Marlee Matlin Movies
A bout of roseola infantum rendered actress Marlee Matlin almost completely deaf at the age of 18 months. Never permitting her affliction to impede her ambitions, Matlin launched her stage career at age 8, playing Dorothy in the Des Plaines Childrens Theatre of the Deaf production of The Wizard Oz. She put her theatrical aspirations on the back burner while studying criminal justice at William Rainey Harper college, but by her early 20s was back on stage, playing a minor role in the original Chicago Immediate Theatre Production of Children of a Lesser God. By the time this community-theatre effort went "professional" and was transplanted to New York, Matlin had been promoted to the leading role of Sara. She repeated this role in the 1988 film version of Children of a Lesser God, and in so doing became the first deaf actress to win the Academy Award. During this same period, Matlin was involved in a well-publicized romance with her Lesser God co-star William Hurt.In her talk-show appearances, Matlin is invariably accompanied by an interpreter, who relays the meaning of her sign language to the studio audience; from the 1989 TV movie Bridge of Silence onward, however, the actress has endeavored to speak as often as possible. From 1991 through 1993, Marleen Matlin starred as assistant district attorney Tess Kaufman on the weekly TV series Reasonable Doubt and in 1995 and '96 she played Mayor Laurie Bey on the Emmy Award-winning Picket Fences.
Moving into the new millennium Matlin continued to be active in television and film, frequently essaying recurring roles in such popular shows as My Name is Earl, The West Wing, and The L Word and turning up as the lead in the existential documentary What the #$*! Do We Know (2004). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 2008
A married couple locked in separate realities is faced with the most difficult decision of their lives after learning that their son, who loses his ability to hear at age four, could potentially regain his hearing with the help of cochlear implants. Dan Miller (Jeff Daniels) and his wife Laura (Marlee Matlin) may be husband and wife, but they're also best friends. Laura is deaf, while Dan has always been able to hear. When their four year old son Adam (Noah Valencia) suddenly loses his hearing, Dan and Laura find themselves hopelessly at odds over how to handle the situation. Laura has dealt with deafness her entire life, and believes that her son's handicap is only a minor obstacle. Dan, on the other hand, is determined to give his son a shot at living a more normal life, and becomes staunchly convinced that modern technology can make that possible. But the more research Dan conducts into cochlear implants, the clearer Laura makes it that she is completely opposed to the idea of surgery for their son. As the conflict between the couple comes to an impassioned head, Laura and Dan struggle to put aside their differences decide which option would be best for Adam's future. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jeff Daniels, Marlee Matlin, (more)
The fifth season of the ms.-adventures of the "bisexual and sapphically inclined ladies and their friends," as Alice (Leisha Hailey) states, once again finds them engaged in all sorts of shenanigans. In the season's ongoing story line, Jenny (Mia Kirshner) finagles a chance to direct the movie of her book and hires an assistant (Malaya Rivera Drew) whose intentions are suspect. Jenny's friends express disappointment in the actresses portraying them in the film adaptation of her roman à clef, but she already has her hands full with the problematic star (Kate French). Shane (Katherine Moennig) is involved in copious sexcapades and continues to utilize her uncanny ability to seduce any woman in the lesbian universe. Only this time, her roving libido puts a crimp in her relationship with the beautiful Paige (Kristanna Loken). Elsewhere, Max (Daniela Sea) begins a relationship with the interpreter for Jodi (Marlee Matlin); workaholic Bette (Jennifer Beals) winds up in the arms of a former lover; and dating woes plague the extremely picky Tina (Laurel Holloman), but her luck appears to change when she spends an enchanted evening with a stunner she met online. The reason why Tasha (Rose Rollins) didn't go to Iraq is revealed as she gets slapped with a discharge for homosexual conduct and saddled with a homophobic military lawyer. Club owner Kit (Pam Grier) faces several business challenges, including new competition in Shebar, "L.A.'s first superhot girls only club." And it's not long before Kit and her posse find themselves in a catfight with the cutthroat lesbians (Elizabeth Keener, Alicia Leigh Willis) who own Shebar. ~ Ray Stackhouse, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jennifer Beals, Pam Grier, (more)
Every parent longs to know what messages their infant child's cries are truly attempting to convey, and in this release host Marlee Matlin shows how even children as young as three months can learn to express themselves through the use of sign language. Not only can sign language help parents to better understand the needs of their child, but studies have also indicated that it can build the foundations for better speech patterns as well. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
THE L WORD Season 4 picks up with the women wrestling with issues close to their hearts. As with previous seasons, old demons rear their ugly heads and a host of new characters are brought into their fold, offering them access to a broader community with diverse issues. The L Word stars Jennifer Beals, Leisha Hailey, Laurel Holloman, Mia Kirshner, Katherine Moennig, Dallas Roberts, Daniela Sea, Rachel Shelley, and Pam Grier. Newest additions to the cast include Cybill Shepherd, Marlee Matlin, Janina Gavankar and Rose Rollins. Special guest stars are Rosanna Arquette, Eric Roberts, Bruce Davison, Kristanna Loken and Jane Lynch. This season, the war in Iraq becomes an integral part of Alice's (Hailey) life as she struggles to move on after the death of Dana; Helena (Shelley) tries to find financial independence and come to terms with leaving behind a world of privilege; Phyllis Kroll (Shepherd) -- who takes the courageous plunge late in life to come out of the closet -- risking everything that has defined her life up to now; and, Bette (Beals) has to deal with Jodi Lerner (Matlin), a woman who confronts her head-on about her Type-A personality.
