MovieChat Forums > Children of a Lesser God (1986) Discussion > What do Deaf people think of this film?

What do Deaf people think of this film?

posted 15 years ago by minitrickster
5 replies | jump to latest

I know the Deaf community were mad that Marlee Matlin used her voice during her oscar speech, but I was also wondering the Deaf perspective on this film. I am hearing and studying sign language. I was in a Deaf Culture class last year and asked my teacher, who is Deaf what he thought of it. He totally attacked the film, but had some good points. He said the weather symbolized the Deaf world. He also said that during the pool scene the fact that she was naked and he had his clothes on symbolized that man have power over woman. I thought the fight scene symbolized the relationships between a Deaf and hearing couple. I dk what do you guys think.

anyone?

[–] AlienBlade 15 years ago

I'm not deaf but I'll answer your question anyway. The point about him having his clothes on at the pool symbolises man's power over women makes your teacher look like he didn't watch the film properly. Here's why in 4 points:
> She was naked because she didn't expect anyone else to be there;
> When he went there he hadn't planned on going in the pool;
> If he wasn't wearing clothes he could have got done for indecent exposure; and
> He did take his clothes off after he had "fallen" in the pool.

[–] ReganRebecca 14 years ago

Not deaf either, but I think your teacher is off in his interpretation of the pool scene. Matlin's character is shown being at ease in the pool. Hurt's character decides to "take the plunge" both literally and metaphorically. By diving in he is showing his willingness to enter her world and live by her rules. Furthermore it is clearly Matlin's character who strips off Hurt's clothes and then later opens her arms to embrace him showing that she is allowing him to get closer to her.

[–] duckofprey 10 years ago

Uh, Marlee did not speak a syllable during her Oscar speech. I just watched it on YouTube.

[–] suebob-28169 9 years ago

That is true. When she received her Oscar for this movie, she used sign language. The following year she was at the Oscars to present the Best Actor award. She signed her opening words and then used her voice to announce the nominees and winner.

[–] TongueFu 9 years ago

What do I think?
I think I'd like to see a version with Garret Morris in the corner of the screen screaming out the lines for the hard of hearing.