Deaf people and Cinemas.. Just accept your lot?

The King of Moo · 12-09-2011 10:15AM

SV wrote: »

and we should have audio descriptive voice overs for the blind too, right?

Most cinemas do!

120_Minutes · 12-09-2011 10:17AM

Deleted User wrote: »

They do have audio description headphones...

Then tell that to sv. I think it's great that these services are being provided, or are in development. Although I dont have a disability myself or regularly attend the cinema as people are cnuts, and judging by this thread and the reactions of some abled people about having about subtitles, it looks like I'm right.

Forest Master · 12-09-2011 10:21AM

How can deaf people be cinema "fans"? If you can't hear the subtleties in the actors voices, etc, how will you ever know if a performance was good, and how can you ever get emotionally involved in something that's aurally dramatic? There is no tension built with music or sound fx, etc, etc. You're missing half the experience, subtitles or not! Why bother?

12-09-2011 10:22AM

There have been AD headphones for years. I think they work via Bluetooth, but I might be wrong about that! One ear has the normal sound from the movie and then do other has someone narrating what happens. As far as I remember, they sometimes have famous people doing the narrating.

Forest Master wrote: »

How can deaf people be cinema "fans"? If you can't hear the subtleties in the actors voices, etc, how will you ever know if a performance was good, and how can you ever get emotionally involved in something that's aurally dramatic? There is no tension built with music or sound fx, etc, etc. You're missing half the experience, subtitles or not! Why bother?

Because they go for the experience of it. sic or sound fx, etc, etc. You're missing half the experience, subtitles or not! Why bother?

[/Quote]

Because they go for the experience of it.

Forest Master · 12-09-2011 10:23AM

The King of Moo wrote: »

Methinks some people haven't realised the article was about special subtitled screenings for deaf people.

That's because either the article doesn't say it it, or because the OP omitted it.

Snakeblood · 12-09-2011 10:44AM

While the assigned viewing times should be adhered to for deaf screenings, the bit where they want subtitled English screenings moved into the weekend\prime slots is madness/impractical. If I have a choice between a subtitled English move and not going to the cinema, I won't go. I read a lot faster than people speak, so instead of getting the actor telling me what happened, I find out what happened, then I'm waiting for the actor to catch up with what I already know.

And subtitles cover some of the explosions too. :mad:

12-09-2011 10:47AM

Deleted User wrote: »

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/may/23/cinemas-deaf-people-subtitled-screenings

Article annoyed me.. IMO, the cinema is a luxury visual and auditory experience. There's nothing that gives people an entitlement to see a movie in a cinema so if you can't hear it, then that's just how life goes.

Yea, it's good that there are cinemas doing subtitles but for the most part, I don't see the point.. If I was deaf, I'd just accept that the cinema isn't an option. Going writing articles and crying out at the humanitarian injustice of a fuking cinema is ridiculous. Subtitles ruin movies those who are able to watch them so it's just a bit selfish to demand them and cry discrimination when you don't get them.

I don't even know where to start. What an incredibly selfish and shockingly ignorant attitude. Deaf people should never be allowed to go to the cinema just in case the occasional special screening with subtitles is inconvenient for you? There's nothing that gives people an entitlement to see a movie in a cinema? Why aren't deaf people as entitled to see movies as you are? Do you also begrudge wheelchair ramps and special seating for people in wheelchairs? Sure, shouldn't they just stay at home? The nerve of these disabled people, thinking they have the same rights as the rest of us. :rolleyes:

The fact is, you are still MUCH better off than any deaf person. You can go to ANY screening. They have to make sure they can attend the one a day/week (whatever it is) with subtitles. You would think that the slight inconvenience of attending a movie with subtitles (but still being able to hear it) would help you to understand how inconvenient it is to be deaf but no, you complain about how unfair it is that their rights impede on the enjoyment of the film for you.

If I'd posted some of the responses on here, I'd be ashamed of myself. What a me, me, me attitude. You'd think you would just be grateful that you were born being able hear instead of begrudging the little bit of help deaf people get. I think some people also need to remember that anyone can become disabled. A bad accident or an illness and you too could end up blind, deaf or paralysed. I'm sure you'd hope for a bit more empathy and compassion than you're showing here.

stovelid · 12-09-2011 10:49AM

Only maladroit weirdos and teenage couples go to the cinema anyway.

Andre80Johnson · 12-09-2011 10:49AM

I'm Deaf and a filmmaker. Some people in this thread are ignorant. This is 2011. For people who can walk, hear or see, that is a luxury. Unfortunately for Deaf people, we don't HAVE the luxury of going to see whatever film we want on any given day. There are subtitled films (Usually a Monday/Saturday) but then that does not guarantee that subtitles will be on. Just because there isn't a Hollywood film on showing in town that doesn't have subtitles does NOT mean we should we shouldn't go, or limit ourselves to World Cinema releases.

