Thoughts on “Sound of Metal” after film release

Renca (The Daily Moth):

Have you seen the movie called Sound of Metal?

This is the sign for that movie. Sound of Metal was directed by Darius Marder. That story is about a character named Ruben and his journey as a drummer. He was hearing and then suddenly became deaf, and he didn’t know what to do and what his identity was. Through his journey of figuring this out, he met deaf people and discovered the deaf community, and even a deaf doctor. He undergoes other experiences, and that concludes the movie.

This movie is not based on a true story, but certain themes and situations that happened in the movie do happen out there.

That character, Ruben, is played by Riz Ahmed. Ahmed has appeared in other films such as Mogul Mowgli, and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Ahmed played the character of Ruben. In the movie, his character met deaf people including actors Lauren Ridloff, Jeremy Lee Stone, Shaheem, and Chelsea Lee including others, plus there were deaf children that appeared in the movie. It’s very cool to see deaf actors be a part of that movie. There are scenes where Ruben, played by Ahmed, used sign language. Jeremy Lee Stone, who is deaf and a part of that movie, taught Ahmed how to sign basic ASL before filming. Also, Ahmed learned how to play drums six months as well, before filming began.

The Daily Moth contacted two deaf actors.

Jeremy Lee Stone: The outcome of the movie was good. I feel good, because it’s not about deaf culture or the deaf community. It’s about this man who had hearing loss, a character named Ruben. After that hearing loss, he had to navigate whether he’d assimilate in the hearing world, or enter the deaf world. It’s nice to show that he had options, and that the community are more than warm and welcome to have him. That’s how our community usually is. If someone has hearing loss or similar, they’re welcome. That’s nice to see through this person’s journey with hearing loss. I feel the movie was great in that aspect, and it’s not about the deaf community or deaf culture. Those things are just included in this movie. I enjoyed it, plus the director made sure everyone had access for both the director plus the crew and team. There were interpreters for everyone, and that was a really nice experience. Plus, the interactions for deaf people felt seamless, without barriers or miscommunication. I hope I answered your question.

Chelsea Lee: In Sound of Metal, wow. It was beyond my expectations, really. Before filming, I met Darius, the director. You know, obviously I’m a deaf person. He’s a hearing person who wanted to direct a film about the deaf community, so I was a bit resistant. Then I met him, and he explained his vision and I instantly could see his intentions and his heart was in the right place. I felt connected to him and like I could trust him, and make sure he made a film about the deaf community in the right way. He always made sure the deaf community and deaf cast was part of the process before, during, and after the film, and its overall creation. Sometimes during filming we’d share our feedback if something needed modification, and he was happy to oblige. He was always open to honest feedback, and I always felt comfortable discussing things with him throughout the full process. This film is not about showing what the deaf community is like. It’s just one experience out of so many experiences that exist in the deaf community, really. It’s about hearing loss later in life, and that’s different than being born deaf or hard of hearing. He used to rely on sound, and then that ability disappeared instantly. I can’t imagine. That’s different. This film shows loss, addiction, codependency, discovering a new identity and figuring out how to accept it, and eventually accepting that identity. That’s what the movie is all about. It’s really beautiful. Even though I was a part of the movie and knew what it was about, I was very touched by the result. Like I said, the movie is really beyond my expectations. Wow. I hope this movie will show hearing people all over that deaf people can, and should be, a part of the film industry, really. We should be a part of every part of the process. I hope you watch, and enjoy it. Thank you.

Renca: Thank you, Jeremy and Chelsea, for sharing your thoughts.

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I personally have watched that movie, and I enjoyed it. There is one scene that struck a chord with me. Ruben, in that movie, plays the drums on a slide and a young deaf boy lays his head on it, feeling the beats. I loved that scene. That movie was released on December 4th and is available now on Amazon Prime. Go and watch!