- Starring:
- Jennifer Beals, Laurel Holloman, (more)
- 2006
The concepts of quantum theory and spiritual well-being originally put forth in the 2004 feature What the #$*! Do We Know?! are expanded upon in this extended version of the same film featuring a new opening, a variety of new interviews, and three new computer-animation segments. If audiences found themselves questioning anything and everything about the reality that surrounds them after viewing the original film, newly shot interviews with scientists Dean Radin and Dr. Masaru Emoto, as well as author Lynne McTaggart, help to put the previously presented information into a new context while offering a revealing look at the world we only thought we knew. With all-new information regarding string theory, consciousness, mysticism, and biology, What the Bleep!? -- Down the Rabbit Hole is bound to inspire just as much compelling conversation as its wildly popular predecessor. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 2005
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Every parent knows that a child's first words create the foundation of his or her entire vocabulary, and now children can learn to effectively communicate in familiar surroundings in this instructional language video hosted by Marlee Matlin. In addition to introducing children to 30 words from around the home, this video also teaches youngsters effective nonverbal communication skills. Give your children the skills to communicate their thoughts about the world that surrounds them in this addition to the popular Baby Einstein series. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 2005
When Mama Solis succumbs to her injuries, everyone from Wisteria Lane attends the funeral. Andrew Van De Kamp (Shawn Pyfrom) continues to act up, and his parents consider sending him to a juvenile disciplinary camp. Lynette (Felicity Huffman) makes friends with Alisa Stevens (Marlee Martin), whose children attend the same school as Lynette's boys, but friendship can be a fragile thing when lips are loose. And the bond formed between Susan (Teri Hatcher) and Edie (Nicollette Sheridan) in the previous episode is sorely tested when the two ladies again find themselves vying for the attentions of the same man -- in this case, contractor Bill Cunningham (Rick Ravanello). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 2005
When the disemembered head and arm of a female murder victim is found in a junkyard, the SVU team launches an extensive search for the killer. Several false leads later, a man comes forth with a confession--but this is not the end of the story, which involves a black-market ring specializing in illegal body parts. The plot takes a poignant turn when it is determined that the dead woman's missing kidney is about to be donated to an ailing youngster. This case is especially fascinating to Detective Munch (Richard Belzer), if for no other reason than it reunites him with attractive, hearing-impaired medical investigator Amy Solwey (Marlee Matlin). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Part narrative, part documentary, and part animation, What the #$*! Do We Know?! was filmed with the intent of expressing the neurological processes and so called "quantum uncertainty" of life. With the help of a directorial triumvirate consisting of Betsy Chasse, William Arntz, and Mark Vicente, Marlee Matlin stars as Amanda, whose uninspired daily routine is abruptly altered into a chaotic, Alice in Wonderland-style reality, complete with quirky characters and wildly different perspectives on life. As Amanda falls deeper into the experience, she's forced to drastically reconsider her perceptions of interpersonal relationships, men, and the fundamental principles of life. What the #$*! Do We Know?! is supplemented by a host of mystics and scientists, who are interviewed intermittently throughout the film for their wisdom and knowledge concerning religion, science, the thin line between them, and the consequences of blurring that line. ~ Tracie Cooper, Rovi
- Starring:
- Marlee Matlin, Elaine Hendrix, (more)
- 2003
Fourteen-year-old Eddie Ogden (Taylor Ball) is the best player on his baseball team. He also happens to be a natural-born chef, and it is this peculiar talent that opens him up for ridicule, not only from his fellow players, but also from the team's coach, who happens to be Eddie's father (Mark L. Taylor). After enduring such jibes as "Will he trade his baseball mitt for an oven mitt," poor Eddie is in for even more verbal abuse when he enters a prestigious cooking contest -- on the same day as the championship ballgame. Our hero's story is paralleled with that of a young girl who is being forced by her mother to try out for the cheerleading squad, even though the girl would rather play baseball. Real-life master chef Bobby Flay appears as himself in the New Zealand-filmed Eddie's Million-Dollar Cookoff, which made its Disney Channel debut on July 18, 2003. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Taylor Ball, Mark L. Taylor, (more)
- 2001
