WATCH THE FILM HERE
First, the Recap:
Spurned. Deserted. Shunned. Alone. When we make the efforts to be known, to be acknowledged, to experience the affirming power of acceptance, it only becomes a harsher reality when those efforts are “rewarded” instead by being ignored, misunderstood, or flat out forsaken. Within the multitude of contexts and situations we might confront this sense of utter isolation, it always seems to prompt the question so often emerging from it all–can you find the will to face it and rise above–or will it only become an exercise in futility? Inside a seemingly benign garbage can, we find a whole new world being exposed through a woman, The Artist (Gabriela Rose Dicocco Alvarado), whose own existence has been defined by being cast aside. Yet, in the maelstrom of inner tumult she has been beaten down by, a discarded pair of old ballet shoes brings a freedom and release she deeply needs. But, will the emancipation last or only reveal further reminder of those that flung her out?
Next, my Mind:
The arena of short film ingenuity takes brilliant, highly creative form once more through what this critic would consider cleverly experimental, surrealistic execution via the medium of a music video-style presentation thanks to writer/director/producer/editor Marcelo Mayen (“Bullock The Bruiser“, “The Sleeping Life of Sofia“), offering an exploration, both literal and figurative, of being seen and treated as trash while then seeking the liberation from the stigmas it places upon us–or that we we can also place upon ourselves. Striving to ultimately view who we are in a much more positive light despite it being a fractured state of self-assessment portrayed, what I find fascinating is the sheer fact one can glean so much from this film the more you take it in and ponder the ideas being conveyed even in this more uniquely abstract visual and still clearly narrative-driven configuration, as multiple levels of fully relatable, relevant-to-today’s-world content stand firmly out.
Utilizing the newly launched contemporary alternative song “Noise” by composer Dylan Storey (aka: DSTRY), whose lyrical bend to the tune beautifully pairs with the inventive yet uncomplicated imagery and movement-based elements here, we’re quite imaginatively projected into a realm found inside a standard trash can and its sole resident who finds herself battling abandonment, loneliness, insignificance, and an overall broken sense of self. Yearning to break out of the prison of being unwanted and/or tossed callously aside, an unexpected source of inspiration allows her to find a new strength to unleash all the pent-up emotions she carries. However, what will it lead her to is the dilemma presented, and by the time the film’s finale arrives, it’s quite a potent and compelling message that gets thrown at us as I hinted at in the synopsis above. Honestly, it’s a serious reality check the project provides, and one that I know I feel this world does need reminded of when it comes to how we see and treat others, no matter who they are.
That, I think, is then the additional genius behind the vision Mayen has for his film, in that the multi-faceted means by which one could interpret the story is wonderfully engaging and provocative. It can be seen as the more direct, primary statement, at least in my opinion, about the world of celebrity and how quickly someone’s fame and fortune can unceremoniously get pitched into the rubbish by others who would use their influence or attitudes to tear someone down. We could also view this through a lens of being ostracized from a relationship, complete with the inward bitterness and sorrow that can come from being so blatantly hurt and rejected by someone we thought loved us, letting loose with the rage and frustration that’s lingered inside which now explodes outwards. Or, I felt it could perhaps be interpreted as a message about how we can sometimes expel ourselves if we’ve allowed too many buried hurts or anxieties about self worth fester, making us feel unwanted, unworthy, and nothing but a waste, having to then take a hard look in that shattered mirror and face, accept, but ideally conquer our own demons and the stifling atmosphere being burdened by these plights creates.
It is then expressed how when we DO choose to reach for the sun and find our freedom, we’re imbued with the means and a boldness to face those who’ve been the source of our torment and, we hope, put those ghosts to rest. But, I admire the fact that the film doesn’t necessarily allow it to be that cut and dry, that maybe we at times place or surround ourselves in that “garbage” by choices and actions taken. This only enhances the real-world feasibility of the tale being told, as we all know that things don’t always work out and that we can get into plenty of messes that are of our own making. In this film’s case, that may not really be applicable, but the greater idea is present. What we do try to have faith in is that any steps we take towards overcoming any of these scenarios will end up benefitting us. The road to get there may not be a smooth one, and we may need to tackle the truth that those aspects we’re attempting to vanquish may push us down again, but seeing hope for inner peace, healing from brokenness, and redemption of self I feel are the grandest takeaways.
Alvarado makes for an impassioned, volatile, wholly stirring, and deeply affecting character through her role here as The Artist, a woman we find “living” in a perceived garbage can, the unfortunate victim of being utterly thrust aside as worthless, unneeded, no longer loved, or pertinent to the world. As the build-up of frustration peaks, she finds the similarly discarded pair of ballet shows that aid her in embarking on a journey to deliverance. Being shown and experiencing the condition of the world that cruelly discharged her, along with its shallowness, obliviousness, and self-centered apathy, she reaches a point of screaming for release, maybe even justice, for how she was treated, only to encounter the ridicule of a world resistant to change its ways, shoving her back into the reality she’s known, but perhaps with a more distinct and overall winning perspective compared to where she began. It’s quirky and symbolic, yet so overtly real and tangible, and Alvarado’s fiery yet vulnerable performance immerses us deftly in the stormy path the character endures.
Supporting appearances are made by Juliette Blackman, Matthew VandenElst, AG Quagliato, Fernando Gonterman, and Kate Cassise as the denizens of a society in desperate need of an attitude correction. So, in total, “Noise” stands as more than just a short film shot as a music video, only intended for entertainment. Instead, I feel it ambitiously and artistically challenges us to open our eyes and minds to the larger concepts about us as individuals and the world when it comes to rejection and the consequences it entails, especially while also shining a light on the fact we’re often the perpetrators of this forced banishment upon others by our words or deeds being able to be broadcast to the multitudes so easily in this modern age. Maybe it’s about time we start having much more awareness about all that influences us so that we DON’T plunge fellow human beings into the refuse–or end up there as well. And to those who might find themselves in that proverbial can–time to put on those shoes, shut out the “noise”, and BREAK FREE!
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
