If she spoke without being deaf, in the voice she naturally would have had.
Or another chance for a -signed acceptance speech with the ranks of Louise Fletcher, Patty Duke? (etc?)
I learned 2 things about being a discovered deaf actor: you get both an undeserved Oscar for spastic sign language followed by phony facial motions,and being called beautiful/hot (when you're not) Now, how about some "diversity" for hearing actors?
Sign language is not spastic IY, for those who are deaf and need a form of communication that hearing people can take for granted.
But yes, I agree that Matlin would have sounded awful if it was more of a speaking role and she only won out of sentiment. Her choice, was only undermining hearing and speaking actors. I don't even feel her expressions or nuances were that great. She had an affected and strained look on her average looking face for most of the time. Sigourney Weaver, gave the strongest and most indelible performance for ALIENS, out of all the nominees for 86'. Her film and performance, would be readily recalled by many. She was terrific, within the boundaries of what she was working with, made a strong impact and made her female action hero believable and credible. Now, 30yrs down the track, she has no Oscar, is an asset to the films she usually stars in and the academy had the perfect opportunity to honor her for ALIENS-86'.
Exorcist: Christ's power compels you. Cast out, unclean spirit.
Destinata:💩
I wish I knew how to sign. A coworker whose mother is a deaf mute can sign and she was able to communicate with customers who were hearing impaired which I thought was great
Yes, it looks quite complex and would require dexterity and co-ordination. Not to mention a good memory. What a gift, to hear and sign as well, like the teachers in this film.
Exorcist: Christ's power compels you. Cast out, unclean spirit.
Destinata:💩
What is unclear here (if you will pardon the pun) is whether or not you (the OP) are deaf / hearing-impaired. If the answer is 'no', then how would you know how accurate her signing was? Since she has (presumably) been using it all her life, wouldn't she have some knowledge of ASL? And as for her looks, William Hurt didn't seem to be 'faking' his character's attraction to her, as she moved into his apartment right after filming completed.
shareI agree, Wylie.. Looking back on a good film, I suppose some of the acting wasn't a stretch for the leads. Marley was deaf, didn't like speaking out loud and was in love with Hurt. I'm sure William did have issues with Marlee's (I think this is the correct spelling) decision to use signing.
I still liked this film and the other actors in it. Piper Laurie was very good as well as everyone.