Silence Like Glass


Silence Like Glass is a 1989 German-American drama film. Though made in Germany, it is set in America and features an American cast with all English dialogue. The film stars Jami Gertz, Martha Plimpton, George Peppard, Bruce Payne, and Rip Torn.

Plot

Eva is a wealthy, snobbish ballerina who is diagnosed with cancer. She is admitted into the youth cancer ward at a hospital where she is forced into humility by her disease. She rooms with fellow cancer patient Claudia, and the majority of the film revolves around their interactions together in their hospital room. She is treated with "concern and compassion" by Dr. Burton.
Ultimately Eva goes into remission and is able to continue her life, but not before witnessing another young woman's death and also assisting Claudia to suicide.

Cast

Filming took place in West Germany.
Actress Martha Plimpton shaved her head for this role, a move that would influence the direction of her career for the next several years. She appeared bald in the 1989 film Parenthood and accompanied her then-boyfriend River Phoenix to the Oscars with a bald head.

Reception

The film was nominated for Outstanding Feature Film at the German Film Awards.