Film Synopsis for the course Visual Methodologies for Research (ELS67400)

Film Synopsis for the course Visual Methodologies for Research (ELS67400)

Course lecturer and coordinator Angela Pachuau

Film Topic: Noise Pollution
Style: Fictional Narrative

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1. Main Concept: "Search for Silence" is a short film that goes into the underestimated environmental issue of human-made noise pollution. The narrative follows a single character's increasingly desperate quest for a moment of quiet, illustrating how inescapable noise has become in our daily lives.

2. Plot Overview: The film opens in a bustling city centre, where the protagonist, seeking a peaceful space to read, is overwhelmed by the cacophony of traffic, construction, and pedestrian chatter. They move to the presumed silence of the Forum Library, only to find it filled with the hum of electronics, conversations and more. Seeking refuge outdoors, they try the

lawn in front of the Forum, but find no escape from the sound of distant traffic and a construction side (PlusUltra3). The protagonist’s search escalates as they venture further, first to a green park, then a nature reserve, (and finally a pond), each location initially appearing promising but ultimately succumbing to the intrusion of human-generated noise, whether it be distant airplanes, lawnmowers, or recreational vehicles.

3. Main Characters: The film features a single protagonist, an everyday individual whose journey symbolizes the universal

struggle against noise pollution. Their lack of explicit background allows the audience to relate better.

4. Themes or Message: The overarching message of "Search for Silence" is the omnipresence of human-made noise and its detrimental impact on our lives and environment. It aims to raise awareness about the subtle yet significant ways noise

pollution infiltrates our daily routines, fostering a sense of urgency for change. The film encourages viewers to reflect on their own relationship with noise and consider the importance of preserving and restoring quiet spaces.

5. Setting: The film is set across a variety of locations, each representing a different aspect of our increasingly noisy environment. These locations include:

These settings are chosen to contrast the expectation of peace with the reality of persistent noise.

6. Possible Solutions: The film subtly incorporates potential solutions to noise pollution through visual cues and the protagonist's observations. These include:
City Centre during a busy walking period.
The Forum Library.
The lawn in front of the Forum.
A verdant park.
A remote nature reserve.
A quiet pond.
Electric cars and busses, showcasing the potential for quieter transportation.
Increased bicycle use, emphasizing sustainable and silent commuting.
Flight prohibition times for airplanes, suggesting regulated periods of silence.
Traffic calming measures, illustrating the importance of reducing vehicular noise.
Soundproof booths or rooms, highlighting the need for dedicated quiet spaces.
Thicker glass in windows, demonstrating ways to insulate against external noise.
The use of hearing protection, a personal solution for dealing with noise.