Open to Interpretation is a delightful five-minute dark comedy sketch that introduces us to Jeremy Stone, a Black Deaf comedian played by Harold Foxx, and his amusing interactions with his ASL interpreter. The film sheds light on the challenges of communication within the deaf community, skillfully weaving humor and insight into its narrative.
One memorable scene captures the awkwardness of miscommunication when a character unintentionally spits in Jeremy’s face while shouting to communicate to Jeremy, highlighting the everyday struggles faced by Deaf individuals. Jeremy’s initial banter with his interpreter Kyle (Zachary Goldstein) adds a touch of humor as he playfully expresses his preference to his manager (Emma, played by Chrissy Marshall) for a Black interpreter for better relatability.
This is especially important because Jeremy is a comedian. Jokes need to have comedic timing and if Jeremy does not relate well to his interpreter, then the timing of jokes will be off, resulting in a bad comedic set. In addition, since the interpreter is his voice, his voice must match the comedy set. Throughout the set, Kyle is sweating, as he is not the best person for this job. In fact, Emma failed to send him the script ahead of time.
The film’s quick wit and Jeremy’s engaging stand-up comedy routines – and the comedic interaction he has with his interpreter – keep the audience entertained throughout. Despite the tight production schedule of just five days for the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, the storytelling is effective and engaging. A particularly humorous moment arises when a person randomly approaches Jeremy to learn ASL, prompting a witty response about the interpreter’s race and the nuances of communication.
Foxx, an alumnus of the 2021 RespectAbility Entertainment Lab, wrote, starred in, and directed Open to Interpretation. Marshall, an alumna of the 2023 RespectAbility Lab, produced and starred in this short. Founded by Nic Novicki, the EDFC is an annual five-day competition in which filmmakers must create original three-to-five minute films based on a different theme each year. This year’s theme is buddy comedy.
Open to Interpretation skillfully conveys the message that effective communication goes beyond mere interpretation; it hinges on the delivery and understanding of the message. The film’s exploration of diversity and communication barriers is both thought-provoking and entertaining, offering viewers a fresh perspective on the complexities of human interaction.
Open to Interpretation is a well-crafted short film that seamlessly blends comedy with important themes of communication and diversity. It is often forgotten that those who communicate through ASL want their messages to be more than just words; they want personality to shine through. This film truly leaves a lasting impression, reminding us of the power of humor in understanding and connection between individuals.
