Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore is the most comprehensive documentary about Marlee Matlin that could have existed, and by that I mean it goes far beyond Marlee Matlin. The actress, who became the first deaf person to win an Oscar for Children of a Lesser God in 1986, has a fascinating personal story recounted here, but equally interesting is the impact she has had on the entertainment industry and within the deaf community, which is similarly explored. Watching this film is a reminder of the importance of this cultural figure.
On a personal level, the documentary chronicles how she landed her Oscar-winning role, complete with audition footage. Matlin speaks candidly about her subsequent romance with co-star William Hurt, the abuse she suffered at his hands, and the pre-#MeToo resentment she felt knowing he was still working despite, as she puts it, everyone knowing what he did to her. The role of drugs and alcohol in their relationship is also explored.
Director: Shoshannah Stern
Stars: Randa Haines, Sian Heder, Jack Jason
What's striking is that Matlin was young at the time and therefore unprepared for the inevitable backlash. For example, her decision to name the nominees during her presentation at the following year's Oscars ceremony earned her some hostility from activist groups who felt she was pandering to the hearing public. Matlin clearly points out how information is often incompletely communicated to deaf people, essentially leaving them to figure things out for themselves. Consequently, she didn't understand how winning an award that broke social barriers would affect others' perceptions and expectations of her.
Director Shoshanna Stern sits with her protagonist on a large, comfortable sofa. Together, they have a conversation that allows Matlin to reflect on her life. Other sections of the film explore the impact the actress had on others. His close friend Henry Winkler is interviewed, as well as Lauren Ridloff, a deaf actress who starred in the stage version of Children of a Lesser God. Ridloff and CODA co-star Troy Kotsur talk about what it meant to them to have a role model in the industry, someone who made them believe their acting dreams were possible. Kotsur, of course, became the second deaf person to win an Oscar, a fact alluded to in the film's title. Another section focuses on Matlin's efforts to make closed captioning mandatory on televisions.
Stern does something very important in the way he presents the material. Everything is done with subtitles and descriptive text on screen, allowing the viewer to experience the film as a hearing-impaired person would. This approach fits perfectly with the oft-discussed theme of the importance of clear communication for those who cannot hear. One doesn't realize how much information can be missed until it is presented so directly.
Marlee Matlin remains an influential figure in Hollywood, regularly working in film and television. Her goal is to continue paving the way for other deaf actors and help the industry understand that these actors can play all types of roles. She is inspirational, and Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore is a fitting tribute to her pioneering spirit.
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