The Sounding

This is a fascinating and very well made movie. A women decides not to talk, despite being mentally capable, and after her grandfather dies will only talk in Shakespearean quotations. It's a movie that asks the fundamental question of communication and let's you answer it. With a tremendous supporting performance from Harris Yulin, the grandfather, a well designed and written screenplay by newcomers Catherine Eaton and Bryan Delaney and a, quite simply, intriguing plot, this movie certainly succeeds. While it needs a little polish, as it drags in spots in the beginning and doesn't nail its ending, it is already very good nonetheless.

The beauty of this film is it's ability to viscerally illuminate the struggles and triumphs we all encounter, at one point or another, to communicate. It touches deeply on how fragile and sublime life is. The story arc traces how difficult it can be to be clear about one's intentions, 'words' and actions, and how when we are not so clear, it can cause harm, despite our good intentions. Eaton's grounding in the Dharma becomes evident through her gentle yet strong performance as well as the film's allegiance to the core truth that all being's inherent qualities are kind and compassionate, even though we may be temporarily covered in a dirty cloth.

THE SOUNDING won the 2017 Arizona International Film Festival Grand Prize for a reason. It is rare for a film to move audiences as much as THE SOUNDING did.

Catherine Eaton is the Director, Co-Writer, and Star of THE SOUNDING. This combo can be a problem but this triple play enhanced the film. I can't imagine anyone else in those roles.

People were talking about it for days. It has been a while since a film grabbed an audience like that.

If THE SOUNDING screens anywhere near you, SEE IT!!!

This film is one of the finest examples of a new filmmakers finding their voice and fully exploring the medium of film. With a screenplay by Catherine Eaton and Bryan Delaney, a creative and engaging plot and extraordinary performances from Ms. Eaton and the well- chosen ensemble cast including a fine supporting performance from Harris Yulin, this film leads one down unexpected paths and challenges your thinking about relationships, standards of normalcy and language. What is most intriguing about the film is it's wonderful use of cinematic language in the evocative landscape in which the story evolves and the wonderful faces of the ensemble. Well chosen aspects and enticing shots lead the audience into this unusual world of artists, not depending on dialogue alone but allowing the film to speak for itself. It creates a fascinating amalgam of incidents, relationships and solitude which linger in the memory long after the film is over. A really excellent first outing for this creative team!

"The Sounding" starts with the highly original premise of a woman who speaks only in Shakespearian quotations. From there, it delves into a fearless examination of communication, cognition, and resolving one's truth with the presumptions of society. An outstanding lead turn by writer/director Catherine Eaton makes this a must-see. Admirers of Frank and Eleanor Perry's "David and Lisa" take note.