6. Sound of Metal
Sound of Metal is directed by Darius Marder, and features a drummer who begins to lose his hearing, sending him down a path of discovery and reflection.
Some really beautiful themes are prevalent here. Ruben, our protagonist played by Riz Ahmed, acts as audience surrogate as we learn of a community often underrepresented in mainstream media.
As he learns to find the strength in his “disability”, we share in the beauty of it. The deaf community play a large part in the film, particularly the second act. A scene where a guest plays the piano with the people around him “feeling” the music is beautifully realized and a big highlight of the film.
It’s not without its shortcomings however. But impeccable sound design (sure to be awarded at the Oscars), coupled with Ahmed’s performance, more than keep the film afloat as familiarity threatens to pull it under.
The movie lives up to its important themes. An anthem for an often voiceless group, Sound of Metal is as educational as it is entertaining.
