In honor of Patriots Day Weekend, I’m watching and reviewing movies set and/or filmed in my hometown, Boston, Massachusetts.
Title: Sound of Metal
Release Date: September 6, 2019
Director: Darius Marder
Production Company: Flat 7 | Ward Four | Caviar
Summary/Review:
In Sound of Metal we follow the journey of Ruben Stone, played by Riz Ahmed, a drummer in a heavy metal band who suddenly loses his hearing. The film delicately navigates through Ruben’s struggle to come to terms with his new reality, exploring themes of identity, acceptance, and the human experience of adapting to unexpected change. The story begins with Ruben , touring with his girlfriend and bandmate, Lou (Olivia Cooke) . However, his world is abruptly disrupted when he experiences sudden hearing loss. Desperate to regain what he’s lost, Ruben embarks on a journey to find a solution, leading him to a deaf community where he learns sign language and discovers a new way of life.
Riz Ahmed delivers a compelling performance as Ruben, capturing the emotional turmoil and vulnerability of his character with subtlety and depth. His portrayal allows viewers to empathize with Ruben’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance, as he grapples with the loss of his sense of hearing and confronts his own identity beyond his music career. Ruben’s denial of his suddenly and irrevocably changed circumstances represents a near universal experience that audiences can empathize with.
One of the most striking aspects of Sound of Metal is its innovative use of sound design to immerse audiences in Ruben’s experience of hearing loss. The film utilizes sound editing techniques to simulate the muffled and distorted sounds that Ruben perceives as his hearing deteriorates. This auditory perspective provides a visceral insight into the challenges and frustrations faced by those experiencing hearing impairment, enhancing the film’s emotional resonance. Another noteworthy aspect of the film is its authentic portrayal of the deaf community and the importance of connection and acceptance within it.
Sound of Metal was filmed on locations in the Greater Boston area, both urban and rural. This is not a straight-forward Boston movie as the settings are unspecific enough to represent a generic American landscape. In fact, early on Ruben and Lou are supposed to be touring the country even if they don’t actually go out of the route 128 belt.
Ultimately, Sound of Metal is more than just a film about hearing loss; it’s a universal exploration of resilience, adaptation, and the human capacity for growth in the face of unexpected change.
Rating: ***1/2
Panorama of the Mountains 