The Night Listener is a somewhat interesting drama about a radio storyteller who is intrigued by an unpublished manuscript by a 14-year old boy who was sexually abused by his parents. Adopted by Armistead Maupin from his novel, this film has a slow-paced energy that makes it almost hard to stay awake for anyone expecting a thriller. Robin Williams is certainly at his most somber with no chance to act up a storm even when he gets really angry. Toni Collette plays the boy's caretaker or is she? When Bobby Cannavale as Williams' former partner hears the messages of the boy and the caretaker he notices the similarity of the voices which makes Williams doubt his intuition. Also with Sandra Oh and Rory Culkin as the boy. Suppsedly based on a true story, you might want to give this a try but don't expect to get too excited, just realize you're not watching a conventional drama or thriller.
169 Reviews
Like one of the previous commenters said...
matschang-216 February 2007
Like one of the previous commenters said, this had the foundations of a great movie but something happened on the way to delivery. Such a waste because Collette's performance was eerie and Williams was believable. I just kept waiting for it to get better. I don't think it was bad editing or needed another director, it could have just been the film. It came across as a Canadian movie, something like the first few seasons of X-Files. Not cheap, just hokey. Also, it needed a little more suspense. Something that makes you jump off your seat. The movie reached that moment then faded away; kind of like a false climax. I can see how being too suspenseful would have taken away from the "reality" of the story but I thought that part was reached when Gabriel was in the hospital looking for the boy. This movie needs to have a Director's cut that tries to fix these problems.
Surprisingly mediocre.
sarita_grrl23 August 2006
All of the elements of a fabulous film are in place: amazing actors, interesting true story, decent budget and set. Somehow, this movie falls flat and is quite forgettable.
I attribute this to the director. I've never seen his other movies, so I cannot compare. The movie was predictable, opportunities for some really great suspenseful moments were missed...like missing ten free-throws in basketball - painfully annoying...this director shot, and missed...a lot.
There's nothing inherently wrong with the film...it just screams, "Help me! Find me a fabulous editor to fix what this director missed!" This is the sort of movie one watches on HBO while folding laundry (since it wasn't compelling enough to see in the theater), and considers it "okay", but certainly not worthy of ones full attention...glad the laundry is done!
I attribute this to the director. I've never seen his other movies, so I cannot compare. The movie was predictable, opportunities for some really great suspenseful moments were missed...like missing ten free-throws in basketball - painfully annoying...this director shot, and missed...a lot.
There's nothing inherently wrong with the film...it just screams, "Help me! Find me a fabulous editor to fix what this director missed!" This is the sort of movie one watches on HBO while folding laundry (since it wasn't compelling enough to see in the theater), and considers it "okay", but certainly not worthy of ones full attention...glad the laundry is done!
I spent my life selecting only the parts that glitter
thinker16914 July 2007
There are many illnesses born in the mind of man which have been given life in modern times. Constant vigilance or accrued information in the realm of Pyschosis, have kept psychologists, counselors and psychiatrists busy with enough work to last them decades. Occasionally, some of these mental phenomenon are discover by those with no knowledge of their remedy or even of their existence. That is the premise of the film entitled " The Night Listner." It tells the story of a popular radio host called Gabriel Noon (Robin Williams) who spends his evenings enthralling his audiences with vivid stories about Gay lifestyles. Perhaps its because his show is losing it's authentic veneer which causes Noon to admit he is no longer himself. Feeling abandoned by both his lover Jess (Bobby Cannavale) and his and best friend (Joe Morton), he seeks shelter in his deepening despair and isolation. It is here, a mysterious voice in the night asks him for help. Noon needs to feel useful and reaches out to the desperate voice which belongs to a 14 year old boy called Peter (Rory Culkin). In reading the boy's harrowing manuscript which depicts the early life and sexual abuse at the hands of his brutal parents, Noon is captivated and wants to help. However, things are not what they seem and Noon soon finds himself en-wrapped in an elusive and bizarre tale torn right out of a medical nightmare. This movie is pure Robin Williams and were it not for Toni Collette who plays Donna D. Logand, Sandra Oh as Anna and John Cullum as pop, this might be comical. Instead, this may prove to be one of William's more serious performances. ***
It's A Provocative Idea
Lechuguilla16 December 2007
Just who is that person on the other end of the line, in any virtual relationship that we may happen to engage? In "The Night Listener" a late-night NYC radio storyteller named Gabriel (Robin Williams) talks to, and corresponds with, a 14-year-old sick boy named Pete, and his adult guardian Donna, who live in Wisconsin. But Gabriel's partner becomes suspicious of Pete and Donna, which leads Gabriel to go to Wisconsin to see the boy, to whom Gabriel has grown attached.
It's an interesting and provocative idea. We make assumptions, and don't bother to check them out. If those assumptions are false, then we engage in self-deception. This story questions the nature of reality, in personal relationships carried on over long distances. As a mystery, the film is dark, and when combined with elevator background music, the tone is sleepy and somber.
