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(More customer reviews)Alternately amusing, enlightening, sad and inspiring--the charming documentary "See What I'm Saying" chronicles four deaf entertainers and how they pursue their artistic passions despite all obstacles. This isn't a warm and fuzzy film meant to elicit sympathy, however, but a strong portrait of never giving up. All four individuals highlighted in Hilari Scarl's vivid new piece have achieved some amount of success (or even stardom) in the deaf community--but translating that acceptance to the bigger stage of the hearing world poses unique challenges for those with hearing impairments. Scarl doesn't attempt to portray anyone as a victim or a hero, though. These are just ordinary performers who want to pursue their craft like anyone else with ambition, talent, and a dream. With frank interviews, "See What I'm Saying" opened my eyes to a subject I've never really considered before--but, make no mistake, this informative documentary is also wildly entertaining!
The four talented individuals who invited films crews into their lives for a year are comic CJ Jones, actor Robert DeMayo, singer TL Forsberg, and drummer Bob Hiltermann. CJ has achieved perhaps the greatest success in the deaf community and makes worldwide appearances as a celebrity. Yet, he still struggles to book regular acting gigs in Los Angeles. CJ experiences highs and lows that include a disastrous performance of his one man show and the triumphant staging of an international festival. Robert is the quintessential struggling New York artist and the film follows his travails that leave him struggling for financial survival. TL is an Evanescence style singer that gets a chance to cut her first CD. TL is one of the film's more intriguing cases--she speaks extremely well and has partial hearing but is plagued by being torn between the two worlds. And Bob is a drummer of a deaf rock band. The film culminates with a huge and successful performance at the El Rey theater in Los Angeles and it's truly a terrific entertainment!
I really liked the matter-of-fact tone with which Scarl has approached this topic. "See What I'm Saying" represents a fascinating and candid quartet. Each experiences specific successes within the filming of the documentary and also rather unpleasant challenges. The eternal struggle for art is something that will never disappear, I'm just glad to see it from an entirely different vantage point. Fun and thought-provoking, the only limitations we have are those we impose on ourselves! If these guys don't inspire you to pursue your passions, I don't know what can! KGHarris, 2/11.
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