I LOVE going to the cinema. With or without subtitles. Sure what's the point of going if there isn't any subtitles, there's more to films than audio/dialogue. The direction of the film, little things that are happening on screen. And most importantly, the acting. We might not be able to hear the actors, but we certainly can see the acting, and one thing you don't know and that's when Deaf people can see through acting from experience of Sign Language, being expressive everyday. Emotionally and happy. Acting isn't all talk.

So why do I love films? Because I can, and being Deaf will never change that. Subtitles or not.

hatrickpatrick · 12-09-2011 10:57AM

Such an easy solution to this problem. Do some kind of thing with polarized glasses or something like that so as only people wearing the glasses can actually see the subtitles. Problem solved.

Lady von Purple · 12-09-2011 10:59AM

Forest Master wrote: »

How can deaf people be cinema "fans"? If you can't hear the subtleties in the actors voices, etc, how will you ever know if a performance was good, and how can you ever get emotionally involved in something that's aurally dramatic? There is no tension built with music or sound fx, etc, etc. You're missing half the experience, subtitles or not! Why bother?

I know, it's like watching some kind of 'silent movie.' How could anyone ever like one of them? (Aside- not saying silent movies are superior to movies today, just saying they can be great. And for the love of god, yes, I'm sure people can enjoy a film without special effects.)

ShooterSF · 12-09-2011 11:03AM

This is probably a stupid question but why do blind people go? Surely the lure of the big screen is the best part of the cinema experience?

Forest Master · 12-09-2011 11:04AM

Lady von Purple wrote: »

I know, it's like watching some kind of 'silent movie.' How could anyone ever like one of them?

I know you're being sarcastic, but silent movies are sh*te.

Elmidena · 12-09-2011 11:05AM

ShooterSF wrote: »

This is probably a stupid question but why do blind people go? Surely the lure of the big screen is the best part of the cinema experience?

People don't have to be fully blind to be classed blind, FYI. Maybe they can see a big screen easier than a tv or pc which they can't use well at home, and want to enjoy it, but due to AMD or whatever they're not able to focus. AD is for helping those that can't make out faces etc. If someone wants to go and listen to the film in the cinema and can't see anything, literally, then what harm? Their money, their choice, their bit of excitement.

Snakeblood · 12-09-2011 11:07AM

Forest Master wrote: »

I know you're being sarcastic, but silent movies are sh*te.

They're not though. Buster Keaton movies are amazing. So is Metropolis And Nosferatu.

Logical Fallacy · 12-09-2011 11:07AM

OP....did you even read the article?

I strongly suggest you stick to falling off mopeds.

It leads to better threads.

kraggy · 12-09-2011 11:08AM

Am I the only person who thinks that it's perfectly clear from reading the letter that the person who wrote it is referring to special screenings where there are supposed to be subtitles displayed but in his experience, they have often not worked?

The letter writer was not saying that subtitles should be displayed during films in general.

Logical Fallacy · 12-09-2011 11:09AM

kraggy wrote: »

Am I the only person who thinks that it's perfectly clear from reading the letter that the person who wrote it is referring to special screenings where there are supposed to be subtitles displayed but in his experience, they have often not worked?

The letter writer was not saying that subtitles should be displayed during films in general.

Not at all...the OP just wanted something to moan about on a Monday.

mikemac · 12-09-2011 11:12AM

Our local cinema does these screenings on a Monday.
If a person paid in and the subtitles weren't working they are right to complain and get a refund

OP, you have failed to understand the same article you posted

pickarooney · 12-09-2011 11:13AM

Forest Master wrote: »

How can deaf people be cinema "fans"? If you can't hear the subtleties in the actors voices, etc, how will you ever know if a performance was good, and how can you ever get emotionally involved in something that's aurally dramatic? There is no tension built with music or sound fx, etc, etc. You're missing half the experience, subtitles or not! Why bother?

Same goes for everyone who lives in a country where they routinely dub films. I consider the opinions of such people as less than worthless.

kraggy wrote: »

Am I the only person who thinks that it's perfectly clear from reading the letter that the person who wrote it is referring to special screenings where there are supposed to be subtitles displayed but in his experience, they have often not worked?

The letter writer was not saying that subtitles should be displayed during films in general.

No but you have to bear in mind that there are a lot of people on this thread who complain about being forced to read stuff so both the article and your post will go ignored in favour of some half-cooked bull**** response.

Lazy people and Internet forums... Just accept your lot?

