Noise (2007) grossed approximately $1.1 million worldwide at the box office, according to IMDB. The film, starring Tim Robbins as a lawyer fighting noise pollution, was a modest independent release that never expanded beyond limited theaters.
What Is Noise (2007)?
Noise is a comedy-drama written and directed by Henry Bean. It premiered at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival and received a limited theatrical release in the United States in May 2008. The film follows David Owen (Tim Robbins), a Manhattan lawyer who becomes obsessed with combating the city’s excessive noise, eventually taking on the role of a vigilante ‘The Rectifier’ to silence car alarms, blaring stereos, and other urban disturbances.
The film also stars Bridget Moynahan as his wife, William Hurt as a therapist, and Margarita Levieva as a young woman who joins his cause. It was produced by Robert Salerno and distributed by THINKFilm in the U.S.
Box Office Performance
According to IMDB (which sources data from Box Office Mojo), Noise earned $1,144,058 worldwide. The domestic gross was $1,144,058, with no reported international earnings. The film played in a maximum of 54 theaters at its peak, averaging about $21,000 per theater during its opening weekend.
Given its limited release, the film never reached a wide audience. It opened on May 2, 2008, in 8 theaters, grossing $41,000 in its first weekend. Over the next several weeks, it expanded modestly before finishing its run in July 2008.
Why Did It Underperform?
Several factors contributed to the film’s modest box office:
- Limited marketing: THINKFilm, a small distributor, had a limited budget for promotion compared to major studios.
- Niche subject: A story about noise pollution and legal activism appealed to a narrow audience, not mainstream moviegoers.
- Competition: It opened against big-budget releases like Iron Man (which debuted the same weekend), drawing attention away from the indie film.
- Mixed reviews: While some critics praised Robbins’s performance, others found the film tonally uneven, which hurt word-of-mouth.
Critical Reception
Noise received mixed-to-positive reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 54% approval rating based on 65 reviews, with the consensus noting it ‘features a strong performance from Tim Robbins but suffers from an uneven script.’ Metacritic gives it a score of 55 out of 100, indicating ‘mixed or average reviews.’
Roger Ebert gave the film 3 out of 4 stars, praising Robbins’s ‘righteous anger’ and the film’s humor. However, other critics felt the film’s tone shifted awkwardly between comedy and drama, and that the subplot involving David’s wife and daughter was underdeveloped.
Comparison to Other Tim Robbins Films
To put Noise’s box office in context, compare it to other Tim Robbins films of the era:
- War of the Worlds (2005): $591 million worldwide
- Mystic River (2003): $156 million worldwide
- Catch-22 (1970): N/A (but a major studio release)
- Noise (2007): $1.1 million worldwide
The stark difference illustrates how distribution and genre affect box office. Robbins’s star power alone couldn’t overcome the film’s independent status and limited release.
Why IMDB Data Matters
IMDB compiles box office data from Box Office Mojo, which aggregates studio-reported figures and independent estimates. For small films like Noise, the numbers are often incomplete. For example, IMDB lists worldwide gross as equal to domestic gross, but that may not account for foreign sales that weren’t publicly reported. Some international distributors may have acquired the film for TV or streaming without theatrical runs, which wouldn’t appear in box office totals.
If you’re researching a film’s financial performance, IMDB is a convenient starting point, but you should cross-check with Box Office Mojo or The Numbers for more detailed breakdowns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Noise (2007) available on streaming?
As of now, Noise is not widely available on major streaming platforms. It may be found on DVD or through digital rental services like Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV, but availability varies by region. Check your local library or specialty retailers.
Did Noise win any awards?
No, Noise did not win any major awards. It was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance but lost to Padre Nuestro. Tim Robbins’s performance was not nominated for any major acting awards.
Who directed Noise?
Henry Bean directed Noise. He is also known for writing the 2001 film The Believer, which won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance. Noise was his second directorial effort.
What is the running time of Noise?
Noise has a running time of approximately 92 minutes (1 hour 32 minutes). It is rated R for language and some sexual content.
Template for Tracking Box Office Data
If you’re analyzing a film’s box office performance, use this simple template to organize your research:
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Film Title | _________________________ |
| Release Date | _________________________ |
| Domestic Gross | _________________________ |
| International Gross | _________________________ |
| Worldwide Gross | _________________________ |
| Opening Weekend Gross | _________________________ |
| Theaters (Max) | _________________________ |
| Distributor | _________________________ |
| Source (IMDB/Box Office Mojo) | _________________________ |
Sample (fictional film ‘Echoes of Silence’):
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Film Title | Echoes of Silence |
| Release Date | March 15, 2024 |
| Domestic Gross | $2,500,000 |
| International Gross | $1,000,000 |
| Worldwide Gross | $3,500,000 |
| Opening Weekend Gross | $150,000 |
| Theaters (Max) | 120 |
| Distributor | Indie Pictures |
| Source (IMDB/Box Office Mojo) | IMDB |
Final Thoughts
Noise’s box office total of $1.1 million reflects its status as a small independent film with limited reach. While it didn’t achieve commercial success, it remains a notable entry in Tim Robbins’s filmography for its quirky premise and his committed performance. If you’re interested in the film, seek it out for its social commentary and humor, not for its box office glory.