An aspiring comic who has to hide behind others to get her humor in front of an audience finds you can't do the same thing when it comes to romance. Samantha Berger (Camryn Manheim) works as a bartender at a New York comedy club; possessing a sharp imagination and a quick wit , Samantha writes jokes of her own in her spare time. Samantha's material is good, but she's severely self-conscious about her weight problem, so she shops her routines to up-and-coming comics who play the room, most frequently Jennie (Alexondra Lee), a friend who is slim and beautiful but can't write a good gag to save her life. Michael True (cott Cohen) is an agent who frequents the club looking for new talent, and he thinks Jennie might have what it takes to make the big time. Michael soon finds himself developing a relationship with Jennie off stage as well, but she's never sure what to say to him and is afraid that one day he'll realize the killer material she's been using isn't her own. Michael starts e-mailing Jennie on a regular basis, and Jennie convinces Samantha to play Cyrano and answer his missives posing as Jennie. But the longer Samantha finds herself "chatting" with Michael, the more she realizes he's just the sort of man she's always wanted -- but lacks the courage to approach on her own. Camryn Manheim also served as executive producer for Kiss My Act, which debuted on the ABC television network on April 23, 2001; the supporting cast includes Dabney Coleman and Marlee Matlin. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Camryn Manheim, Scott Cohen, (more)
- 2001
Marlee Matlin guest stars in these two classic Blue's Clues adventures. In the first story, Matlin teaches Steve a bit of American Sign Language, which he uses as he and some friends try to find out where Blue would like to eat her snack. Steve teaches the others some of the signs he learned while they also follow other types of signs written on poster board. Along the way they meet Jane's deaf friend Carly, who tells them a story in sign language. In the next adventure, Blue has left behind a map with clues for Steve to figure out where she's headed. He ends up in the midst of a "candy land" game, where he finds both Blue and the Gingerbread Girl. All of this excitement ends up with a trip to the library for a look at other means of communication. ~ Sarah Block, Rovi
- 2000
While President Bartlet (Martin Sheen) is in Hollywood for a fundraiser hosted by politically active homosexual movie mogul Ted Marcus (Bob Balaban), Leo (John Spencer) is back in Washington politicking Vice President Hoynes (Tim Matheson) to vote the White House's position on an important tax bill that is currently in a 50-50 tie on the floor of the Senate. Meanwhile in L.A., Josh (Bradley Whitford) happily learns that political strategist Joey Lucas (Marlee Matlin) is staying in the same hotel as he is, and Bartlet meets his daughter Zoey's (Elisabeth Moss) new Secret Service bodyguard, Gina Toscano (Jorja Fox). ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi
- 2000
President Bartlet (Martin Sheen) has 48 hours to commute the death sentence of a man convicted of a controversial murder after the Supreme Court refuses to stop the execution. While struggling with the moral, ethical, legal, and religious issues of his decision, he calls on his former priest, Father Thomas Cavanaugh (Karl Malden) for guidance. Toby (Richard Schiff) weighs in on the topic after having a conversation about the death penalty with his rabbi (David Proval). Political strategist Joey Lucas (Marlee Matlin) wants to ask the president why her candidate has not received enough money from the Democratic National Committee. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi
A controversial Memphis senatorial candidate is murdered, and the prime suspect is the victim's deaf campaign manager, Dana Sue Lacey (Marlee Martin). Despite Dana Sue's popularity with the decedent's constituents, the D.A. insists upon pressing for a Murder One conviction -- and as quickly as possible. The defendant's case is taken by celebrated attorney Ronnie Williams (Regina King), who has never lost in court. Unfortunately, Ronnie's strategy is compromised by Dana's refusal to reveal the whole story about her relationship with the dead man's politically ambitious son. Made for cable, Where the Truth Lies was first seen on Lifetime on September 13, 1999. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Marlee Matlin, Regina King, (more)
- 1999
A young woman with multiple sclerosis (Samantha Mathis) is placed in an assisted care facility by her family. While at first she feels abandoned and hopeless, she learns to develop a new confidence, self-respect and independence by bonding with her fellow patients, who learn important lessons from each other about growing as a group and as individuals. Supporting cast includes Natalie Cole as a blues singer who has been severely injured in an accident. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Samantha Mathis, Jonathan Silverman, (more)
- 1999
