American Masters approached Marlee Matlin to create a documentary about her life, and she chose deaf director Shoshanna Stern to bring her vision to the screen. The resulting film, “Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore,” is an intimate look at Matlin’s experiences growing up in a hearing family, winning the Oscar for her role in “Children of a Lesser God,” and navigating the industry as a deaf actor.
The documentary uses innovative techniques and sound design to prioritize American Sign Language (ASL) and visual communication. It delves into Matlin’s personal life, including an abusive romantic relationship with William Hurt, her struggles with addiction, and her experiences in the hearing-dominated industry.
Matlin and Stern discussed their approach, which prioritized visually-based storytelling and collaboration. They aimed to create an immersive experience for audiences, using techniques such as visual voiceover and split screens to convey Matlin’s conversations and worldviews.
“CODA,” which won the Oscar and tackled issues relevant to both deaf and hearing communities, was a milestone but did not lead to significant industry-wide change. However, Matlin remains optimistic that persistent advocacy will bring about progress.
Matlin expressed her desire to see more action from the industry, citing the need for greater representation and inclusion. She also called out critics like Rex Reed, who initially dismissed her Oscar win as a “pity vote.” The documentary offers a unique perspective on the deaf community and the challenges they face in the entertainment industry.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/marlee-matlin-documentary-not-alone-anymore-e94e58db30b4ce27c3187aa629e44ea2