Riz Ahmed plays rock drummer Ruben Stone who performs in small venues with his girlfriend, Lou. Their gypsy lifestyle comes apart when Ruben finds he’s losing his hearing and going deaf. Lou finds Ruben help in a rural deaf community of recovering addicts. Ruben learns sign language and makes friends, but struggles with the loss of his hearing and his former Life.
I admire the way Riz Ahmed played this difficult role. He expresses his anger, frustration, and fear of a future without sound. I also have to give a tip of the hat to the sound team on Sound of Metal. They present the sounds (and distortions) Ruben hears as he tries to cope with his disability. This is a powerful film that will stay with you long after it’s over. GRADE: A
So true. Obviously, this is likely to win the Best Sound (or, as Jackie has always called it because of what usually wins, “Most Sound”) Oscar, but Ahmed and co-star Paul Raci deserve their acting nominations. It is also nominated for Best Picture, Best Screenplay, and Best Editing. Terrific job all the way around.
Jeff, I found SOUND OF METAL very moving. Losing your hearing has to be devastating and Riz Ahmed’s performance rang true with all of its ups and downs.
We’re going to watch NOMADLAND tonight.
Jeff, Diane and I enjoyed NOMADLAND. My review is here: http://georgekelley.org/nomadland-hulu/
Also got PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN to watch before tomorrow night.
Jeff, we’ve been busy watching many of the Oscar nominees, but we haven’t watched PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN yet.
Several times I’ve settled in with every intent of watching this only to be distracted by something less serious, or at least shorter. But last night it was something just as serious and nearly an hour longer, SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, which I haven’t seen in 20 years and is leaving Netflix at the end of the month. But I WILL get to this. Soon.
Michael, SAVING PRIVATE RYAN is a good substitute for SOUND OF METAL (aka, SAVING MY HEARING).
It really stuck with me more than any of the other films. It is a tight movie with no needless scenes. And the sound is terrific. I doubt that it will win anything but sound awards but I am hoping. Although how can you root against Chaswick Bozman. Or Daniel ? from Judas and the Black Messiah. The only weak category is supporting actress. This is not the right year to award Glen Close for an awful performance in a even worse movie. If I never hear her Southern accent again, I will be grateful.
Patti, my OSCAR picks will be up on the blog tomorrow.
So true. I hated the movie and Glenn Close’s Mammy Yokum performance was embarrassing.
For some reason I haven’t watched this yet. I’ll try to get around to it tonight.
Steve, you’ll be impressed with Riz Ahmed’s performance.
SOUND OF METAL sounds really interesting – and now for the crazy part:
A few days ago I read somewhere that a drummer from a hard rock band lost his hearing some years ago – but I forgot the names.
Found it!
Metallica’s drummer Lars Ulrich – but actually he “only” got Tinnitus (like me …).
https://www.hear-it.org/metallica-drummer-suffers-from-ringing-in-the-ears
Wolf, I have a number of friends–men and women both–suffering from various stages of Tinnitus. It must be maddening to be tormented by ringing in your ears constantly.
Sounds depressing and discouraging, just what we need in these oh-so-happy times when the pandemic rages and the Fools deny it. We’ll skip the Oscars this year, I think. I’m reading Poul Anderson.
Rick, if you think SOUND OF METAL is depressing and discouraging, watch THE FATHER. Very grim, indeed.
Just watched this. Great movie. Of course my tinnitus was acting up tonight, although I’m so use to it that it doesn’t bother me very much.
Same here – I’ve had tinnitus for more than five years now, but got kind of used to it.
Just play Rock music really loud – and no problem.
And if I’m talking to someone I also don’t feel it – just sitting alone in front of my computer is bad …
Steve, I have friends who have tried everything short of surgery to alleviate their tinnitus. It seems to get worse at night. Glad you liked SOUND OF METAL as much as I did!