A criminal burns his bridges with his fellow outlaws and lives to regret it in this drama. John Shakley (William McNamara) is a small-time crook who has decided it's time to put his life back on the straight and narrow. However, his efforts to stay on the right side of the law are foiled by two longtime acquaintances -- an old buddy and John's former girlfriend approach him, hoping he can help them fence a cache of stolen jewelry. John can't turn his back on his friend and wants to convince his girl to come back to him, so he reluctantly agrees to the proposition. However, he discovers the jewels are too hot to be moved through any channels he knows, and in order to save his own skin, he's forced to turn himself in to the police. When John's partners discover he's turned informer, John quickly learns he's only traded one sort of grave danger for another. Snitch also stars Marlee Matlin and Tisha Campbell. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- William McNamara
- 1999
In this first episode of a two-part story, Ross' (George Clooney) maverick behavior catches up with him when his unauthorized treatment of ALD patient Ricky Abbott (Kyle Chambers) has fatal consequences. This tragedy has long-reaching consequences for others in the ER, beginning with the closing of Carol's (Julianna Margulies) free clinic. Elsewhere, former antagonists Carter (Noah Wyle) and Lucy (Kellie Martin) grow quite fond of one another; Benton (Eriq La Salle) all but depletes his bank account to pay for a sign-language tutor (Marlee Matlin) so that he can communicate with his son, Reese; and Nigerian janitor Mobelage (Djimon Hounsou) balks at telling his wife the real reason that he suffers from severe back pains and impotence. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Supermodel Rachel Hunter stars in this suspense story as Susan Price, a successful author whose latest novel has just hit #1 on the best-seller list. But Susan's celebration is short lived when her fiancée, publishing mogul Jack Reynolds (Gary Busey), is murdered, and it quickly becomes obvious that someone is trying to frame her as the killer. Susan goes underground and, using an assumed identity, she gets a job as a relay operator for the hearing impaired -- as a way of keeping tabs on District Attorney Beth McDaniels (Marlee Matlin), who is deaf. However, while she tries to find a way to clear her name and keep track of Beth's case against her, Susan finds herself taking a greater voyeuristic pleasure in "listening" in on the conversations between Beth and her boyfriend, Todd (Anthony Natale). Two Shades of Blue also features Eric Roberts, Patsy Pease, and Robert Miano. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Gary Busey, Marlee Matlin, (more)
In this suspense drama, Michael Dudikoff plays a lawyer who becomes romantically involved with a married woman (Marlee Matlin). When a confrontation turns violent, the lawyer accidentally kills the cuckolded husband in self-defense; the late husband was a millionaire, and now his wife has now taken possession of his fortune. But does she truly love the lawyer, or was he merely being used as part of a clever scheme to get her hands on the money? The supporting cast includes Sophie Lorain and Steven Morgan. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Michael Dudikoff, Sophie Lorain, (more)
- 1997
When Larry (Garry Shandling) gets the first draft of his memoir back from the publisher, it soon begins to dawn on the host what a bitter and cynical man he has become. When Hank (Jeffrey Tambor) catches wind of Larry's book, the paranoid sidekick soon begins to fret that the dreaded "incident" will make the cut and humiliate him beyond belief. Meanwhile, Artie (Rip Torn) finds inspiration in Larry's project and begins penning a memoir of his own, while Beverly (Penny Johnson) jumps to conclusions about a secret admirer. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 1997
- R
In this suspenseful drama, a police detective investigating the murders of two sex offenders becomes romantically-involved with the deaf lawyer who unsuccessfully defended them in court. When the attorney herself becomes the prime suspect, her relationship with the cop is jeopardized. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jeff Fahey, Marlee Matlin, (more)
- 1997
- R
A tense hostage situation erupts when three escaped convicts commandeer a school bus full of deaf children and take them and their courageous teacher (Marlee Matlin) to an abandoned slaughterhouse to negotiate with the cops. No sooner are the crooks and their captives inside the plant than it is surrounded by policemen. An FBI unit led by John Potter (James Garner) arrives. Though a veteran agent, Potter has been laid off since he was accused of botching a bombing situation in Texas. He and the leader of the police force Budd (Kenneth Welsh) are immediately at loggerheads as to how to handle things. The situation is worsened when a publicity hungry assistant D.A. (Charles Martin Smith) shows up with a camera crew. Meanwhile, the clever and determined Melanie devises her own imperfect solution to the problem. Though basically a routine thriller, it does feature a couple of surprising twists at the end. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
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