The problem here is that, although it's an interesting concept, there's really not enough material to justify a full-length feature film. The plot contains many contrivances that extend the runtime, and even then, the film is only 81 minutes in duration. The pace is very, very slow.
Further, while I like and admire Robin Williams as a comedian, he comes across as boring, in serious roles and not just because those roles lack humor. In "The Night Listener", he pouts his way through, all doleful and morose. You get the feeling that he's going to burst into tears at any moment.
As we watch the film, clearly there is some mystery that we do not understand, some puzzle that must be solved. And yet, when we find out what the solution is, it's a letdown. There never really was that much to the puzzle, after all.
"The Night Listener" is mostly a Robin Williams cinematic vehicle, and he plays his part very, very seriously. The script, based on an intriguing concept, just does not contain enough significant plot points to make the film entertaining.
It's an interesting and provocative idea. We make assumptions, and don't bother to check them out. If those assumptions are false, then we engage in self-deception. This story questions the nature of reality, in personal relationships carried on over long distances. As a mystery, the film is dark, and when combined with elevator background music, the tone is sleepy and somber.
The problem here is that, although it's an interesting concept, there's really not enough material to justify a full-length feature film. The plot contains many contrivances that extend the runtime, and even then, the film is only 81 minutes in duration. The pace is very, very slow.
Further, while I like and admire Robin Williams as a comedian, he comes across as boring, in serious roles and not just because those roles lack humor. In "The Night Listener", he pouts his way through, all doleful and morose. You get the feeling that he's going to burst into tears at any moment.
As we watch the film, clearly there is some mystery that we do not understand, some puzzle that must be solved. And yet, when we find out what the solution is, it's a letdown. There never really was that much to the puzzle, after all.
"The Night Listener" is mostly a Robin Williams cinematic vehicle, and he plays his part very, very seriously. The script, based on an intriguing concept, just does not contain enough significant plot points to make the film entertaining.
Robin Williams' Great Dramatic Acting Talent
D_Burke28 January 2008
You know, Robin Williams, God bless him, is constantly shooting himself in the foot lately with all these dumb comedies he has done this decade (with perhaps the exception of "Death To Smoochy", which bombed when it came out but is now a cult classic). The dramas he has made lately have been fantastic, especially "Insomnia" and "One Hour Photo". "The Night Listener", despite mediocre reviews and a quick DVD release, is among his best work, period.
This is a very chilling story, even though it doesn't include a serial killer or anyone that physically dangerous for that matter. The concept of the film is based on an actual case of fraud that still has yet to be officially confirmed. In high school, I read an autobiography by a child named Anthony Godby Johnson, who suffered horrific abuse and eventually contracted AIDS as a result. I was moved by the story until I read reports online that Johnson may not actually exist. When I saw this movie, the confused feelings that Robin Williams so brilliantly portrayed resurfaced in my mind.
Toni Collette probably gives her best dramatic performance too as the ultimately sociopathic "caretaker". Her role was a far cry from those she had in movies like "Little Miss Sunshine". There were even times she looked into the camera where I thought she was staring right at me. It takes a good actress to play that sort of role, and it's this understated (yet well reviewed) role that makes Toni Collette probably one of the best actresses of this generation not to have even been nominated for an Academy Award (as of 2008). It's incredible that there is at least one woman in this world who is like this, and it's scary too.
This is a good, dark film that I highly recommend. Be prepared to be unsettled, though, because this movie leaves you with a strange feeling at the end.
This is a very chilling story, even though it doesn't include a serial killer or anyone that physically dangerous for that matter. The concept of the film is based on an actual case of fraud that still has yet to be officially confirmed. In high school, I read an autobiography by a child named Anthony Godby Johnson, who suffered horrific abuse and eventually contracted AIDS as a result. I was moved by the story until I read reports online that Johnson may not actually exist. When I saw this movie, the confused feelings that Robin Williams so brilliantly portrayed resurfaced in my mind.
Toni Collette probably gives her best dramatic performance too as the ultimately sociopathic "caretaker". Her role was a far cry from those she had in movies like "Little Miss Sunshine". There were even times she looked into the camera where I thought she was staring right at me. It takes a good actress to play that sort of role, and it's this understated (yet well reviewed) role that makes Toni Collette probably one of the best actresses of this generation not to have even been nominated for an Academy Award (as of 2008). It's incredible that there is at least one woman in this world who is like this, and it's scary too.
This is a good, dark film that I highly recommend. Be prepared to be unsettled, though, because this movie leaves you with a strange feeling at the end.
