About Moonlight Sonata: Deafness in Three Movements

The highly acclaimed 2019 movie, 'Moonlight Sonata: Deafness in Three Movements', is a deeply personal memoir about a deaf boy growing up, his deaf grandfather and the artist’s own struggles with deafness. This poignant exploration is brought to life by filmmakers Beethoven's music to give viewers a mesmerizing cinematic experience. The film documents the rhythms, vibrations and silences of deaf experience in both their home life as well as the broader cultural and social spheres.

Making / Production

The movie was made by director Irene Taylor Brodsky who has a deep connection with the subject matter - her son Jonas and her parents are all deaf. It was shot and produced over several years, capturing important milestones and everyday moments in the protagonists' lives. The director's approach leads to an honest portrayal of the human experience, highlighting not only the challenges of deafness but also its gifts.

Actors

• Jonas Brodsky - Playing himself, Jonas gives a heart touching performance as a boy navigating the complexities of deafness while learning to play Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata on piano.
• Irene Taylor Brodsky - In addition to directing, Brodsky also appears in the film as herself, providing a deeply personal perspective on deafness and motherhood.
• Paul Taylor - Performing as himself, Paul, the director's father, offers a compelling depiction of aging with deafness.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• 'Moonlight Sonata: Deafness in Three Movements', is a deeply personal project for filmmaker Irene Taylor Brodsky as it intimately revolves around her family.
• Beethoven, who composed the iconic 'Moonlight Sonata', also faced a deteriorating hearing loss over his lifetime.

Awards

'Moonlight Sonata: Deafness in Three Movements' was an official selection at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, a testament to its artistic and cinematic merit.

Quotes

• "Silence is not the opposite of sound, it is the absence of it." - Jonas Brodsky
• "Deafness is not a handicap, not something to fix... it’s an identity." - Paul Taylor

Music, Soundtrack

• Beethoven's 'Moonlight Sonata' plays a significant role in the film, not only in its title but also as a metaphor and thematic anchor.
• The soundtrack extends beyond Beethoven, featuring original music that helps shape the deeply emotional and honest narrative.