Sound of Metal (2020)

Movies regarding addicts aren't anything new as those stories can go through a variety of predictable flavors such as them undergoing rehab and being tested on those vices throughout, falling deeper into the dangers of their addiction, or watching individuals such as musicians who end up becoming falling prey to drugs or alcohol. With how formulaic some of these can get, it's not of a subgenre I jump into that much (though the most common of these I've seen the most would be the musicians type of addiction tales). This brings us to a new project within this topic, Sound of Metal, which was directed by Darius Marder. I had heard a little about this from buzz surrounding it on social media but was blind to its premise. I put it on my watchlist to see if 2020 had any remaining hidden gems and after watching it on Amazon Prime, I'm surprised by how much of it impressed me. 

What's it about? The story follows a former addict musician who undergoes a journey into a life change after losing his hearing. While not a lot happens in terms of story, this is more of a character progression narrative where the protagonists conflicting views on his situation creates compelling drama. The deaf community found here is handled with a nice respect between teaching their own how to benefit one another with their disability and to find peace in their silent lives. It should also be noted that the sound design here is excellent in how it sways between the muddle noises, simple outdoor breezes, and feedback issues. The way it's used combined with the interactions of the musician sells it well. 

If there are any weaknesses holding it back, it would be an aspect around the main characters girlfriend, who he is forced to separate from in order to be with the deaf community group. While it's not clear how much time is passed, there is something that's implied in the third act regarding both of them by that point. It could have helped support that plot point more if they had shown more hints of her life during that separation instead of just one scene where he learns about it. 

 

How are the actors? In regards to story importance, the actors to focus on are Riz Ahmed and Paul Jaci. Riz gives a great performance that has a fair amount of range given the development of changes his role undergoes between frustration, eagerness to get old life back, and sincere joy. Paul is a standout in terms of his acting where he manages to be a compelling support figure whose stern belief in treating deafness not as a handicap is wonderful to watch in great moments with Riz. It's also nice to note that Paul was raised as a hearing son for his deaf parents and is fluent in American Sign Language, which contributed to him being given this role. Honorable mention goes to Olivia Cooke for doing a nice job with her role, even though she kinda overdoes the upset emotions a bit in the first act. 

 

Overall Consensus: Sound of Metal utilizes its premise in a fascinating execution that shines thanks to its leads acting, excellent sound design, respect towards deafness, and mostly compelling drama. ⭑⭑⭑⭑ Runtime: 2 hours R

 

Reasons to watch it: You are a fan of the aforementioned actors and/or director Darius Marder. You like seeing stories that involve hearing loss in a respectful manner. You want to see how Sign Language is utilized.

 

Reasons to avoid it: You aren't a fan of the aforementioned actors and/or director Darius Marder. You aren't interested in hearing loss premises.