Interesting premise, great acting, but story...?
bondgirl67814 August 2006
I couldn't give this film a bad rating or bad review for two reasons: Robin Williams and Toni Collete. The film has the potential of being a thriller and there are some slight disturbing elements that lean to the psychological which was something the film could have focused a little on. Robin Williams plays Gabriel Noon, a storytelling night time deejay who is going through personal issues: his lover moves out and Gabriel is having what seems to be a case of storyteller's block. One day he receives and reads a story written by a dying 14-year old boy named Pete Boland (Rory Culkin). Pete tells the story of his life and the abuse he suffered at the hands of his parents. He lives with his adopted mother and social worker, Donna Boland (Toni Collette). Gabriel is fascinated and begins a friendship with Pete, but things seem strange when Gabriel attempts to meet him and discovers the possibility that Pete Boland may not even exist. I won't go into detail because I don't want to spoil the film, but I will tell you this: it is quite predictable. Fascinating atmosphere for telling a story and good performances from Robin Williams and Toni Collette, who I thought was the film's key character. Collette is without question one of the most talented and loveliest actresses. Her ability to tap into the psyche and personality of the characters she portrays is very uncanny and I hope to see her win an Oscar (hell, I think she might pull off getting a Best Supporting Actress nod for this one if the script were a little better). The film starts off as a psychological thriller, but a predictable one at that. If your curious to know the film's ending and twists, then see the film otherwise I would rent another predictable thriller called "Hide and Seek".
The Man Who Knew Too Little
wes-connors20 April 2009
Warning: Spoilers
In this "critically acclaimed psychological thriller based on true events, Gabriel (Robin Williams), a celebrated writer and late-night talk show host, becomes captivated by the harrowing story of a young listener and his adoptive mother (Toni Collette). When troubling questions arise about this boy's (story), however, Gabriel finds himself drawn into a widening mystery that hides a deadly secret
" according to film's official synopsis.
You really should STOP reading these comments, and watch the film NOW...
The "How did he lose his leg?" ending, with Ms. Collette planning her new life, should be chopped off, and sent to "deleted scenes" land. It's overkill. The true nature of her physical and mental ailments should be obvious, by the time Mr. Williams returns to New York. Possibly, her blindness could be in question - but a revelation could have be made certain in either the "highway" or "video tape" scenes. The film would benefit from a re-editing - how about a "director's cut"?
Williams and Bobby Cannavale (as Jess) don't seem, initially, believable as a couple. A scene or two establishing their relationship might have helped set the stage. Otherwise, the cast is exemplary. Williams offers an exceptionally strong characterization, and not a "gay impersonation". Sandra Oh (as Anna), Joe Morton (as Ashe), and Rory Culkin (Pete Logand) are all perfect.
Best of all, Collette's "Donna" belongs in the creepy hall of fame. Ms. Oh is correct in saying Collette might be, "you know, like that guy from 'Psycho'." There have been several years when organizations giving acting awards seemed to reach for women, due to a slighter dispersion of roles; certainly, they could have noticed Collette with some award consideration. She is that good. And, director Patrick Stettner definitely evokes Hitchcock - he even makes getting a sandwich from a vending machine suspenseful.
Finally, writers Stettner, Armistead Maupin, and Terry Anderson deserve gratitude from flight attendants everywhere.
******* The Night Listener (1/21/06) Patrick Stettner ~ Robin Williams, Toni Collette, Sandra Oh, Rory Culkin
You really should STOP reading these comments, and watch the film NOW...
The "How did he lose his leg?" ending, with Ms. Collette planning her new life, should be chopped off, and sent to "deleted scenes" land. It's overkill. The true nature of her physical and mental ailments should be obvious, by the time Mr. Williams returns to New York. Possibly, her blindness could be in question - but a revelation could have be made certain in either the "highway" or "video tape" scenes. The film would benefit from a re-editing - how about a "director's cut"?
Williams and Bobby Cannavale (as Jess) don't seem, initially, believable as a couple. A scene or two establishing their relationship might have helped set the stage. Otherwise, the cast is exemplary. Williams offers an exceptionally strong characterization, and not a "gay impersonation". Sandra Oh (as Anna), Joe Morton (as Ashe), and Rory Culkin (Pete Logand) are all perfect.
Best of all, Collette's "Donna" belongs in the creepy hall of fame. Ms. Oh is correct in saying Collette might be, "you know, like that guy from 'Psycho'." There have been several years when organizations giving acting awards seemed to reach for women, due to a slighter dispersion of roles; certainly, they could have noticed Collette with some award consideration. She is that good. And, director Patrick Stettner definitely evokes Hitchcock - he even makes getting a sandwich from a vending machine suspenseful.
Finally, writers Stettner, Armistead Maupin, and Terry Anderson deserve gratitude from flight attendants everywhere.
******* The Night Listener (1/21/06) Patrick Stettner ~ Robin Williams, Toni Collette, Sandra Oh, Rory Culkin
A psychological bent
movieman_kev27 January 2007
Robin Williams stars as Gabriel No one an openly gay radio host who takes an interest in a regular caller, a boy suffering from Aids contacted via rape. His former lover is highly skeptical and this sends No one on a quest to find out the truth. The film is pretty well acted, but a tad too slow, more than a tad predictable, & any ambiguity at all that might have conceivably helped the film is negated by an ending sequence that causes the entire movie to suffer. And as such I can't really recommend this film, but at the same time hesitant to call it worthless. I find it easiest when the movie I'm reviewing is either good or bad, but this is neither. Slow but well acted. Bland but vaguely interesting. Ying and yang I guess.