Lanaier · 12-09-2011 11:58AM

Forest Master wrote: »

How can deaf people be cinema "fans"? If you can't hear the subtleties in the actors voices, etc, how will you ever know if a performance was good, and how can you ever get emotionally involved in something that's aurally dramatic? There is no tension built with music or sound fx, etc, etc. You're missing half the experience, subtitles or not! Why bother?

Indeed, just like the way deaf people are incapable of comprehending emotional tension in real-life, they need one of us "sighties" to spell it out for them right?

They're missing half the life experience so why should they be allowed to do anything?

HNNNNNNGGGGGGGG

ShooterSF · 12-09-2011 11:59AM

Sunshine! wrote: »

People don't have to be fully blind to be classed blind, FYI. Maybe they can see a big screen easier than a tv or pc which they can't use well at home, and want to enjoy it, but due to AMD or whatever they're not able to focus. AD is for helping those that can't make out faces etc. If someone wants to go and listen to the film in the cinema and can't see anything, literally, then what harm? Their money, their choice, their bit of excitement.

i'm not arguing they should be banned

I just never got the point of it for them. Thanks.

amacachi · 12-09-2011 12:03PM

Imagine the following scenario. You go to the cinema, buy your ticket and your popcorn and after taking your seat, sit through 20 minutes of trailers and adverts before the start of the film. But, as the opening scene begins, you realise the sound's not working, and you can't understand a thing.

Do many people just find out they're deaf at that exact moment?

Voodu Child · 12-09-2011 12:09PM

kraggy wrote: »

Am I the only person who thinks that it's perfectly clear from reading the letter that the person who wrote it is referring to special screenings where there are supposed to be subtitles displayed but in his experience, they have often not worked?

The letter writer was not saying that subtitles should be displayed during films in general.

If you read the article it mentions a group of deaf people who are angry that they have to go to special screenings.

"The name of a new Facebook group with over 700 members – Deaf people are alive 7 days a week, not just Sunday/Monday/Tuesday – hints at another issue deaf people feel angry about, the times and dates when subtitled screenings are scheduled. They are usually on off-peak days at off-peak times – hardly ever on Friday or Saturday nights.

Tyron Woolfe, who started the Facebook group, told me the reason screenings aren't arranged at peak times is because "the consensus among cinemas is that they will lose money because they think hearing people do not like subtitles". I asked Woolfe why he set the group up. "My hearing partner and I are never able to watch movies at normal peak times or days. We were in Scotland recently, and could we go to a cinema? No, simply because we were there on the wrong day of the week. Digital technology should mean that any deaf person can go to any cinema screening and ask them to switch the subtitles on."

So clearly there are some deaf people who think that subtitles should be available on any movie at any time.

Elmidena · 12-09-2011 12:28PM

ShooterSF wrote: »

i'm not arguing they should be banned I just never got the point of it for them. Thanks.

No problem =D

Richard Hillman · 12-09-2011 12:33PM

You wouldnt even notice the subtitles after 5 minutes.

Forest Master · 12-09-2011 12:35PM

Lanaier wrote: »

Indeed, just like the way deaf people are incapable of comprehending emotional tension in real-life, they need one of us "sighties" to spell it out for them right?

I know you're trying to be all PC, etc, but deaf people can't hear the subtleties or tone in people's voices (in movies or real life), so they can't grasp the full scope of emotional tension - that's a fact. It's not un-PC or ignorant to state a fact. If you can't hear, then you can't hear - that's all I'm saying. I never said they shouldn't do anything.

Snakeblood · 12-09-2011 12:35PM

Richard Hillman wrote: »

You wouldnt even notice the subtitles after 5 minutes.

Well, that's just not true. I've watched subtitled English movies and I do notice them, it harms my enjoyment of the movie.

Lanaier · 12-09-2011 12:44PM

Forest Master wrote: »

I know you're trying to be all PC, etc, but deaf people can't hear the subtleties or tone in people's voices (in movies or real life), so they can't grasp the full scope of emotional tension - that's a fact. It's not un-PC or ignorant to state a fact. If you can't hear, then you can't hear - that's all I'm saying. I never said they shouldn't do anything.

I'm not trying to be PC.

Even if you were right there are many movies that do not contain much emotional tension or if they do it's not necessarily subtle (Transformers etc).
Sometimes just the experience of going to the cinema with friends is the reason for going.

Every single movie and every second of tv in China has subtitles, you don't notice it after 5 mins

DjFlin · 12-09-2011 01:01PM

I'm totally fine with subtitles. When I was younger, I lived abroad, so the cinemas there had subtitles, plus, whenever I watched DVDs with friends we'd have the subtitles on in their language.

They don't really me at all, its easy to forget they're there at all.

Deaf people and Cinemas.. Just accept your lot?

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