Mum's The Word

Max Von Sydow

After the events of Boston this past week, I was inspired to do this Cimilar Cinema post about people who can't talk. Mainly because of the bomber in the hospital not being able to speak. It was reported that he was writing his answers, but later it was said that he was just shaking his head yes or no.

So here are some films with characters that can't or won't talk.

The best example would be Holly Hunter in Jane Campion's The Piano. Didn't Holly do a great job in that film? It must be difficult to act without dialogue. I kind of wish she hadn't talked in "Top of the Lake". That was really inane dialogue. But it sure was a great show. If you haven't seen The Piano, you really should. It's a great film (in my opinion, anyway).

Alan Arkin was just as convincing in his role of Singer in The Heart is a Lonely Hunter. I loved this book by Carson McCullers. The film, as usual, isn't as good as the book, but still is a very intense, engrossing movie. (this isn't the official
trailer, just a scene from the film).
 

Then there's Max Von Sydow, the mute grandfather in Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. Von Sydow doesn't have to act in a film to be appreciated - he just needs to be. What a presence he is. I hope he lives to be 115 and keeps on "being" in lots more films. I've loved him ever since The Seventh Seal and continue to love him as he ages like a very good wine.

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So there you have it. Three really good films where one of the characters doesn't talk. Can you think of any others?

Speaking of really good films, how about joining The North County Film Club. Click here for info

North County Film Club.