Silence Like Glass

Silence Like Glass is a hidden gem, a virtually undiscovered treasure. Ignored by critics, seen by few, it deserves a far greater audience than it has ever gotten. It is a serious film about a serious topic, done beautifully. We respect it so much that we are not going to make our usual wisecracks. Silence Like Glass is the story of two women (thus its German title, Zwei Frauen meaning "two women") from greatly disparate backgrounds—one a promising ballet dancer from a rich and privileged home, the other a foul-mouthed, cynical young woman from a dysfunctional blue collar family. But one thing unites them—they are both victims of life-threatening cancer. Over the course of their treatment in the cancer hospital, their initial animosity and suspicion of each other turns to compassionate friendship. The pain and fear Eva (Jami Gertz) and Claudia (Martha Plimpton) both experience create a bond that ultimately transcends social class and education.

Does this sound like a depressing story? It isn’t. One reviewer, writing at epinion.com, declared “I can say that it spoke to the power of the human spirit. To what can be accomplished through our will and determination.” We agree. It is one of the most moving and inspiring films we have ever seen. This is not another maudlin and smarmy Love Story terminal illness tearjerker. Based on a true Burton and Eva

story, the message that it conveys—that the mind can triumph over the body—is psychologically sound. Attitude plays an enormous role in the body’s ability to deal with stress and even illness. No cheesy hokum or airheaded New Age affirmations necessary. The relationship between optimism and health, between positive attitude and ability to cope, is well-established by psychological research. So in fact, one of them does get to go home.

As other reviewers have also pointed out, the characters are not one-dimensional. With strong performances from Gertz and Plimpton, the characters grow over the course of their illnesses. “Eva and Claudia draw strength from one another,” writes one reviewer. “From Eva, Claudia learns about a whole different world she never knew could be hers. From Claudia, Eva discovers an inner strength that comes not from money or social status, but instead from faith in one's self…they reveal their true selves.”

But with life, there is also death. When one of the patients realizes she is not going to recover and that all that lies before her is Dr Burton and Claudia

horrible pain and intense suffering, she chooses to end her life on her own terms. She is aided by one of the other patients, who helps her gather enough medications to go out painlessly. Though reviewers from the religious right had a tizzy over this scene of assisted suicide, we think the film comes out courageously on the most humane side—the right to live—and die--with dignity.

Have we forgotten about Bruce in all this? Not at all. Bruce plays Dr. Burton, one of the physicians at the cancer center and the pivot around which the story acts itself out. Dr. Burton is always there to offer comfort as well as pills, to prod and push psychologically when necessary, and to give hope whenever there is hope to give. Once again, those who imagine that Bruce Payne can only play villains will be dumbfounded by this portrayal. Bruce radiates warmth and utterly sweet sincerity with every smile. No more kindly or compassionate doctor has ever graced the silver slg279

screen. He is in fact—dare we say this about the man who will later play the monstrously evil Jacob Kell—incredibly adorable. We also say here what every Bruce fan says after seeing this film: we should be so lucky to have a doctor like him!

The role of Dr. Burton demonstrates yet again what a talented and versatile actor Bruce Payne is; he is every bit as believable as Dr. Burton as he is as Kell. We know Bruce can play heroes and play them very well. This film proves it.

If you have not seen this movie, you are missing out on not only a wonderful performance by Bruce (and all the actors), but a powerful lesson about life and its value. We agree with the reviewer at epinion.com who writes, “I can also say that it was a frank and shocking reminder that none of us know how long we have. That every day is an opportunity to reevaluate our lives, our goals, and ourselves. That each day is full of opportunities for love, for growth, for happiness.” What film could offer more?

"Angel of Mercy" by Israfel

More Silence Like Glass:

Audio clips

"The Gentle Doctor" Photo Story

Thumbnail Photo Gallery

SLG Wallpaper Page