Backdrop preview Murmur backdrop
Murmur

Murmur (2019)

Sep 06, 2019 1h 24m Drama

Donna has recently been convicted of “Driving While Impaired” and is ordered to perform community service at the local animal shelter. When an elderly dog is scheduled to be euthanized, Donna decides to take the dog home and quickly realizes his companionship can ease her loneliness. In a futile attempt to fill the emptiness she feels, Donna begins to take home more and more animals and she is soon in over her head.

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Directed by Heather Young

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Heather Young
Writer
  • Heather Young
Producer
  • Martha Cooley

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Murmur examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Heather Young brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2019, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Murmur took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 84 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 136 minutes long.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
  • The costume department created over 467 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 2019, when this film is released:
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Murmur shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Malena, which focuses more on action than character development, Murmur subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Kuei-mei, a Woman and It's Getting Late explore similar territory, Murmur stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: September 6, 2019
  • Runtime: 1h 24m

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