Sound of Metal (2019)
Raiting: 
7,8 /10
Genre: Music
Director: Darius Marder
Stars: Riz Ahmed, Olivia Cooke and Paul Raci
Country: United States / Belgium
Release date: 20 November 2020
Length: 120 minutes
"Sound of Metal" (2019), directed by Darius Marder, is a profound and emotionally resonant film that delves into the world of Ruben Stone, a heavy metal drummer whose life is thrown into turmoil when he begins to lose his hearing. The narrative explores themes of identity, loss, and acceptance through Ruben's journey, offering a poignant look at the deaf community and the experience of deafness.
Ruben, played with incredible depth by Riz Ahmed, is on tour with his girlfriend and bandmate Lou when he suddenly realizes that his hearing is rapidly deteriorating. This realization sends him into a panic, as his entire identity and livelihood are intertwined with his music. In desperation, Ruben seeks out a doctor, who informs him that his hearing loss is permanent and could worsen without drastic measures, including potentially leaving the music scene to preserve what hearing he has left.
Unable to accept his situation, Ruben initially resists the idea of changing his life. However, as his condition worsens, he reluctantly agrees to join a secluded deaf community, led by Joe, a recovering alcoholic who has found solace and purpose in his deaf identity. Joe insists that Ruben stay in a sober house designed for deaf individuals to learn sign language and adapt to his new reality. Here, Ruben is introduced to a world where being deaf is not seen as a handicap but as a different way of being.
Throughout his stay, Ruben grapples with his sense of self and his reluctance to let go of his past life and identity as a musician. He undergoes a profound internal struggle, caught between his desire to regain his hearing through cochlear implant surgery and the peaceful acceptance he observes in his peers within the deaf community. This internal conflict is portrayed with raw honesty, highlighting the challenges of accepting a new reality and the grief that comes with the loss of a sense.
The climax of "Sound of Metal" is both heart-wrenching and enlightening, as Ruben undergoes surgery for cochlear implants, only to find that the world of sound he regains is vastly different from what he remembered. The film concludes with Ruben's realization that silence, which he once feared, might hold more beauty and peace than he ever imagined. This powerful moment of acceptance and transformation underscores the film's message about the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for adaptation.
"Sound of Metal" is a masterful exploration of the human condition, offering viewers a window into the experiences of the deaf community and the complexities of identity and loss. Riz Ahmed delivers a career-defining performance, bringing Ruben's journey to life with sensitivity and nuance. The film's sound design is innovative, immersing the audience in Ruben's auditory experience in a way that is both unsettling and enlightening. Overall, "Sound of Metal" is a deeply moving narrative that stays with the viewer long after the credits roll, challenging perceptions of disability and the meaning of healing.
Top cast - Sound of Metal (2019)
Trailer - Sound of Metal (2019)
"Sound of Metal" (2019), directed by Darius Marder, is a powerful and evocative film that delves into the life of a musician facing sudden hearing loss. With an arresting performance by Riz Ahmed as Ruben Stone, the film is both an intimate character study and a broader exploration of the human experience when confronted with profound change. The narrative is handled with care, sensitivity, and a rawness that is as unsettling as it is beautiful.
Riz Ahmed's portrayal of Ruben is nothing short of transformative. He brings a palpable intensity to the role, embodying the character's desperation, vulnerability, and eventual acceptance with a performance that is both nuanced and deeply affecting. The supporting cast, including Olivia Cooke as Lou and Paul Raci as Joe, delivers equally compelling performances that enrich the film's emotional landscape.
The technical aspects of "Sound of Metal" are particularly noteworthy. The sound design is innovative and immersive, allowing the audience to experience the world as Ruben does, alternating between the disorienting silence of his perspective and the cacophony of sounds that he struggles to understand post-surgery. This approach not only serves the narrative but also raises the audience's awareness of the auditory experience of those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Director Darius Marder approaches the subject matter with a documentary-like authenticity, refusing to shy away from the difficult aspects of Ruben's journey. The film does not offer easy answers or a conventional happy ending, instead presenting a more nuanced and realistic portrayal of adaptation and resilience. The depiction of the deaf community is handled with respect and dignity, highlighting the richness of deaf culture and the concept of deafness not as a loss, but as a distinct and valid way of being.
In conclusion, "Sound of Metal" is a remarkable film that challenges its viewers to reconsider their preconceptions about disability, particularly hearing loss. It is a story of struggle and transformation that resonates on a deeply human level. With its exceptional performances, masterful sound design, and thoughtful direction, "Sound of Metal" is a poignant and memorable cinematic experience that deserves widespread acclaim for its contribution to the representation of the deaf community in film.