Notes on Blindness

A most unusual documentary, Notes on Blindness centers on cassette tapes that were recorded over a period of years by academic John Hull. A 40-something Australian living with his family in England when he went blind in the 1980s, Hull kept a vocal journal about coping with his misfortune, slowly gaining a different understanding about himself and what was important: his wife, Marilyn, and their then-young children; his relationship with his parents; his work at a university; his library and other intellectual resources; and his place in the world. Filmmakers Pete Middleton and James Spinney do something unexpected with the material, casting two excellent actors, Dan Renton Skinner and Simone Kirby, as John and Marilyn, and largely having them lip-synch their dialogue against old and new vocal recordings. This decision lets the film visually investigate the world in a variety of ways: as John recalls it or sees it in his mind; as he imagines it in dreams; and finally as it corresponds to his evolving, often poetic and mystical awareness of a new way to experience the physical world around him. Along the way, Hull's determination and spirit—along with his gentle rebuffing of useless panaceas—offers a powerful testament to human resilience. Winning Best Documentary at the British Independent Film Awards, this is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)