“The Silence” Movie: A Missed Opportunity for Authentic Deaf Representation

Netflix’s 2019 thriller The Silence promised to be a gripping story about a family navigating a world overrun by sound-sensitive creatures. At its heart was Ally Andrews, a Deaf teenager who uses American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate. While the film aimed to highlight Deaf culture and sign language, it sparked significant controversy over its casting choices, the portrayal of ASL, and the director’s problematic statements. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the sign language aspects of The Silence, the drama surrounding its production, and why authentic Deaf representation matters.

The Plot and Sign Language in The Silence

The Silence follows the Andrews family as they flee from creatures that hunt by sound. Ally, the Deaf protagonist, uses ASL to communicate with her family, who also learn sign language to survive in a world where silence is key. The film’s premise offered a unique opportunity to showcase Deaf culture and the importance of sign language in a high-stakes scenario.

However, while the film included ASL and highlighted its utility in a silent world, its execution fell short in several ways, particularly in its portrayal of Deafness and sign language.

The Casting Controversy

One of the most significant criticisms of The Silence was its decision to cast Kiernan Shipka, a hearing actress, in the role of Ally. This choice sparked outrage within the Deaf community, as it missed an opportunity to provide authentic representation for Deaf actors.

Why Authentic Casting Matters

• Representation: Deaf actors are severely underrepresented in Hollywood, and casting a hearing actress in a Deaf role perpetuates this exclusion.
• Authenticity: Deaf actors bring lived experience and cultural understanding to their roles, ensuring accurate and respectful portrayals of Deafness and sign language.
• Opportunity: Roles like Ally are rare for Deaf actors, and casting a hearing actress denied a Deaf performer the chance to shine in a leading role.

Problematic Statements from the Director

The controversy deepened when director John R. Leonetti made questionable statements about Kiernan Shipka’s signing abilities. He described her as “almost fluent” in ASL, despite clear issues with her signing in the film.

The Issues with Shipka’s Signing

• Lack of Fluency: Many Deaf viewers and ASL experts noted that Shipka’s signing was inconsistent and often inaccurate, detracting from the film’s authenticity.
• Continuity Errors: There were several scenes where Ally’s Deafness and signing were inconsistent. For example, she sometimes reacted to sounds or failed to use ASL in situations where it would have been logical.

These issues highlighted the lack of Deaf involvement in the film’s production and the importance of consulting Deaf consultants and actors to ensure accuracy.

The Broader Impact of Misrepresentation

The casting and signing issues in The Silence are part of a larger problem in Hollywood, where Deaf roles are often given to hearing actors. This practice not only excludes Deaf talent but also perpetuates stereotypes and misunderstandings about Deafness and sign language.

Examples of Authentic Representation

In contrast, films and shows like CODA (2021) and The Society (2019) have demonstrated the power of authentic Deaf representation. These productions cast Deaf actors in Deaf roles and worked closely with Deaf consultants to ensure accurate portrayals of ASL and Deaf culture.

What The Silence Could Have Done Differently

1. Cast a Deaf Actress: Hiring a Deaf actress for the role of Ally would have provided authentic representation and honored the Deaf community.
2. Hire Deaf Consultants: Working with Deaf consultants and ASL experts could have improved the accuracy of the signing and portrayal of Deafness.
3. Address Continuity Errors: Paying closer attention to details like Ally’s reactions to sound and consistent use of ASL would have made the film more believable.

Why Authentic Deaf Representation Matters

Authentic representation is crucial for breaking down stereotypes, promoting inclusivity, and giving Deaf actors the opportunities they deserve. When films like The Silence fail to prioritize authenticity, they miss an opportunity to celebrate Deaf culture and educate audiences about the richness of sign language.

Conclusion

While The Silence had the potential to be a groundbreaking film for Deaf representation, its casting choices and lack of authenticity ultimately fell short. The controversy surrounding the film serves as a reminder of the importance of authentic Deaf representation in media and the need for Hollywood to do better.

At SignLanguage.blog, we’re passionate about celebrating Deaf culture and advocating for accurate portrayals of sign language in media. Stay tuned for more stories, resources, and insights about the fascinating world of sign languages!