The 2019 film, “Sound of Metal,” tells the powerful and emotional story of a heavy metal drummer, Ruben, who begins to lose his hearing. The film has been praised for its raw and authentic portrayal of deafness, with many deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals applauding its accurate representation of their community. In this review, we will explore how the film depicts deafness and the impact it has on the main character’s life.
From the very beginning of the film, we are immersed in Ruben’s world as a musician. The audience experiences the loud and chaotic environment of a heavy metal concert through Ruben’s perspective, with sounds blaring and distorted. However, after a sudden onset of hearing loss, Ruben’s world is turned upside down. At first, he denies the severity of his condition, clinging to his passion for music and refusing to accept his new reality.
One of the most commendable aspects of “Sound of Metal” is its attention to detail in portraying deafness. We see Ruben struggle to communicate with others, often resorting to writing notes or using basic sign language. The film also accurately shows the importance of lip-reading for those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. In one scene, Ruben tries to read the lips of his girlfriend, Lou, but she is speaking too quickly for him to keep up. This emphasizes the frustrations and challenges faced by those with hearing loss in their daily interactions.
As Ruben’s hearing continues to deteriorate, he finds himself at a crossroads. He must decide whether to undergo a costly surgery that could restore some of his hearing or embrace his new life as a deaf person. This dilemma highlights the societal pressure and stigma surrounding deafness. Many people view deafness as a disability that needs to be fixed rather than an identity to be embraced. The film challenges this notion and encourages viewers to see deafness as a unique and diverse culture.
The film also introduces us to the deaf community through Ruben’s journey. We see him enrolling in a deaf community home, where he learns sign language and connects with other deaf individuals. Through this community, Ruben learns that his deafness does not have to hinder his passion for music. He is introduced to the world of deaf musicians, who use vibrations and visual cues to create music. This is a groundbreaking and eye-opening representation of how deaf individuals can excel in areas typically assumed to be reserved for those with hearing.
The casting of “Sound of Metal” also deserves recognition, as it includes both deaf and hearing actors. Riz Ahmed, who plays Ruben, went through extensive training to learn American Sign Language (ASL) and understand the nuances of deaf culture. On the other hand, Paul Raci, who plays Joe, is a child of deaf adults and has been signing since he was eight years old. This combination of actors adds depth and authenticity to the film’s portrayal of deafness.
In conclusion, “Sound of Metal” is a moving and thought-provoking film that challenges societal perceptions of deafness. It portrays the struggles, triumphs, and complexities of being deaf in a powerful and honest way. The film also highlights the beauty and diversity of the deaf community, encouraging viewers to see deafness as an identity rather than a disability. “Sound of Metal” is a must-watch for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the deaf experience.
