Marlee Matlin is an extraordinary human being. After seeing this documentary, I am going to read her memoir "I'll Scream Later" and re-watch the 1987 film “Children of a Lesser God” for which she won the Oscar for Best Actress at age 21.
Matlin’s visibility as a successful actress inspired countless deaf people, who for the first time saw themselves on screen. This includes a young Shoshannah Stern who directed this film. Matlin was an activist who fought to change the way media is presented and is credited with the development of captioned TV.
To hear her story and to watch the communication taking place between the director, Matlin and various other interviewees is almost mesmerizing. Matlin has so much to say—whether she speaks it or signs it.
The doc included interviews with family members, friends, colleagues and lots of great vintage film and TV footage
The title "Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Any More" refers to several things. She is no longer the “only” deaf actor to have won an Oscar after her co-star in "CODA," Troy Kotsur, won for best-supporting actor in 2021. She is also no longer alone because of the increased understanding of deafness and adaptations which have improved communication.
At the Q & A, Matlin explained that she’d been approached by PBS to be featured in the American Masters series. She agreed, but only if they hired a deaf director and suggested Stern. Troy Kotsur was also in the audience.
On the KPCW sun rating system, "Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore" receives five out of five suns.
