.
It integrates a blend of natural landscapes and urban environments to reflect the dichotomy of domestic life and the unfolding crisis.
The filmmaking team’s meticulous approach to location choice contributes significantly to the movie’s atmosphere, while the ensemble cast brings depth to Baumbach’s vision.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- “White Noise” is a film adaptation of Don DeLillo’s novel, directed by Noah Baumbach and features Adam Driver
- The main filming locations were in Ohio, immersing viewers in the authentic setting of the 1980s depicted in the novel
- The movie merges the ordinary with the extraordinary, reflected in both the production design and the storyline
Director and Cast
The film “White Noise,” a unique blend of comedy and drama, was brought to the screen under the guidance of its director Noah Baumbach.
Notably, this project marks Baumbach’s first adaptation from a novel, featuring an ensemble cast led by Adam Driver and Greta Gerwig.
Creative Vision
Noah Baumbach, acclaimed for his original works, tackled the adaptation of Don DeLillo’s novel with a distinct creative vision.
Baumbach’s direction captures the essence of the 1980s and explores the intricacies of family dynamics and existential themes in a way that resonates with audiences on a personal level.
His move to adapt a pre-existing work reflects his versatility and willingness to explore new narrative territories.
Star Performances
The movie boasts an impressive cast, with Adam Driver taking the lead role, while Greta Gerwig plays opposite him, showcasing their seasoned chemistry and depth as performers.
The supporting cast does not fall short of talent, with Don Cheadle delivering a compelling performance that adds a meaningful layer to the film’s commentary.
Jodie Turner-Smith, Raffey Cassidy, and André Benjamin also join the ensemble, enriching the story with their unique character portrayals and further humanizing the absurdist elements of the plot.
This collaborative effort between cast and director results in a movie that feels both intimate and expansive, deftly navigating the blurred lines between the mundane and the profound.
Filming Locations
The Netflix film “White Noise” showcases the tapestry of American landscapes by incorporating various locations predominantly across Ohio, capturing an authentic Midwest flavor. Let’s take a look into where was the movie White Noise filmed.
Ohio Hotspots
Ohio serves as the primary backdrop for “White Noise,” featuring a blend of school settings and town scenery.
Key filming spots included:
- Cleveland: This city offered its urban ambiance and historical architecture, notably in the Severance Town Center and the East Bank of the Flats
- University of Akron & Kent State: Capturing college life, both campuses enabled the film to depict academic settings authentically
- Wellington: Scenes framed in Downtown Wellington and Lorain County brought to life the small-town charm that’s essential to the fabric of the film
Cuyahoga County and its environs also played a significant role, providing locations that bolster the film’s visual narrative.
Setting the Scene
The filmmakers didn’t just stop at Ohio’s schools and towns; they extended to:
- Sundry locations in Akron, Kent, and Cleveland Heights which exhibited the region’s diverse suburban and rural areas
- Baldwin Wallace University, The College of Wooster, and Hiram College: These institutions added an educational context to specific scenes
Local businesses like Meadowbrook Market Square and establishments such as Canton Central Catholic High School were also part of the set, enhancing the movie’s connection to real-life settings.
Whether it’s a bustling market square or the quiet halls of a high school, they ensured “White Noise” resonated with a sense of place that viewers could relate to.
Storyline and Adaptation
In the cinematic world, adaptations often walk a tightrope between honoring their literary origins and reimagining them for the screen. “White Noise” exemplifies this delicate balance, translating an iconic novel into a visual narrative that captures both the essence and nuance of the original story.
Novel Origins
“White Noise,” penned by Don DeLillo in 1985, details the life of Jack Gladney, a college professor who has pioneered the field of Hitler Studies.
The book deftly explores themes of death, love, and the pursuit of happiness within the context of an American family.
Jack, his wife Babette, and their blended brood confront the “Airborne Toxic Event,” a disaster that forces them to grapple with their mortality and the complexities of their existence.
As they navigate this crisis, the novel uses humor and rich character studies to dissect the contemporary American experience.
Cinematic Transformation
When Noah Baumbach set out to adapt DeLillo’s book for Netflix, he faced the challenge of preserving its multi-faceted storyline and unique tone.
The transition from page to screen meant distilling complex themes—such as the omnipresent fear of death, the desire for happiness, and the intricacies of marriage and family dynamics—into a visual medium.
Baumbach’s “White Noise” keeps much of the intellectual humor and emotional gravity of Gladney’s story, exploring how an ordinary American family deals with extraordinary circumstances.
The film also delves into the personal conflicts and the quest for connection amidst the chaos, echoing the depth of the novel’s exploration of an American family’s search for meaning and the possibility of happiness.
Production Design
When immersing in the visual world of “White Noise,” one marvels at the meticulous attention that brought the 1980s to life, from the authenticity of a bustling A&P Supermarket to the very pavements that whisper tales of yesteryear.
Recreating an Era
In White Noise, production teams went to great lengths to transform contemporary locations into convincing replicas of the 1980s.
Andrews Osborne Academy and Central Catholic High School served as backdrops for the movie’s educational institutions, reverberating with the echoes of the Reagan era.
Storefronts were renovated, with a keen eye on the details, capturing the essence of a period where design and aesthetics had a very different vocabulary.
To capture the retail spirit of the time, an actual A&P Supermarket was meticulously dressed to serve not just as a set piece, but a character that stands the test of time.
The shelves were stocked with products that carried the visual lexicon of the decade, and signage was recreated to usher viewers straight into the aisles of the past.
Visual Authenticity
The film’s dedication to visual authenticity extends to every corner of the production design.
The neighborhoods of Wellington, Ohio, become stages where the story’s train derailment and ensuing chemical waste crisis play out.
Just as the narrative tension builds, the crafted ambiance pulls viewers deeper into the drama.
In Dorset, the team transformed natural landscapes into haunting sites of the train accident, layering practical effects upon serene settings to manufacture a sense of disorder and unease.
This essence of disruption is palpable throughout the filming sites, from the seclusion of Pine Lake Raceway and Trails to the community-centric streets of Wellington.
The production’s attention to detail ensures that every filming site is not merely a backdrop but a testament to the era and its singular atmosphere.
It witnesses a chaotic dance of elements—both manmade and natural—that tell a story beyond dialogue and characters, through a visual narrative as tangible as the era it embodies.
Music and Soundtrack
The soundtrack of “White Noise” not only serves as a sonic backdrop but also adds depth to the film’s atmosphere.
Composer Danny Elfman crafted the film’s score, giving fans an auditory treat that complements the on-screen drama.
Audio Experience
Emmy-award-winning composer Danny Elfman is beloved for his work from “Edward Scissorhands” to “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” He weaves an intricate audio tapestry for “White Noise.” His score was released as a 20-track album by Netflix Music, and it includes the original song “The Cloud is Coming,” performed by Dean Wareham and Britta Phillips.
- Original Score: Composed by Danny Elfman
- Standout Track: “The Cloud is Coming” by Dean Wareham and Britta Phillips
In addition to Elfman’s compositions, the soundtrack is peppered with well-known pop songs. These songs offer a stark contrast to its more tense scenes, infusing a touch of dark humor with the melody.
These musical choices underscore the film’s thematic layers and amplify its emotional resonance. Whether it’s the drama unfolding on screen or the subtle nuances in the background score, the choice of audio in “White Noise” is a deliberate one. It is aimed at creating an immersive experience for the viewer.
