THE SOUND OF... SHHHHHH!

It has once been said that a picture can say a thousand words. So if that is the case, how many words do you think an actual full-length feature can say? One Million? Two Billion? Or how about just four? Well, according to Minuscule, which is out in cinemas from May the 27th, courtesy of Lionsgate Films, a movie, any movie, doesn't need to say one single word. The only thing required from any visual masterpiece is a simple narrative that makes people think and is somewhat entertaining. Admittedly, a couple of buzzing noises and a fantastic musical score would help. Plus if the filmmakers are up for it, one or two grunting actions scenes would be a positive boon. You know, just like the grunts not heard in the following films without...

Minuscule: Valley Of The Lost Ants (2016)

In this French feature, we see a feisty ladybird befriend an opportunistic black-ant and then become embroiled in a battle of epic proportions. It turns out, they have to defend a haul of sugar cubes from being swiped by a band of marauding red-ants, in what essentially is a classic tale similar to David & Goliath, only smaller!

Sean The Sheep (2015)

Ever since 'Creature Comforts' Aardman Animation have become the go-to guys for old school, top quality, cartoons. Take 'Sean The Sheep' for instance. Where else will you get to see one of nature's fluffiest friends doing a 'Wallace & Gromit' over the hills and valleys of animation land? Perhaps the CBBC television channel? Yeah... eventually. But first it happened in this flick. 

All Is Lost (2013)

Throughout his illustrious career, Robert Redford has always been a fighter. He's fought against being type-cast on film. He's fought against being called Lola Van Wagenen's first husband. Plus he's fought against the elements seen in this disaster movie, 'All Is Lost'. Proof can easily be seen in his elegant yet wordless performance, where we get to see old Bobby-boy do what he must to survive.

The Illusionist (2010)

Now it would be rude if I didn't add Jacques Tati to this list! After all, he was one of the pioneers of the silent age of cinema. So much so, that 'The Illusionist' pays homage to him in a very delicate way. Basically, this kitsch-cartoon follows an aging stage illusionist who is forced to take jobs whenever he can. Eventually, a job in Scotland comes to light, which puts him into contact with a girl called Alice and an encounter that will change both their lives forever. 

Wall-E (2008)

Now you must remember that this is a list of nearly wordless cinema. Not silent... nearly wordless. So that is why Pixar's instant classic makes the cut despite some rather verbose human performances near the end of it. On the whole most of the scenes involve a lonely waste disposal robot and his pet cockroach going around on a desolate, abandoned Earth. Don't worry though. As there's more to this flick than just that! There's love in it too. Plenty and plenty of love. 

The Bear (1988)

In this wordless yet wonderful tale by Jean-Jacques Annaud, we get to see two hunters (who, granted, do trade a few words every now and then) attempt to hunt down an adult brown bear and his adopted cub. More importantly, though, we also get to see what happens when a cub hallucinates on magic mushrooms! Disney, eat your heart out, baby.


Silent Movie (1976)

'Silent Movie' is a silent movie about a couple of filmmakers who want to make a silent movie. Got it? Good. So did Mel Brooks when he made it way back in 1976. One of the funniest scenes ever made was shot for this comedy classic, and it involved Mel, Burt Reynolds, Dom Deluise, and Marty Feldman in a shower together. Another interesting fact about this flick is that the only person who speaks in it is the famed mime-act, Marcel Marcel.

MINUSCULE IS IN CINEMAS FROM MAY 27TH, COURTESY OF LIONSGATE FILMS