“Children Of A Lesser God”: A Place Where Words Are Useless
The 80s left us several masterpieces, including the film we are talking about today. This is the feature film entitled “Children of a lesser god”, whose original title is “Children of a lesser god”. The protagonists are James and Sarah, played respectively by William Hurt and Marlee Matlin, who won the Oscar for best actress.
This film tells the story of a deaf-mute girl who, against all odds, lives a love story with her support teacher. A story that invites us to reflect above all on what we can transmit through our body and on what is the most authentic part of us.
The main scene takes place in the pool of a beach house, where we can admire the gestural communication between the two. With this exchange of messages, the attraction they feel for each other is manifested, and a process of conquest is created in which words and verbal communication do not exist, and there is not even a need for them.
Beyond words: the power of non-verbal communication
Words are often not necessary to show our feelings and affection. We are talking about the great power of non-verbal communication, a means of transmitting messages, so effective that it does not need any vocal addition to touch the soul of the other person.
Non-verbal communication is less aware than verbal communication, therefore it is more reliable and more difficult to manipulate. Also, keep in mind that with words we tend not to reveal more than 10% of the information we want to convey.
Returning to the scene of the film, looking at it you will not hear even a word, but there is a passionate conversation in which James will ask questions by means of sincere and loyal looks, and Sarah will respond with candid caresses. Nothing is questioned, there are no ulterior motives and the feelings expressed are REAL.
The authenticity of the looks
The visual system is the one most connected to our emotions and we know it well. So much so that when we want to hide our mood, when we don’t want them to read what we are actually saying, we look away. When we want to hide an emotion, our gaze becomes confused and our eye muscles are disturbed.
The looks betray us, they leave us with no way out in front of the other, they lay us bare and keep us prisoners, leaving us completely speechless. With a look, we can make someone fall in love, ruffle, make someone feel important, excite, attract a person to us forever.
When the person who loves us and whom we correspond looks at us very closely, we can feel those famous butterflies in the stomach, a sensation so special that it is difficult to experience otherwise. A close look can be the best refuge we can find, because in it we can find immense understanding. However, it is also capable of making us feel like complete strangers in an inhospitable world. One way or another, its power is immeasurable.
A look at the right moment, together with an unexpected caress, can warm the soul of the other more intensely than a few beautiful words. With a glance, we can overcome any type of barrier and limit, because thanks to it we are able to reveal what is most intimate and real inside us.
More than listening, you need to feel
After a while, Sarah finds herself unable to “I love you”, but James probably doesn’t need to hear that. He certainly knows this already, because Sarah’s gestures, the expression on her face and her gaze leave no doubt. This is an open, clear and sincere message, delivered without frills, with the pure intensity of the body.
This scene teaches us the ease with which feelings can be shown, without the need for words or flattery. It shows us a real attraction without borders, with a great dose of passion, sincerity and truthfulness. It shows us the immense desire to communicate by means of a silent and, at the same time, overwhelming force.
To you who do not know I say: open your eyes, declare yourself with your eyes, use your hands and support that person who is so important to you. Don’t look down, don’t hide your hands and don’t hold back your smile. Love even in silence and there will be no need for the declared “I love you”, because you will have already communicated it with the body, and the other will know it.
