No. 28 (2021) THE SOUND OF METAL. APRIL 26th.

 

Film No. 28 (2021)  April. 26th.  9:00 AM   AMAZON PRIME,      Mt. Hawthorn, West Australia. 

"You have to understand, your first responsibility is to protect the hearing you have" (Ruben is advised by his audiologist that returning to his professional life is not an option).

Here is another film most cinema lovers will stream at home. On one hand I'm saddened, METAL is my favourite film of 20/21 and a viewing on the big screen would have enhanced my viewing even further. On the other hand however, many more viewers will have access to this quality film on tv.

Director Daruis Marder (LOOT) directs his first feature film in SOUND OF METAL. The idea of heavy metal drummer, Ruben (Riz Ahmed) losing his hearing and having no back-up plan in life, poses a highly original screenplay. While Ahmed excels as the lead the real stars are the technical producers creating the world we get to experience along with Ruben. We are there and have a first hand understanding of Ruben's panic. It's no coincidence that METAL has taken out the two prestigious technical Academy Awards for sound.

Quality cinema experiences often stem from a journey we take with a central character we have empathy for who is forced into transitioning their life. The transition is inevitable, the loves of their life are compromised and they find unexpected joy in a life they never expected. ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND came to mind as the perfect ending to METAL unfolded, so uniquely, in the final minute. 

Olivia Cooke's (Lou) acting agenda usually revolves around T.V. drama (BATE'S HOTEL). Her fresh work as Ruben's girlfriend adds to the film's emotional depth. Bill Thorpe, plays The Man, (an odd title but it make sense in the context of the film) is perfect as Ruben's mentor when he's at his lowest. Part of the film's magic lies in its casting and the very naturalistic style adopted by Marder.

If you love quality feature length drama then I recommend that you click on your Amazon Prime App and search Sound of Metal. If you don't have Prime, then take out a free 28 day trial. It will be worth it, in my opinion.  11GUMS.