Sound of Metal is a film which, for me, provided a new perspective into how sudden onset deafness can affect every aspect of a person’s life.
The film, which won an Oscar for Best Sound has been released on Amazon Prime and hopefully will be in cinemas soon, is one of the loudest, and quietest films, I have ever watched.
It follows the drummer of a rock band, played by Riz Ahmed, who loses his hearing suddenly. His emotions, of fear, frustration and loss are played out viscerally on the screen. The film, directed by Darius Marder, was nominated in the Oscar awards 2021: Riz Ahmed was up for Best Actor, Paul Raci was up for best supporting actor, Jaime Baksht won for Best Sound.
I felt the lead actor’s horror and frustration. I wondered at the patience and commitment of those who supported the drummer. I felt the noise and the silence in my bones.
Sudden onset deafness, when hearing is lost suddenly and completely, is a medical emergency, and if you or anyone you know experience this the first place to go is Accident and Emergency. For most people though, deafness is a slow progress from full hearing to a less hearing, and modern hearing instruments are available to help us all live a hearing life.
I won’t give away the story line in Sound of Metal. Please see it if you can , immerse yourself in the challenges and humour which the excellent direction and sound track provide. When those birds sing loudly, or you settle down to have a chat with a friend, take the blessings of hearing and enjoy.