My Grade: C-
DVD Extras: 'the night listener revealed' featurette; and 3 minute deleted scene
My Grade: C-
DVD Extras: 'the night listener revealed' featurette; and 3 minute deleted scene
Yeh, it's good enough
uberdonkey68 December 2018
Interesting structure and story, and you can't really be sure what's the truth until mostly through. Slightly disturbing and interesting that the intensity of the initial story has an effect on our own perception of truth. But really, this isn't a film about deception, but about a troubled person and a sad man.
I think films I watch fit into four categories: (1) boring and difficult to get through (2) original and inspiring (3) action/fun but simple (4) a sunday film which has cliched elements but is interesting enough.
This fits into (4). So, recommended to watch, but probably forgetable after a year
I think films I watch fit into four categories: (1) boring and difficult to get through (2) original and inspiring (3) action/fun but simple (4) a sunday film which has cliched elements but is interesting enough.
This fits into (4). So, recommended to watch, but probably forgetable after a year
The Night Listener
jboothmillard10 May 2009
Warning: Spoilers
I personally like Robin Williams, and will watch almost anything with him in it, that was obviously the case here, I didn't know what to expect. Basically late night radio host Gabriel No one (Williams) has his male lover needing space, so while he is gone he likes to talk to the young writer of a new manuscript, fourteen-year-old Pete D. Logand (Signs' Rory Culkin). Pete is very ill, and the only contact Gabriel has with him is through his blind adoptive mother Donna D. Logand (Toni Collette), but this relationship is very unsettling without Peter himself on the phone. Gabriel becomes suspicious of Donna, so he goes to find and confront Donna and Peter, and this is unsuccessful, we are wondering if Peter even really existed. Also starring Bobby Cannavale as Jess, Terminator 2's Joe Morton as Ashe, John Cullum as Pap No one and Bean's Sandra Oh as Anna. The story doesn't make all that much sense, and to be honest it isn't interesting enough for you to care about, even being based on real events. Adequate!
Give it a shot.
palefire-15 August 2006
This Night Listener is better than people are generally saying. It has weaknesses, and it seems to be having a genre identity crisis, no doubt, but I think its creepy atmosphere and intriguing performances make up for this. The whole thing feels like one of those fireside "this happened to a friend of a friend of mine" ghost stories. One big complaint about the movie is the pacing: but the slow and sometimes awkward pacing is deliberate. Everything that unfolds in this movie is kept well within the realm of possibility, and real life just sort of plods alongno? So there are no flashy endings or earth-shattering revelations, no "showdown" scenes. Thank Heaven. You have to get into the zone when watching this movie, forget your reservations and your expectations of what makes a (conventionally)good movie. Williams isn't terrific, but he easily meets the needs of the story, plus his character is supposed to be somewhat generic ("No One") as he is the Everyman, the avatar by which we ourselves enter the story. Toni Collette's performance should be nominated for an Oscar (even if she maybe shouldn't win it). Give it a shot. For quality and content alone, The Night Listener is surely in the top twenty percent of movies coming out these days.
Creepy, Unsettling, Not Bad -- But Coulda Been Better
Danusha_Goska8 August 2006
"The Night Listener" is a creepy and unsettling movie, and it's pretty good as far as creepy and unsettling movies go.
It could have been much better, though. The true, raw material on which the film is based is really compelling: A famous author is contacted by an abused child dying of AIDS. As the relationship progresses, the author comes to wonder if the kid is real or a hoax.
The story is so fascinating that several television shows and print articles have been based on it.
The movie makes good, but not great, use of the story. The film has creepy, scary, hair raising moments, and moments that make you stop and think about trust, suspicion, and relationships.
But it never really breaks into the same territory as, say, "Vertigo," which treads some of the same ground.
Robin Williams doesn't really do much here. His relationship with his ex lover, Bobby Cannavale, is never believable. The two have zero chemistry, and never even move as two people who once shared the same house, never mind the same bed.
The relationship with the abused child is rushed. It's never given any poignancy. And, so, when Williams begins to suspect the relationship, there is less at stake.
Toni Collette, though, gives a terrific performance as a woman who may be a heroine, or who may be a very scary psycho. She's just so good.
The director manages to make Wisconsin in winter seem like a very ominous place. I never thought that fat, pale, working class Wisconsin residents could appear so menacing.
If the material appeals to you, give this film a try. It's not great, but it's not half bad.
It could have been much better, though. The true, raw material on which the film is based is really compelling: A famous author is contacted by an abused child dying of AIDS. As the relationship progresses, the author comes to wonder if the kid is real or a hoax.
The story is so fascinating that several television shows and print articles have been based on it.
The movie makes good, but not great, use of the story. The film has creepy, scary, hair raising moments, and moments that make you stop and think about trust, suspicion, and relationships.
But it never really breaks into the same territory as, say, "Vertigo," which treads some of the same ground.
Robin Williams doesn't really do much here. His relationship with his ex lover, Bobby Cannavale, is never believable. The two have zero chemistry, and never even move as two people who once shared the same house, never mind the same bed.
The relationship with the abused child is rushed. It's never given any poignancy. And, so, when Williams begins to suspect the relationship, there is less at stake.
