Amazon Studios just dropped the first trailer for their upcoming film Sound of Metal, which looks to be a sobering glimpse into the life of a newly deaf musician. Being appropriately released during Deaf Awareness Month, the trailer promises equal parts drama and education on the plight of the hearing impaired community.
Sound of Metal stars Riz Ahmed (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) as Ruben, one half of a small but fierce metal band whose years of powerful drumming unfortunately catch up to him and devastate his sense of hearing. His girlfriend and bandmate Lou, played by Olivia Cooke (Bates Motel), sticks with him and helps him find a support group to help deal with his new reality while hopefully being able to eventually return to his life as a musician.
Sound of Metal premiered at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival, but hasn't received a proper theatrical or otherwise widespread release since then, with the approaching debut on Prime Video and in select theaters serving as its unofficial unveiling. The film received favorable reviews, with many praising its respectful representation of the deaf community and Ahmed's portrayal of the hearing impaired main character. People will often repeat that "representation matters," though the deaf community still seems to be one group that is often unfortunately overlooked in that regard, so hopefully this film resonates with audience members who see themselves in the story. (Yes, deaf people watch movies and listen to music.)
While the timing of this trailer is helpful, given how September is Deaf Awareness Month, it may also bring to light some issues relevant to those who aren't hearing impaired (at least, not yet). Ruben's story in the film addresses a problem not only with musicians, but even just the average music fan, in that many never take proper precautions to protect their hearing. As anyone who has ever taken public transportation will likely attest, people tend to listen to their music at far too high a volume. Aside from the practice of rudely playing music over one's phone speakers in a public place (seriously, stop that), even the volume levels in headphones and earbuds tend to be higher than necessary. Hopefully this film helps plant the nugget of an idea in audience members that this practice can have long-lasting effects on anyone.
But regardless of how audiences choose to interpret the film, Sound of Metal looks to be a powerful story with some engaging performances. Representation does indeed matter, and when that representation is backed by a quality production, it's even better.
Sound of Metal premieres in theaters on November 20th and releases on Prime Video on December 4th.
Source: Consequence of Sound