Coda and Candyman

Deafness is a subject rarely dealt with in feature films, and that subject matter is one reason why "CODA" has been getting a lot of attention. HCC film professors Marie Westhaver and Mike Giuliano share their enjoyment of the film in this podcast episode. Set within the fishing community of Gloucester, Mass., the film concerns a 17-year-old woman named Ruby who is the only member of her family who can hear. She is a vital communications link between her family and the rest of the town, and so her plans to go to college create uncertainty within the family. Marie and Mike were especially impressed by the central performance by Emilia Jones as Ruby. This British actor not only learned an American accent, but also learned American Sign Language so that Ruby can interact with the other family members. "CODA" is well worth seeing. In this episode, Marie also talks about a documentary about painter Bob Ross and Mike talks about the new version of "Candyman." By the way, Mike refuses to look in a mirror and say "Candyman" five times.