Toni Collette, though, gives a terrific performance as a woman who may be a heroine, or who may be a very scary psycho. She's just so good.
The director manages to make Wisconsin in winter seem like a very ominous place. I never thought that fat, pale, working class Wisconsin residents could appear so menacing.
If the material appeals to you, give this film a try. It's not great, but it's not half bad.
Shabby, ill conceived tale with a pasted on ending!
pooksilby5 February 2007
Don't blame this shabby and ill conceived tale with a pasted on conclusion on people from Wisconsin. It was hard to empathize with such a fool (Gabriel). Rory Caulkin seems to play the same part as in the movie Down in the Valley...Johnny-One-Note. Not much of a range in acting on anybody's part. Just flat and down. Robin Williams can be brilliant in noncomedic roles. This was not such an effort. Sandra Oh was the best part of this movie. Loved the scene when Robin Williams first gets to "Wisconsin." Would love to know where that mountain is. Our highest peak is Timm's Hill at 1900' elevation. See Williams in Good Will Hunting and Sandra Oh is Sideways and skip this movie.
As for Pete, there's a line in the Velveteen Rabbit that reads... Real isn't how you were made. It's the thing that happens to you. I'm Gabriel Noone. Goodnight.
hitchcockthelegend25 February 2020
Well I can add The Night Listener to my list of films that I believe are criminally undervalued. I be genuinely surprised to see this finely crafted tale rated below 6 on some internet movie sites. Is it just the Robin Williams haters dragging this smart film down? Or perhaps it's kids who don't quite understand a film about the complex and eerie nature of the fragile human condition? Either way this film delivers something outside of the norm, something for those to seek out who require a break from the hum drum of the spoon fed Hollywood masses.
Boasting the ever reliable and undervalued talent of Robin Williams (gusto without histrionics), and the considerable brilliance of Toni Collette, the film delivers a dark look at the yearning for love in some form or another, at the gullibility of those in need of something, making this film is a smart and intriguing nights entertainment. All those interested in the film should seek out the true story it's based on, that of the Anthony Godby Johnson affair, itself an eerie slice of human mystery.
This wouldn't be out of place on Hitchcock's CV, and tomorrow when I'm taking on the challenges of another working class day, this film will be at the forefront of my mind - because it did its job handsomely. You may not like it once viewed, but you will at least think about it afterward. Or maybe it's just me that thinks this is a little gem that should be thought of better with the advent of time... 7.5/10
Boasting the ever reliable and undervalued talent of Robin Williams (gusto without histrionics), and the considerable brilliance of Toni Collette, the film delivers a dark look at the yearning for love in some form or another, at the gullibility of those in need of something, making this film is a smart and intriguing nights entertainment. All those interested in the film should seek out the true story it's based on, that of the Anthony Godby Johnson affair, itself an eerie slice of human mystery.
This wouldn't be out of place on Hitchcock's CV, and tomorrow when I'm taking on the challenges of another working class day, this film will be at the forefront of my mind - because it did its job handsomely. You may not like it once viewed, but you will at least think about it afterward. Or maybe it's just me that thinks this is a little gem that should be thought of better with the advent of time... 7.5/10
The ending may be a cop out
RobertHI10 August 2006
The book was excellent, and as I remember it, left the central question of the story completely unanswered. I found it unfortunate that the movie has added a short scene at the end which apparently gives a more concrete answer to that question. I suspect this was because the makers felt the audience would be unhappy without some kind of resolution. (I deliberately leave this comment vague, because I do not want to spoil the story for those who have not read the book or have not yet seen the movie.)
Regarding some other comments I have read on this site, the comparisons to Blowup and L'Avventura are very apt, except for the final scene, of course!
Regarding some other comments I have read on this site, the comparisons to Blowup and L'Avventura are very apt, except for the final scene, of course!
very disappointed
rose-wright11 August 2006
I felt that the movie was dry... very disappointing no plot..kept waited for something to happened and nothing did dry as a bone.. a wast of money.. One of Robins Williams worst films..if you don't believe me wait a few months it will be out on DVD because that seems to be a pattern for movies that don't do well in the theaters are out as rentals before the year is over... This is one you will not want to see or say why did I spend my money on that!. Plus for it being such a new movie there were only 8 people in the watching it.... This was on a Friday night the 9:50 showing. I also felt that it needed some more excitement or something to keep us awake. When they characters spoke in the movie the voices were also very low you could not hear what they were saying..
Hitchcockian suspenser gives Williams a stand-out low-key performance.
george.schmidt14 August 2006
Warning: Spoilers
THE NIGHT LISTENER (2006) **1/2 Robin Williams, Toni Collette, Bobby Cannavale, Rory Culkin, Joe Morton, Sandra Oh, John Cullum, Lisa Emery, Becky Ann Baker. (Dir: Patrick Stettner)
Hitchcockian suspenser gives Williams a stand-out low-key performance.
What is it about celebrities and fans? What is the near paranoia one associates with the other and why is it almost the norm?
