Notes on Blindness

Notes on Blindness is a 2016 British documentary-drama film directed by Peter Middleton and James Spinney. The movie tells the story of John Hull, a professor at the University of Birmingham, who lost his sight just before the birth of his son in 1983. The film is based on his audiobook, "Notes on Blindness: A Journey Through the Dark", which he recorded of his experiences after he became completely blind.

The film follows John Hull, played by Dan Skinner, as he narrates his journey of coming to terms with losing his sight, struggling with his identity and sense of self, and learning to live his life as a blind person. The movie is divided into eight chapters, each chapter covering a distinct aspect of John's journey exploring the different emotions and struggles he experiences.

As the film progresses, we see how John's perception of the world changes over time. The filmmakers incorporate re-enactments of his daily life, mixed with real-life archive footage of his family and home, to create a powerful and immersive experience for the viewers. We get an intimate glimpse into his thoughts, feelings and experiences through John's personal recordings that are used throughout the film.

The filmmakers use a unique approach and incorporate innovative techniques to explore the psychological and emotional journey of blindness. They combine interviews with John, his wife Marilyn, and friends with footage of the family home to create an authentic portrayal of his experiences.

One of the strengths of the film is that it shows how blindness is not just a physical condition but also an emotional, psychological and spiritual journey. John's loss of sight forces him to confront his identity and sense of self, and this struggle is portrayed realistically in the film, making it an emotional rollercoaster that can resonate with viewers who have had similar experiences.

Another striking aspect of the film is the portrayal of John's relationship with his family, particularly his wife Marilyn, played by Simone Kirby. The film shows how Marilyn is his rock and the emotional support he needs, and how their relationship grows stronger in the face of adversity.

The movie is not just about John's personal journey of coping with blindness, but it also touches on universal themes like family, love, and resilience. It is a moving story that captures the human spirit's extraordinary resilience and determination to overcome adversity.

The film's visual and audio effects are remarkable; the score and sound design are significant elements that reflect John's sensory world, highlighting his heightened perception of sound and other senses. The audio of the film includes vivid descriptions, interviews, and John's audio recordings, making the viewer fully immersed in his world.

Notes of Blindness is a visually stunning and emotionally captivating film that explores a unique experience of living with blindness. The film gives the viewer an opportunity to experience and witness the world through John's eyes (or lack thereof) and emphasizes his message, which is to value experiences and to cherish human connections.

Overall, Notes on Blindness is a fantastic film that is not only an insightful exploration of life with blindness but is also a meditation on the human experience. The film is a must-watch for anyone interested in the subject and provides an immersive and thought-provoking look at the emotional and psychological complexities of living without sight.