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We’ve seen stories about musicians losing their hearing before. Back in 2004, It's All Gone Pete Tong hit the screens, with its creators claiming the film was based on the real-life story of deaf DJ Frankie Wilde. It turned out, however, to be nothing more than a marketing stunt — the events depicted were entirely fictional.
Sound of Metal (2019) shares a similar premise. Many articles about the film state that it’s inspired by the true story of Edgar Livengood, drummer of the sludge metal duo Jucifer, who indeed experienced hearing problems. However, according to his wife and bandmate Gazelle Amber Valentine, the extent of the damage is greatly exaggerated in Sound of Metal.
This feature-length debut from Darius Marder, which won two Academy Awards (Best Sound and Best Editing — out of six total nominations, including Best Picture), grew out of a semi-documentary project called Metalhead. That film actually starred the real-life duo Jucifer, known for the deafening volume of their shows (Amber’s guitar is hooked up to a literal “wall of sound”) and their nomadic lifestyle — constantly on tour, living out of a van.
When comparing Sound of Metal to It's All Gone Pete Tong, the former stands out for its intense realism. Marder’s film steers clear of the romanticized, “cinematic” sentimentality of the DJ’s tale. There are no happy endings or hand-in-hand walks into the sunset. Sound of Metal isn’t about the crowd-pleasing themes of fighting adversity or overcoming all odds — it’s a grounded story of acceptance and healing.
Despite its thunderous opening, this is a quiet drama about a drummer who suddenly loses everything — his hearing, his career, and his girlfriend. What makes Sound of Metal truly special is its meticulous attention to detail. It’s not just the phenomenal sound design, which immerses the viewer into the deaf experience, but also the tender, understated moments that reveal new dimensions of the characters and their journey.
And of course, the performances: Riz Ahmed fully inhabits the role of a deaf drummer and recovering addict, conveying a wide range of emotions as his character navigates this life-altering crisis. But special mention goes to the relatively unknown Paul Raci, who fits perfectly into the role of the deaf shelter owner — a man genuinely devoted to his mission. In real life, Raci is a respected figure in the deaf community.
Together with a powerful script, these elements make Sound of Metal one of the best dramas in recent years — a film you definitely shouldn’t miss.
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