Touch the Sound

Name: Touch the Sound
Genre: Documentary, Music

Germany, United Kingdom · 2004
1h 39m
Director Thomas Riedelsheimer
Starring Evelyn Glennie, Fred Frith
Genre Documentary, Music

How closely do you pay attention to sound? Deaf percussionist Evelyn Glennie points out the many connections between sound, rhythm, time, and the body in this musical and dynamic documentary. We follow her story from the time she became deaf as a child to her career as "one of the world's foremost solo percussionists," exploring sound in Scotland, Germany, Japan, and more.

We hate to say it, but we can't find anywhere to view this film.

What are people saying?

Be the first to comment about this film.

What are critics saying?

Variety by Eddie Cockrell

Fans of the Grammy-winning musician will revel in the proximity to their idol, though second pic from talented helmer Thomas Riedelsheimer plays a tad long to those unfamiliar with his, or her, work.

L.A. Weekly by F. X. Feeney

The film's discretion short-circuits any impulse we might have to regard Glennie as a handicapped person who has “overcome.” Instead, we're led to experience her life as she does - as an adventure in which setbacks are not challenges, but illuminations of untracked paths.

New York Daily News by Jack Mathews

The result is a feast for the senses.

TV Guide Magazine by Ken Fox

Innovative sounds and striking visuals combine to form an exquisite cinematic work.

Los Angeles Times by Kenneth Turan

A potent and imaginative creative biography of virtuoso percussionist Glennie.

Village Voice by Leslie Camhi

It's rare that a documentary conveys an artist's worldview so compellingly, but then Glennie is no ordinary musician.

The A.V. Club by Noel Murray

May be too heady to take in one sitting. Even given relatively calm passages-like a hushed tour through the courtyard of a Scottish castle or a mediation on ripples in a pond-there's just too much to absorb.

The Hollywood Reporter by Sheri Linden

Touch the Sound is at least as inspiring and in some ways more rewarding, thought-provoking and subtly visceral.

The New York Times by Stephen Holden

This is synergy of a high order.

New York Post by V.A. Musetto

Call this a profile in courage.