Daniel Durant starred in the Oscar-winning film CODA as Leo Rossi, a teenager whose sister is the only hearing member of the family and featured international filmmaker Eugenio Derbez (Instructions Not Included) as the music teacher. CODA (2021) won three Academy Awards and audiences everywhere learned of this great cast. Now, Durant stars in the film Silent Notes, a crime thriller drama as Bruce. The film premiered at the 2024 Austin Film Festival.
Bruce has used a hearing aid, but at one point, finds himself with deterioration in his hearing. When he seeks medical treatment, the cochlear implant is recommended, but with a huge price tag and not a covered surgery by insurance as stated by the medical professional. His annual income is not enough to cover the expense, so he resorts to alternative means for saving money.
Silent Notes is directed by Toni Comas, from the screenplay by Jason Furlani (per IMDb) and per the Austin Film Festival, writing credit includes Toni Comas and Anna Franquesa Solano. It is a very good script and has great characters written throughout the story that keep the audience engaged as Bruce decides to take a job as a delivery person for a ring of businesses.
What Bruce does not anticipate is meeting someone while he is having coffee. It is quite by accident, but when Bruce runs into Ethan (Matt Riker) a second time, it is a more enjoyable experience than the initial misunderstanding. Ethan did not know that Bruce has hearing loss, becomes more understanding and ultimately, they keep the friendship going. Ethan loves to talk, and Bruce patiently follows along in learning all he can. The chemistry between them is very good and this makes for some humorous moments, as well as tender ones as they discuss their family backgrounds.
All the cast members portray their character very well, with some of them bringing some authenticity to their role which is a huge plus to any film. I am not familiar with all of Ruth Aguilar’s work, but she is great in her performance as Maria, the restaurant owner/manager who is close to Bruce as a sort of mother figure/faithful friend who is more than ready to help. I hope to see more of her work in films.
Cast members also include Theodore Bouloukos as Auggie, Jason Furlani as Carmine, Martin Shakar as Frank, Barbar Thomas as Dr. Susan, Toni Cruz as Angela, among others. The film is produced by Anthony Argento and Nancy Degnan, with Andres Torres as an executive producer.
Durant excels in his role in the “gangster” crime thriller and his expressive face is one to draw the audience into the story and his character. I want to see more.
I do not have news of a future release but anticipate there will be more opportunities to view the film as it continues the film festival circuit.
Source: IMDb, Austin Film Festival
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