Children of a Lesser God (1986)

 Children of a Lesser God (1986)


1986’s Children of a Lesser God spoke volumes to me. The film’s subject moved me deeply in ways that other subjects do not, mainly because I can relate…to a degree. The film centers around a woman who is deaf. People are surprised when they discover that I am hard of hearing myself and always has been. I understand the struggles of what its like to live in a functional society despite not having perfect hearing skills. For the most part, the film captures what life can be like. It is an extremely well-acted film with instantly believable characters. Some people may find the love story trite, but I found it heartwarming. Even disabled people can still find love!

 

The idea for the movie came it fruition in 1977 when playwright Mark Medoff wrote the play as a star vehicle for a deaf Broadway actress. The curtain opened in 1980 and the play became a rather big hit on Broadway. Medoff decided to adapt his play into a movie. He changed the story around somewhat, but he kept the core ideas intact. The film is noticeable for a variety of reasons. It marked Randa Haines’s film directorial debut. This is actually the first film helmed by a female director to go on to be nominated for Best Director. This movie marks the first time since 1926 that a deaf actor/actress played a significant role and that actress, Marlee Matlin, would go on to win the Best Actress Award- the first time a deaf person won the big award. So yes, this film is noticeable for some heavy-hitting achievements.

 

If I had to complain about anything, I would say maybe the film’s subject matter isn’t accessible enough. Film critic Roger Ebert actually made a few good points. The film is given to the audience in a hearing world. The main male character is a speech therapist/teacher that knows the art of sign language. What if, for a few scenes, that sound was taken away? During some moments of sign-language talk, add subtitles. Even though William Hurt’s voice delivery is smooth, let the audience embrace the feeling of how it is to communicate while being unable to hear. This is probably my “biggest” complaint.

 

James Leeds (William Hurt) is a speech teacher known for his progressive ideas when it comes to teaching speech to the deaf and hard-of-hearing. His ideas hasn’t always been well received. James believes that his students should be able to verbally communicate. His new job is teaching students at an institution just off the coast of New England. He notices the young, attractive janitor who goes by the name of Sarah (Marlee Matlin). She happens to be deaf and was a former student of the school. With the reluctant blessing of the school’s head, Dr. Curtis Franklin (Philip Bosco), he tries to get Sarah to use speech to broaden her career opportunities. He does not realize that she is headstrong and angry due to family issues. She has not seen her mom, Mrs. Norman (Piper Laurie) in seven years. As James tries to take Sarah out of her shell, it seems like their pairing may have opened up a path towards romance despite their differences.

 

No matter what you may think of the overall film, you cannot deny the power of the acting. William Hurt is an acting legend so it should be the least surprising that he delivered a powerful, nuanced performance. On the other hand, Marlee Matlin completely surprises. She held her own against Hurt and even gave him a little energy with her incredible signing skills. Keep in mind that this is her debut film. Incredibly chemistry they have, and they made an unrealistic scenario seem really believable. In the rather thankless role of Sarah’s estranged mother, Piper Laurie did a fine job.

 

Out of all the films that have gone on to receive accolades during awards season, it always surprises me that Children of a Lesser God seems to fly under the radar. It’s a powerful story about two totally different finding love where they least expect it. The romance is your typical romance, but the situation regarding the romance is absolutely unique. The story is Marlee Matlin who came out of nowhere to blow your socks off. There are no flashy scenes or anything. This is just a simple love story between two different people…and I loved it.

 

My Grade: A


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