The Deaf Role in Movies

The movie "Sound of Metal" was released on Amazon Prime in November 2020. It's about a heavy-metal drummer who loses his hearing and is struggling with drug addiction recovery. The movie shows the emotional rollercoaster of losing hearing, struggling to want it back (and getting Cochlear Implants), and learning American Sign Language (ASL).

There are many Deaf actors in this movie in proper Deaf roles including:

• Lauren Ridloff
• Chelsea Lee
• Shaheem Sanchez
• Jeremy Lee Stone

As a DeafBlind person, seeing Deaf people in actual Deaf and Hard of Hearing roles is elating! This is important to the Deaf community for several distinct reasons:

1. Showing proper role models - Deaf children have grown up without proper role models on television and movies. A lack of role models can subtly teach a Deaf child that Deafness is not good. They grow up without a goal, a hero.
2. Proper representation - Having actual Deaf actors and actresses shows what "real life" is like. The struggles for communication, access, opportunities, etc. - the body language, the facial expressions, and so much more is shown to the point where other Deaf people can actually tell they're Deaf.
3. Hearing Actors are inadequate - No matter how much training and shadowing a hearing actor goes through, they cannot match the ASL fluency and minute details of a Deaf person. Many Deaf viewers have stated they cannot understand the signing of Deaf characters portrayed by hearing actors.
4. So Much Talent! - There are so many talented actors and actresses out there that can perform, but just like most job industries, dismiss them because of the "communication barrier".

So, if you liked "Sound of Metal" and you want to watch other movies about Deaf Culture....but....

There are so many movies out there with "deaf roles", how can one tell if the role is properly represented? Here's my list of movies with Deaf actors and actresses:

If You Like Dramas

Bridge to Silence (1988) - After her husband is killed in a car accident, Peg, who is deaf, has a nervous breakdown. Her mother assumes custody of Peg's daughter Lisa but after Peg recovers, Peg's mother refuses to let her daughter take back custody. Stars Marlee Matlin and Lee Remick.

Love Is Never Silent (1985) - Margaret Ryder has always looked after her deaf parents, Janice and Abel. Long the only contact her folks have had with the speaking world, Margaret struggles with whether she should strike out on her own or not. Stars Mare Winningham, Phyllis Frelich, and Ed Waterstreet.

Mr. Holland's Opus (1996) - A frustrated composer finds fulfillment as a high school music teacher. He finds out his son is Deaf and showcases the family’s struggles. Stars Richard Dreyfuss, Glenne Headly, Anthony Natale, and Joseph Anderson.

If You Like Action Movies

Baby Driver (2017) - Coerced into working for a crime boss, a young getaway driver must face the music when a doomed heist threatens his life, love & freedom. Stars Ansel Elgort, Lily James, and CJ Jones.

Sign Gene: The First Deaf Superheroes (2018) - The secret agent, Tom Clerc, is a carrier of a gene mutation that enables him to create superpowers through sign language. Stars Emilio Insolera, Hiroshi Vava, and Ben Bahan.

Eternals (Coming November 2021) - The saga of the Eternals, a race of immortal beings who lived on Earth and shaped its history and civilizations. Stars Salma Hayek, Gemma Chan, and Lauren Ridloff.

If You Like Horror Movies

A Quiet Place (2018) - In this terrifyingly suspenseful thriller, a family must navigate their lives in silence to avoid mysterious creatures that hunt by sound. Stars Josh Krasinski, Emily Blunt, and Millicent Simmonds.

Orphan (2009) - A husband and wife who recently lost their baby, adopt a 9-year old girl who is not nearly as innocent as she claims to be. Stars Vera Farminga, Peter Skarsgaard, and Aryana Engineer.

Soul to Keep (2019) - Beelzebub, a powerful demon hellbent to possess and consume souls, goes after siblings and their lifelong friends at a rundown country house. Stars Sandra Mae Frank, Aurora Heimbach, and Kate Rose Reynolds.

Conclusion

I linked the Deaf actors and actresses IMDB profiles for you to check out all their other performances and see the variety of skill and talent that is out there.

I encourage you to do a little research whenever you see "deaf" in a movie or television role and see if they're legitmately deaf or hard of hearing.

Otherwise it's simply an unrealistic portrayal, some would even say it's cultural appropriation.