In the latest derange fan scenario, based on true events no less, Williams stars as a talk-radio personality named Gabriel No one, who reads stories he's penned over the airwaves and has accumulated an interesting fan in the form of a young boy named Pete Logand (Culkin) who has submitted a manuscript about the travails of his troubled youth to No one's editor Ashe (Morton) who gives it to No one to read for himself.
No one is naturally disturbed but ultimately intrigued about the nightmarish existence of Pete being abducted and sexually abused for years until he was finally rescued by a nurse named Donna (Collette giving an excellent performance) who has adopted the boy but her correspondence with No one reveals that Pete is dying from AIDS. Naturally No one wants to meet the fans but is suddenly in doubt to their possibly devious ulterior motives when the seed is planted by his estranged lover Jess (Cannavale) whose sudden departure from their New York City apartment has No one in an emotional tailspin that has only now grown into a tempest in a teacup when he decides to do some investigating into Donna and Pete's backgrounds discovering some truths that he didn't anticipate.
Written by Armistead Maupin (who co-wrote the screenplay with his former lover Terry Anderson and the film's novice director Stettner) and based on a true story about a fan's hoax found out has some Hitchcockian moments that run on full tilt like any good old fashioned pot-boiler does. It helps that Williams gives a stand-out, low-key performance as the conflicted good-hearted personality who genuinely wants to believe that his number one fan is in fact real and does love him (the one thing that has escaped his own reality) and has some unsettling dreadful moments with the creepy Collette whose one physical trait I will leave unmentioned but underlines the desperation of her character that can rattle you to the core.
However the film runs out of gas and eventually becomes a bit repetitive and predictable despite a finely directed piece of hoodwink and mystery by Stettner, it pays to listen to your own inner voice: be careful of what you hope for.
Hitchcockian suspenser gives Williams a stand-out low-key performance.
What is it about celebrities and fans? What is the near paranoia one associates with the other and why is it almost the norm?
In the latest derange fan scenario, based on true events no less, Williams stars as a talk-radio personality named Gabriel No one, who reads stories he's penned over the airwaves and has accumulated an interesting fan in the form of a young boy named Pete Logand (Culkin) who has submitted a manuscript about the travails of his troubled youth to No one's editor Ashe (Morton) who gives it to No one to read for himself.
No one is naturally disturbed but ultimately intrigued about the nightmarish existence of Pete being abducted and sexually abused for years until he was finally rescued by a nurse named Donna (Collette giving an excellent performance) who has adopted the boy but her correspondence with No one reveals that Pete is dying from AIDS. Naturally No one wants to meet the fans but is suddenly in doubt to their possibly devious ulterior motives when the seed is planted by his estranged lover Jess (Cannavale) whose sudden departure from their New York City apartment has No one in an emotional tailspin that has only now grown into a tempest in a teacup when he decides to do some investigating into Donna and Pete's backgrounds discovering some truths that he didn't anticipate.
Written by Armistead Maupin (who co-wrote the screenplay with his former lover Terry Anderson and the film's novice director Stettner) and based on a true story about a fan's hoax found out has some Hitchcockian moments that run on full tilt like any good old fashioned pot-boiler does. It helps that Williams gives a stand-out, low-key performance as the conflicted good-hearted personality who genuinely wants to believe that his number one fan is in fact real and does love him (the one thing that has escaped his own reality) and has some unsettling dreadful moments with the creepy Collette whose one physical trait I will leave unmentioned but underlines the desperation of her character that can rattle you to the core.
However the film runs out of gas and eventually becomes a bit repetitive and predictable despite a finely directed piece of hoodwink and mystery by Stettner, it pays to listen to your own inner voice: be careful of what you hope for.
True Story Sounds More Interesting Than This Adaptation
zkonedog12 March 2017
What if the person you were talking to on the phone really wasn't who you thought he was? That is the premise behind The Night Listener, based on a phone conversation between a radio show host and a young boy whose existence could never be proved. Unfortunately, in this case the true life events were likely more compelling than this bland adaptation.
For a basic plot summer, "Night Listener" tells the store of a radio talk show host (played by Robin Williams) who takes a liking to a young boy supposedly dying from a terrible disease. However, as the relationship builds, "Williams" has reason to believe that the boy may not be who he says he is (or even exist at all), thus leading to a personal investigation to find out the truth.
Now, had the film actually stuck to that basic plot line, it might have been a halfways decent thriller. Instead, for whatever reason, it focuses far too much on the personal demons of "Williams" (e.g. his character's homosexuality really doesn't add anything to the film, yet is explored in great detail). Also, the relationship between "Williams" and the mystery boy in question's mother is ultimately crucial to understanding the film's conclusion, but is again too much about HIS perspective, not HERS. Like I said, more focus on the mystery at hand would have made for a more compelling experience.
Thus, I think a 1.5-star rating perfectly pegs this movie, as it was only good enough to make you want to see how things turn out in the end, not so much caring about the journey to get to that point. Also, it comes nowhere close to, say, "One Hour Photo" in terms of establishing Williams as a serious actor and not just a manic comedian.
