A Deaf Police Officer's Thrilling Adventure: A pulse-pounding action thriller starring an heroic deaf police officer.
New Take on a Thrilling Hearing-Impaired Cop Story
Screenwriter Dan Hall found inspiration for his unique action-thriller, The Silent Hour, after reading about a real-life event involving a NYPD officer who faced discrimination due to a hearing aid. While there isn't concrete evidence linking the story to a specific officer named Dan Carione, a lawsuit involving Daniel Carione in 2011 shed light on allegations of discriminatory policies within law enforcement agencies[1].
The Silent Hour follows Boston Police Detective Frank Shaw (Joel Kinnaman), who, after a dangerous chase, suffers a hearing loss injury. Sixteen months later, Frank returns to work and struggles to adapt to his new reality. When his friend, Doug Slater (Mark Strong), asks him to interview deaf murder witness, Ava Fremont (Sandra Mae Frank), he's hesitant but ultimately agrees. This decision unintentionally thrusts him into a deadly game of cat and mouse with a ruthless gang, led by Mason Lynch (Mekhi Phifer), hoping to silence Ava forever[2].
Director Brad Anderson was drawn to the script due to its focus on deaf characters, something he had yet to work with in his career. Anderson saw the opportunity to explore sound design as a storytelling agent[2]. For him, The Silent Hour is the perfect blend of an action-packed thriller with an emotional depth arising from the relationship between Frank and Ava[2].
Writer Dan Hall crafted the story, subtly incorporating aspects of real-life cases that shed light on the challenges faced by hearing-impaired individuals in law enforcement. He sought to create a tale that delves into the impact of deafness on a police officer while showcasing a captivating relationship between the leads[3].
The film's tight format and contained setting have drawn praise, with fans and critics alike appreciating the dynamic between the deaf and hearing-impaired leads in this unique action-thriller[3]. Sandra Mae Frank, an actress with lived experience of deafness, was chosen to play Ava, and her performance is sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences.
[1] "NYPD Officer with Hearing Aid Sues Department," The Times-Standard (July 12, 2011)[2] "The Silent Hour:braodus" (June 2021)[3] "From Page to Screen" (June 2021)
Movies-and-TV featuring the action-thriller 'The Silent Hour' delve into the world of entertainment, offering a unique story about a hearing-impaired cop. The film portrays the challenges faced by hearing-impaired individuals in law enforcement, making it an engaging piece of entertainment with a social message.
