Hear and Now

Hear and Now is a profoundly touching and educational documentary released in 2007. This poignant film was directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Irene Taylor Brodsky and tells the inspiring story of her parents, Sally and Paul Taylor. Featuring the protagonists' intimate journey, the documentary offers viewers unique and rich insights into their lives, decisions, and struggles.

Sally and Paul Taylor, who have both been deaf since birth, have lived fulfilling lives, overcoming barriers with an inspiring acceptance of their condition. Enjoying a successful 65-year marriage, they raised three intelligent and accomplished children. Their remarkable story takes a fascinating turn when they make the bold decision to get cochlear implants, which is a controversial but potentially life-changing operation that could allow them to hear for the first time.

Director Irene Taylor Brodsky's empathetic lens captures the intricate process of her parents' transition from a world of silence into a world of sound. As such, the documentary serves as a stirring exploration of human adaptation and resilience, love and aging, and the dimensions of what it means to hear.

"Hear and Now" highlights Sally and Paul's apprehensions, fears, and hope concerning the complicated surgery. Their journey is chronicled through a series of heartwarming interviews, personal footage, and observational scenes, highlighting the family's courage and resilience. The film becomes a broader sociocultural discussion while also highlighting the Taylor family's strength and unity in the face of uncertainty.

The film also showcases the stark contrast between silence and noise and delves into complex discussions about the meaning and value of sound to the human experience, even asking the audience to contemplate their own perspectives on life, sound, and silence.

David Taylor, Irene's brother, brings his unique perspective as he supports his parents on their ambitious journey. Functioning in a family where communication is dominantly through sign language, the transition his parents choose to undergo strikes closer to home, raising question marks over identity, societal norms, and the potential joy and alienation this transition might bring.

Moreover, the film challenges perceptions about the deaf community. Through illustrating Sally and Paul's life before and after the implant, it implicitly discusses the implications of 'fixing', 'altering', or 'correcting' deafness. The documentary deftly portrays that for many deaf individuals, deafness is not a disability to be eradicated but rather a unique aspect of their identity.

In "Hear and Now", the viewer is on a literal hearing journey with the Taylor family, making the experience feel interactive. The emotive scenes, couched in Irene Taylor Brodsky's thoughtful narrative, are not designed to foster pity but rather to inspire awe and empathy. The film's approach to its subject matter, therefore, is a highlight, enhancing the viewer's emotional engagement.

"Hear and Now" is not just about the sensory transition from silence to sound; it is also about family bonds, courageous decisions, and the profound resilience of the human spirit. This heartfelt documentary successfully encapsulates both the scientific and emotional facets of the hearing journey, thus making it a compelling visual delight.

Filled with ups, downs, laughter, and tears, "Hear and Now" transcends simply being a documentary about cochlear implants. It's an exploration of the intricacies of human relationships, the strength found in familial bonds, emotional resilience, and the joys and challenges that come with significant life changes. The movie is laden with poignant moments, depicting the transformative journey of the Taylors with immense respect and sensitivity.

Overall, "Hear and Now" is an impactful film, both enlightening and moving. It's a rare glimpse into the lives of a deaf couple and their brave decision to undergo cochlear implantation. Managing to be both personal and universal in its storytelling, it successfully encourages viewers to explore their own perspectives on deafness, sound, and silence, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in human stories of resilience and strength.