For a basic plot summer, "Night Listener" tells the store of a radio talk show host (played by Robin Williams) who takes a liking to a young boy supposedly dying from a terrible disease. However, as the relationship builds, "Williams" has reason to believe that the boy may not be who he says he is (or even exist at all), thus leading to a personal investigation to find out the truth.
Now, had the film actually stuck to that basic plot line, it might have been a halfways decent thriller. Instead, for whatever reason, it focuses far too much on the personal demons of "Williams" (e.g. his character's homosexuality really doesn't add anything to the film, yet is explored in great detail). Also, the relationship between "Williams" and the mystery boy in question's mother is ultimately crucial to understanding the film's conclusion, but is again too much about HIS perspective, not HERS. Like I said, more focus on the mystery at hand would have made for a more compelling experience.
Thus, I think a 1.5-star rating perfectly pegs this movie, as it was only good enough to make you want to see how things turn out in the end, not so much caring about the journey to get to that point. Also, it comes nowhere close to, say, "One Hour Photo" in terms of establishing Williams as a serious actor and not just a manic comedian.
A gently moving study in obsession and loneliness
pfgpowell-116 May 2009
Warning: Spoilers
The Night Listener is essentially quite straightforward: a study in obsession and loneliness. The two protagonists are almost mirror images of each other, one an ageing homosexual writer and the other an attention-seeking fantasist. It was billed, by some, as a thriller, and consequently criticised for not being very thrilling, not being very mysterious and, finally, not really having a story. Certainly, there is no resolution to 'the story' as such, but then whether of not the young boy existed is not relevant. What is relevant is that the storyteller, whose younger lover has left him, desperately wants there to be a boy, desperately wants to have a son. The other obsessive, a woman who apparently invents the boy to get attention, will do anything to keep the fiction going. The film plays trick a little viewer and I cannot make up my mind whether it does so fairly or not. So, for example, we are shown the fictional boy talking to the storyteller on the phone and then handing the receiver to the obsessive woman. So, it would seem, and do the film would have us believe, he really did exist. Yet he didn't: he really is just a vehicle for the obsessive to get the attention she craves. A final scene confirms it: at the end of the film she has moved to another town to start a new life, is no longer blind and the fictional boy in her life is no longer the victim of paedophile parents, but has lost a leg. Finally, of course, it doesn't matter whether or not the film plays fair. Its essence is to portray the private despair of an essentially decent man whom life is slowly but surely passing by. If you read other reviews, you will hear it claimed that The Night Listener is a cracking thriller or, alternatively, not worth a minute of the running time. Both views are wrong, but more to the point mistake, The Night Listener is a gentle film in which the storyteller finds some sort of peace, if only an acceptance that he is getting older and that life is not always as accommodating as we fondly wish. Furthermore, the film is beautifully shot in dark browns of different hues, in shadows, at night. Daylight and light generally play no part in the storyteller's world. Very little is distinct, and ironically the only real understanding and openness comes from two younger characters who are sceptical of the boys existence from the start. This is a slow-moving, in many ways uneventful film which succeeds because it doesn't pretend to be anything more than it is: an examination of obsession and loneliness. If you like a certain kind of film, you will like it. Williams is very good in portraying the storyteller's loneliness and Toni Collette also turns in a good performance. If you want a thriller, forget it. There is so much more to this film than that.
Not bad, just not a lot there.
setanta-11 August 2006
"The Night Listener" tells the story of Gabriel No one a radio storyteller who finds himself living his most interesting yarn yet. He is given a book to review by his publisher and strikes up a telephone friendship with the troubled young author, Pete Logand. When questions come up about the sordid events of Pete's autobiographical work Gabriel sets out to discover the truth.
The film takes a steady, sober look at its characters which avoids the pitfalls of typical "suspense" films. The characters are believable and interesting, with Toni Collette delivering a particularly fine performance. For some reason though, the story simply didn't have much of an impact on me. If I had to hazard a guess why I would say that the relationship between Gabriel and Pete wasn't given enough time to breathe in this short 82 minute film. The early repartee between Robin Williams and Rory Culkin was some of the best material in the film. I think we needed a bit more of that to feel the sense of connection that Gabriel did and to understand the need that this relationship answered in his life. At one point he asks himself, "Why am I here?" Unfortunately, we cannot convincingly answer.
The film takes a steady, sober look at its characters which avoids the pitfalls of typical "suspense" films. The characters are believable and interesting, with Toni Collette delivering a particularly fine performance. For some reason though, the story simply didn't have much of an impact on me. If I had to hazard a guess why I would say that the relationship between Gabriel and Pete wasn't given enough time to breathe in this short 82 minute film. The early repartee between Robin Williams and Rory Culkin was some of the best material in the film. I think we needed a bit more of that to feel the sense of connection that Gabriel did and to understand the need that this relationship answered in his life. At one point he asks himself, "Why am I here?" Unfortunately, we cannot convincingly answer.
absolutely weak
onepotato219 May 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Pointlessly slow because it has no third act (and I'm being generous). Any transitional part of the movie just sits there because they need to pad. There's so much time between a doubt and it's investigation that you and your viewer-friends will guess every single development, as we did. The movie itself commits the crime of having Sandra Oh's character suggest three scenarios which might be occurring and the big surprise is that, it IS one of them. Weak, weak, WEAK!
