Noise

David Owen, a New York lawyer, is tormented by a constant barrage of car alarms, burglar alarms, and back-up beepers. In a moment of desperation, he breaks into a parked car to shut off its alarm and is arrested by police. This reckless act marks the first escalation of his campaign against noise.

He and his family retreat to the countryside for a weekend, hoping the quieter environment will relieve the stress. The break from the city only swaps one set of disturbances for another, as new noises intrude on rural life. The attempt underscores the difficulty of finding lasting peace amidst constant noise.

Back in the city, Owen pursues legal remedies, filing complaints and appeals to authorities. Yet the system offers little relief and his frustration deepens as the noise persists. The ongoing stalemate pushes him toward more drastic, unlawful responses.

During this upheaval, Owen meets Ekaterina, a Russian student, who becomes involved with him. She confronts him with the truth of his vigilante identity, calling him The Rectifier. She is drawn to his passion and encourages him to push further.

Ekaterina persuades Owen to launch a ballot initiative aimed at curbing noise and restraining vigilante actions. At first progress is slow, but the measure slowly gains momentum as public support grows. Owen enters politics with a sense of possibility and danger.

Mayor Schneer dismisses the ballot measure, fearing that supporting it would legitimize vigilantism. He openly opposes the initiative and the movement loses an important ally. The political opposition stalls the reform that Owen hopes will bring change.

A loophole is exploited to keep the ballot measure off the ballot, effectively blocking the campaign. Owen's plans falter as the public can’t rally to a measure that never appears. The setback intensifies his belief that legal channels are ineffective.

Owen outfits a car with alarms and loud horns, and parks it in front of city hall to dramatize the issue. He triggers the alarms to demonstrate the very frustrations that sparked his crusade. The spectacle provokes strong reactions from bystanders and authorities.

A nearby tenant becomes enraged by the intrusive noise, and Judge Kornreich is mistakenly arrested as The Rectifier. The incident reveals how Owen's crusade spirals into collateral harm. The judge later sues Owen for pain and suffering.

Kornreich sues Owen for pain and suffering as a result of the display. During cross-examination, Owen provocatively suggests that his actions could be considered assault and battery, establishing a controversial legal precedent. Owen is found guilty, though the judge shows leniency toward him.

Having won a legal victory, Owen reunites with his wife. They walk out of the courthouse together, a tense moment of reconciliation amid the chaos of his crusade. The victory is tempered by the consequences of his actions and the uncertain road ahead.

After the verdict, an activist approaches Owen about blowing up a billboard TV that harms the city. The film presents two possible endings: one in which he flees with the activist, and another where he declines and gets into a cab with his wife. The ending leaves his future open to interpretation and choice.