Voices

Voices is a captivating, perceptive drama-romance movie released in 1979. Directed with nuance by Robert Markowitz, the film brings together Michael Ontkean, Amy Irving, and Alex Rocco in a heartfelt narrative and a gripping exploration of love against all odds. Much of the film's charm and strength emanates from its rich screenplay, which weaves together exquisitely crafted human stories amalgamated with mesmerizing performances of the lead actors.

The film centres around the character of Rosemarie Lemon, played with magnetic composure by Amy Irving, whose acting prowess lends a compelling authenticity to the embodiment of her character. Rosemarie hails from a traditional, protective deaf family. The vivacious young woman aspires to live a life devoid of the constrictions set forth by her condition and the societal norms surrounding it.

Opposite Irving, we see Michael Ontkean as Drew Rothman, an aspiring singer battling his own demons and striving to find a toehold in the vast world of music. Ontkean imbues his character with a raw and powerful energy, effectively communicating both the intense passion Drew carries for his music and the tumultuous struggles he grapples with. Ontkean's gritty performance beautifully contrasts with Irving's nuanced portrayal, creating a captivating dynamic that embodies the core essence of Voices beautifully.

The movie blossoms further with the entry of Alex Rocco, who plays Rosemarie’s overprotective brother, Nicky. His portrayal of a loving sibling, stricken with a considerable degree of control over his sister's life, offers a depth to his character that adds an additional layer of complexity to the film. Rocco offers an earnest performance, injecting a powerful undercurrent of emotional realism into the movie.

Essentially, Voices is a chronicle of two souls from very different walks of life. Along their common path, they encounter myriad struggles, predominantly deriving from their radically distinct backgrounds and their harsh, disapproving society. The plot unfurls to depict how, despite the vociferous voices of criticism and cynicism, Rosemarie and Drew find solace, hope, and companionship in each other. Their journey of love and self-discovery forms the crux of the elegantly paced narrative.

Of particular note is the audacious tackling of the world of the hearing impaired. The film showcases this seldom-explored world with a remarkable sensitivity, thus granting an illuminating perspective for the viewers into this oft-misunderstood community. The characters attract sympathy, empathy, and recognition in equal measures, ever-so-gently challenging the viewers to look beyond what they perceive on the outside.

In this regard, the movie earns bonus points for the touching and realistic depiction of the silent world of the deaf, blending it remarkably well in the narrative without ever turning it into a forced focal point. Notably, the film neither loses its narrative pace nor diminishes the emotional essence of the story while dealing with this sensitive subject matter.

Another standout trait of Voices is its impressive musical score, that at one level, intensifies the deep emotional tone of the movie and at another, seamlessly integrates into Drew's dream. The exceptional original songs further heighten the narrative through strategic placement, featuring as an integral part of the story, rather than mere background tunes.

There’s a lot to admire in Voices, given its audacious exploration of an unconventional love story laden with intricate character studies. The performances by the lead actors are consistently strong, complemented by a carefully crafted screenplay. The film does a commendable job in heightening the awareness and understanding of deaf culture without resorting to stereotypes, making it a must-see for anyone interested in societal narratives.

In conclusion, Voices is more than just a heartfelt romance. The film tackles relevant societal issues with grace, tying them elegantly into a love story bearing a unique twist. It allows the audience to reflect on the deep-seated prejudices and misconceptions society often holds against those who are differently-abled. Voices is therefore a delicately profound movie that unearths the profound silence of the deaf world and the melodious desire of a budding musician to create a touching symphony of love.