Moonlight Sonata: Deafness In Three Movements (HBO)

About Moonlight Sonata: Deafness In Three Movements (HBO)

Moonlight Sonata: Deafness in Three Movements is a poignant documentary released in 2019 by HBO. The film highlights the experiences of the filmmaker's son Jonas and her parents. Jonas is learning to play Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" on the piano, a composition the composer wrote while he was getting deaf. Simultaneously, her parents are dealing with late-onset deafness. Hence, the title of the film.

Making / Production

The documentary was created and directed by Irene Taylor Brodsky. It marks the second time Brodsky brings her family's life to the big screen following her 2007 documentary Hear and Now. This deeply personal story is expertly intertwined with the history of Ludwig van Beethoven going deaf during his life. It is gorgeously captured by the cinematographer Nick Midwig, bringing the reality of deafness and the magic of music to life.

Actors

• Irene Taylor Brodsky: She directed the film and portrayed herself as a caring mother supporting the creative journey of her son.
• Jonas Brodsky: Irene's son, Jonas as himself, navigating the world and learning Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" in the midst of his deafness.
• Paul and Sally Taylor: They are Irene's parents coping with late-onset deafness and are portrayed themselves in the film.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was produced by HBO Documentary Films and Vermilion Films.
• The work of Ludwig van Beethoven, a musician who composed some of his best work while deaf, is central to the story.
• Moonlight Sonata: Deafness in Three Movements had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in 2019.

Awards

Even though the film has much critical acclaim, it has not been publicly disclosed winning any specific awards.

Quotes

• "It’s a point of view film. I’m the mother, I’m the daughter, and I’m the filmmaker." – Irene Taylor Brodsky
• "I want to be able to play my emotions on the piano." – Jonas Brodsky

Music, Soundtrack

• As portrayed in the movie title, Ludwig van Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" features heavily in the film, both as a piece of music Jonas is learning to play and a symbol of the intersection between disability and artistry.
• Dillon Honcoop also contributed to the film's original music.