Universal Signs > About the Film

The majority of the film is in desaturated or muted color with vibrant color dream sequences; this color treatment gives Universal Signs an art-house or experimental look and feel. In its film style, one can see echoes of Pleasantville, Traffic, and The Limey. Color, and the absence of color, are used as a creative story-telling technique in the film. Color symbolizes emotion in Universal Signs; until the main character reconnects with his world, he is unable to see the beauty of the color world around him.

Because much of the film is told through an interpretive score without audible voices, Universal Signs is a modern silent film. In this way, Universal Signs echoes the origins of filmmaking by re-exploring the connection between music and story.

One might even consider Universal Signs to be a foreign language film, as it is primarily told through the beautifully expressive American Sign Language (ASL). ASL, coupled with the score, creates a mesmerizing dance for audience members.The film's use of ASL will not only connect Deaf audiences to cinema as never before, but also excite hearing audiences to be able to witness the beauty of a visual language.

Although Universal Signs’ story is told in an unusual manner, the film appeals to both Deaf and hearing audiences because it explores the themes of redemption, self-forgiveness, love and connection. The goal of the film is to transcend societal labels and stereotypes by weaving a story that relates and connects all people.