Home / Arts and Entertainment / Lê Bảo's 'Hearing' Explores Sound and Silence
Lê Bảo's 'Hearing' Explores Sound and Silence
15 Jul
Summary
- The film centers on a mechanic whose job relates to sound levels.
- It explores personal relationships through the lens of auditory perception.
- The film is an international co-production across nine territories.
Vietnamese director Lê Bảo's anticipated second feature, "Hearing" ("Thính Giác"), will screen in the International Competition at the Locarno Film Festival. The film's narrative follows Ninh, a mechanic tasked with installing decibel meters, whose work begins to mirror the state of his own personal life.
Estranged from his ex-wife and children, and living with his mother, Ninh's familial distances are explored through an unusual lens. The film highlights how these distances are measured in ways beyond simple decibels, suggesting a deeper emotional quantification.
"Hearing" is a significant international co-production, involving nine distinct territories including Singapore, Vietnam, Norway, France, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Taiwan. This collaboration underscores the global reach and ambition of Bảo's filmmaking.
Following the success of his debut, "Taste," which earned him an award at the Berlin Film Festival, Lê Bảo continues to establish himself as a singular voice in cinema. "Hearing" reunites him with cinematographer Nguyễn Vinh Phúc and production designer Lê Văn Thanh, reinforcing a cohesive artistic vision.
The film's sonic landscape is central to its ambition, shaped by French sound designer Vincent Villa and featuring an original score by Norwegian electronic artist Mental Overdrive. This focus on sound is integral to the film's exploration of human connection and perception.
