In the world of independent film, it’s common for a movie to “sound” low budget. With the sheer amount of whiz-bang (and affordable) camera technology flooding the market, audio is one technical aspect of so many indie productions that is often overlooked. In highlighting Justin Giddings and Ryan Welsh’s This Is Normal, I’m hoping we here at Short of the Week can prove just how important sound can be as a filmmaking tool. It isn’t something that should be relegated into the background, but rather, as Giddings and Welsh expertly showcase with this film, it can be used as a way to completely transport the viewer. Even online, where the act of watching videos in tiny boxes has become commonplace, This Is Normal manages to transcend barriers, providing its audience with a rare opportunity to empathize with a deaf protagonist through the use of a highly unique sound-mix. The filmmakers did an extensive interview that provides some awesome background into their creative process, including the development of the “soundscapes” crafted for the film.

Admittedly, it might be easy to cast off this short’s uncommon approach to sound as a gimmick—audio tricks and text-caption flourishes that are more style than substance. But, personally, I found it quite compelling—a chance to view the world in a completely different way. And, really, when it comes down to it, isn’t that what film is all about? We often talk about how a successful movie puts us in the protagonist’s shoes. Well, This Is Normal delivers this sort of transformative experience fully—we too comprehend Gwen’s confusion and  her awe…her frustration and her sense of wonder. When Gwen hears with perfect clarity for the first time, it’s a moment of sensory astonishment—profoundly beautiful, yet narratively simple. And, so the film seems to be asking the audience to answer its very own tagline: is it worth giving up who you’ve been for the “maybe” you could become?

I do have qualms with the film’s length; I think it takes a bit too long to get to the medical procedure that forms the basis of the plot (especially because we know it’s coming). But, the experience of watching this film is so unique, so well-crafted, that it’s hard to begrudge the somewhat clunky plotting of the narrative. In the end, Gwen’s decision to change herself is, like most things in life, a mixed blessing. The reality may never quite live up to the ideal fantasy, but it’s worth taking the journey to experience the moments of unfettered beauty that show up along the way. Giddings and Welsh are currently in post-production on their next film, Outpost. Be sure to read more on that film’s website.