The silent child is a wonderful short film that just last week took home an Oscar and there is little wonder as to why. Set in England this film tells the story of a six year old girl who has been deaf since birth. It is a moving story that illustrates just how lonely it can be to live in a world of silence. Using tools such as setting music and silence director Chris Overton allows us to empathize with those that have grown up deaf.
From the very beginning the film gives off a vibe of isolation, most of the film takes place in Libby, the six year old girls, home which is located in the country side. By choosing to set the film in such a lonely place we already feel as if we are far away from others. The effect created by this isolated building fives the viewer the feeling that if anyone is going to come for a visit, they are going to have to put in a lot of time and effort to reach this house. These are exactly the types of feelings that Libby may be feeling, secluded, lonely and isolated and the type of home she lives in gives us a perfect visual.
In addition to the lonely setting of the story there is a wonderful use, or in some cases a lack of sound and music. In one scene in particular we get to view things from Libby's perspective, seeing her family around the dinner table talking with each other but the silence is so prominent. It allows us to see how this little girl views the world, she always seems to be on the outside of things even though she is physically present she is unable to join in the conversation or perhaps even follow exactly what is going on. By letting us feel that silence, we are able to better feel just for a moment what a world without sound is like and just how excluded it can make one feel.
It was a wonderfully done movie and I loved it. It makes me want to be more aware of those around me and help out in any way I can. I would have hands down given this movie an Oscar too the emotion it carried was unreal.
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