The Night Listener
Release Date:
August 4, 2006
On the Big Board |
| Position |
Staff |
In Brief |
| 112/159 |
David Mumpower |
Pointless drama will be long forgotten in no time. |
| 139/200 |
Max Braden |
Toni Collette is highly creepy in her role. |
Robin Williams stars in the story of an author and radio personality, Gabriel Noone, who develops a deep relationship with a young listener, played by Rory Culkin (yes, that's Macauley's lil' brother). The young listener's identity raises troublesome questions, and Noone's personal life, already on rocky ground, is thrown into chaos.
The film is based on a best-selling novel written by Armistead Maupin, and in turn the book is partially based on real life events. How much of the novel is true and how much is embellished with artistic license isn't evident. The character of Noone is close to an actual depiction of Maupin, and fans of the book have heaped praise on Maupin's ability to blur the lines of reality and fiction.
This film allows Williams another return to the more serious tones that tend to garner him more acclaim. Looking at Williams' long list of films, his best work tends to be when he eschews blatant comedy (and really who would have thought Mork would be capable of that?) and moves toward roles that provide an opportunity to display dramatic ability, as well as comedy.
Also starring in The Night Listener are Toni Collette, Sandra Oh and Bobby Cannavale. (Kyle Kunitake/BOP)
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