Best Supporting Actor 2020: Paul Raci in Sound of Metal

Paul Raci received his first Oscar nomination for portraying Joe in Sound of Metal. 

 

Paul Raci plays the role of Joe the leader of a shelter designed for deaf substance abusers. The shelter, our protagonist, heavy metal drummer/former addict who is losing his hearing, Ruben (Riz Ahmed) goes to for help within his unique situation. I will admit I took Raci a little for granted the first time I watched the film, possibly because how honest Raci is from the moment we meet him. Raci, who up until this point was a fairly obscure character actor, comes from a particularly authentic place as activist in the deaf community, both his parents were deaf, and as a former vet and recovering addict like his character of Joe. I mean I'll admit watching the film I just assumed Raci might've been a real shelter leader they found that happened to be able to act, because there isn't a moment that he isn't Joe here. I think such a thing should not be taken for granted, because what that means here is something quite special. The nature of this performance  really is one that is difficult to express with just how good Raci is here, because of how easy he makes it all seem. From his first scene, where Joe gives Ruben and his girlfriend, the low down on the shelter there is a real combination of things that Raci brings to the part. There's a weariness, not that defines him, but rather a shade just within  his expression that denotes a man whose been through some troubles himself, though this doesn't define him. There's an elegance about him that is wonderful in the way Raci speaks for himself both verbally and through sign language. What Raci does with this is express a man who is confident in his business, and in his approach as a man trying to shepherd a potential deaf addict to the light. There's also just a vibrancy to Raci's performance that is so naturally compelling in a unique way, almost in a Richard Farnsworth kind of innate charm, that isn't the typical definition of charm, but is wholly that. 

We see Raci as he sells the program and afterwards as he helps Ruben acclimate to it, I there is something I truly adore about Raci's delivery. This as it is this kind of perfect combination between a complete direct no nonsense quality, but also still so filled with empathy. When he speaks towards the Church paying for Ruben's stay, he lays it out flat, no defensiveness even remotely to Ruben's lack of religion, but rather just a sincere articulation of the mission to help those in need. Raci in just every moment so much embodies who Joe is. This even in just as we see him in the group of candidates, there is that understated yet so palatable sense of love he has for each and every one of them. This while also not in any way overdoing it. He walks that wholly genuine line of honest that is truly special. You sense the community within Raci's performance by just how he isn't at all fussy, but still connected in every moment. You see the interactions which Raci doesn't waste a single one in that expression of Joe's spirit. A scene I love, and it seems so simple, yet the power of it is found in Raci's work that captures so well Joe's method. This as he sees Ruben's pent up energy, and instead sets him to instead spend the morning on the task of either sitting or writing. Raci's approach in this moment is tough but also loving. This as he speaks with directions, the directions of a teacher though. When he tells Ruben "You don't have to fix anything" he doesn't soften the command so to speak, yet in his eyes it is a man trying to sway Ruben towards the right path. Raci shows this facilitator that is Joe, that he's going to do his best to help, but does so with a simple push and prod. A direct one, but a caring one. Raci's portrayal captures that heart of it that is so winning. There is no BS, when he speaks the message of the film, that is of really appreciating stillness. Not only does it come naturally through, he does it so powerfully. This as even explains his own background of losing his wife and kids due to his alcoholism. Raci's delivery is blunt, but in the bluntness there is a sense of understanding of his own faults. Raci's work is of a man who never lies. He rather strictly tells the truth which can be blunt, but is also from a place of honest love. 

 

In the scene where he encourages Ruben to continue on working in the deaf community, the simple pride in Raci's eyes speaks miles. He can doesn't put too much on it, yet the sense of warmth is just so overwhelming nonetheless. Raci makes such a uniquely inspiring father figure because that approach is so vivid and so deeply affecting. Ruben, due to his co-dependence on his girlfriend, decides to get an ocular implant rather than stay with the program leading to a confrontation with Joe. Raci is simply outstanding in his performance of the scene. This as the heart of the man, which is always there even in that idiosyncratic way, Raci lays bare. This in the way he portrays the slow devastation that reveals itself as he has to confront Ruben about his behavior that seems like he is regressing. In every word Raci reveals the sincere disappointment, a disappointment entirely built on love. What is most heartbreaking is the way Raci shows the devastation just wearing on the man throughout, as he holds back tears and his own breakdown, only losing it just as Ruben leaves. Raci finding such a poignancy in the scene in by showing Joe not kicking out Ruben as though he is intruder, rather it is with the pained expression of a father needing to dismiss his son for the good of his family. As much as we can all bash the Oscars, and often they deserve it, one has to give them credit for a nomination like this. Raci finally got his shot with a decent role and he did not waste a moment of it. You could take any second snippet of this work and find something in it. This as Raci's performance is one of those true non-performances. This is as you never think of it as acting. He just introduces us to this man so filled with history, life and heart.