Another hour, another Ted Fendt film viewed on Mubi. Outside Noise (2021) was more accessible than the previous Fendt film I watched, Classical Period, and this film reminded me of other indie hang-out movies like Girlfriends or Funny Ha Ha. The scene that reoccurs throughout is one character asking another, “Shall we go for a walk outside?” Across its short running time, the film moves between countries and follows one or two characters. There’s Daniela (Daniela Zahlner) who is visiting New York in the opening sequence. Later, Daniela visits Berlin and meets up with her friend, Mia (Mia Sellman). They are somewhere in their twenties and post-graduate students; they are united by their sense of sleeplessness and insomnia. When Daniela returns to her apartment and life in Vienna, the movie moves forward to Mia visiting Daniela in Vienna as part of an academic conference trip that she is part of. There is also Mia’s friend, Nastacha (Nastacha Manthe), who Daniela doesn’t know that well – the three hang out, talk about studying psychology and amble about in parks. The most tension that develops is over someone borrowing a bit of money. The biggest piece of action that happens is when someone’s lunch is used against a complete jerk. Outside Noise is a plotless hang-out, content to capture the beautiful lighting in small European apartments, all of which uses natural sunlight and is shot on 16mm film. The film conveys a sense of aimless wander when you have a free day but feel sapped of energy and motivation. I really liked it, and the main trio of people in the film are great, particularly Zahlner and Sellman who are also listed as co-writers; they have such great, natural personalities and a low-key sense of style. The director Fendt himself pops up in a small role as the type of transplant American in Vienna who immediately lectures visitors on the best places to go. Recommended.
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