Sound of Noise by Ola Simonsson and Johannes Stjärne Nilsson

It’s only Rock and Roll baby! "Music for one city and six drummers" would be the very short synopsis of Sound of Noise by Ola Simonsson and Johannes Stjärne Nilsson, the Swedish Coen (non-)brothers who obviously like to put a lot of funk into their scripts. This time it comes with a refreshing theme: contemporary music. Rarely depicted in cinema, and harshly judged by most ears.

Six music terrorists, lead by genius Sanna and her ingenuity - modeled on Karin Dreijer Andersson, one half of the critically-acclaimed Swedish electro duo The Knife, are in search of the most singular instruments to execute their clamorous symphony. A human body, shredded banknotes and caterpillars are just a few examples. The concerts don’t knock you off your seat but are nevertheless magically orchestrated.

What is their goal? Collapsings new constructions! When they target the opera of Malmö, detective Amadeus Warnebring, our main character who’s allergic to music, has to jump in to save society. Police fighting for the sound of silence? Why not.

Although many aspects are over-the-top caricatures and the comedy is a bit clumsy, Sound of Noise is a stimulating call for a little more anarchy. Whether this is aimed at the Nordic lifestyle or really universal is unclear, but the originality of the script and jazzy debonair direction totally save the deal.

By Maximilien Van Aertryck