It's too influenced by The Mothman Prophecies which also has atmosphere but lacks a single decent scare. It is also pretty icky. A boy who has been raped and sodomized by adult molesters may or may not exist. Uh, have the people in this movie ever heard of urban myths? Why have they never confirmed a damned thing about this story via a newspaper (about the only thing the news media are good for in the Bush era). You think a story this salacious could exist without Fox news confirming & exploiting it for months? You have never seen a less likely couple in all of film history than hairy grampa-gnome Robin Williams and scorching hot Cuban Bobby Canavale. Giiiiiiiiive me a break.
Stick to your g-rated, treacly novels Armistead!
It's too influenced by The Mothman Prophecies which also has atmosphere but lacks a single decent scare. It is also pretty icky. A boy who has been raped and sodomized by adult molesters may or may not exist. Uh, have the people in this movie ever heard of urban myths? Why have they never confirmed a damned thing about this story via a newspaper (about the only thing the news media are good for in the Bush era). You think a story this salacious could exist without Fox news confirming & exploiting it for months? You have never seen a less likely couple in all of film history than hairy grampa-gnome Robin Williams and scorching hot Cuban Bobby Canavale. Giiiiiiiiive me a break.
Stick to your g-rated, treacly novels Armistead!
Open-ended drama/thriller that works
KUAlum2614 August 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Popular radio storyteller Gabriel No one(Robin Williams,scraggy and speaking in hushed,hypnotic tones) becomes acquainted and friends with a fourteen-year-old boy from Wisconsin named Pete Logand(Rory Culkin),who has written a book detailing sexual abuse from his parents. To boot,Pete has AIDS and this compels Gabriel further still,since his partner Jess(Bobby Cannavale,good)happens to be a survivor of HIV himself.
He also acquaints himself with Pete's guardian,a woman named Donna(Toni Collette,brilliant!)and when Gabriel decides he wants to meet and talk to the two of them in person and goes to Wisconsin,he discovers some secrets he was(naturally)not prepared to find.
Based on real events that happened to Armistead Maupin(who co-wrote the screenplay with Terry Anderson)and directed by Patrick Stetner,this film moves a lot faster(90 min.,maybe a few minutes longer)than one might think a movie of this genre would run. That's good in that it keeps the action and storyline lean and clear. It's bad in that it leaves various holes in the plot and doesn't sew-up any of the plot openings or back-story. I'd rather not go into any great detail except to say that,if you are not familiar with Mr.Maupin's works or his personal story,you feel a little bit out of the loop here. Still,the performances by Williams( I would've loved to heard more of his narration,personally),Collette,Cannavale,Culkin and much of the supporting cast(the Waitress at the restaurant Collete's Donna frequents does a great job with what small part she has!)are top-notch and the mood established here--namely,the chilly,lonely dark exteriors of Wisconsin and New York--give a terrific framing for this story. It may have ends that don't tie together particularly well,but it's still a compelling enough story to stick with.
He also acquaints himself with Pete's guardian,a woman named Donna(Toni Collette,brilliant!)and when Gabriel decides he wants to meet and talk to the two of them in person and goes to Wisconsin,he discovers some secrets he was(naturally)not prepared to find.
Based on real events that happened to Armistead Maupin(who co-wrote the screenplay with Terry Anderson)and directed by Patrick Stetner,this film moves a lot faster(90 min.,maybe a few minutes longer)than one might think a movie of this genre would run. That's good in that it keeps the action and storyline lean and clear. It's bad in that it leaves various holes in the plot and doesn't sew-up any of the plot openings or back-story. I'd rather not go into any great detail except to say that,if you are not familiar with Mr.Maupin's works or his personal story,you feel a little bit out of the loop here. Still,the performances by Williams( I would've loved to heard more of his narration,personally),Collette,Cannavale,Culkin and much of the supporting cast(the Waitress at the restaurant Collete's Donna frequents does a great job with what small part she has!)are top-notch and the mood established here--namely,the chilly,lonely dark exteriors of Wisconsin and New York--give a terrific framing for this story. It may have ends that don't tie together particularly well,but it's still a compelling enough story to stick with.
A good thriller that blows it all at the end.
Roanka15 August 2006
"The Night Listener" stars Robin Williams as a radio show host. He forms an over-the-phone friendship with a teenager who is supposedly dying of AIDS. Eventually, he suspects that the teenager does not really exist at all.
This movie surprised me with how, despite some flaws, I was on the edge of my seat for the entire movie. I was constantly expecting something shocking to happen. Even though nothing shocking did happen, that does not matter. It kept me in suspense. I was all set to rate this movie an 8 out of 10. However, then the ending came. What an awful ending! Apparently the makers of this film have a low opinion of the viewing audience. They seem to believe that instead of leaving us in suspense they should wrap everything up in a nice little package. If only they had cut that scene at the end with the real estate agent I would be raving about what a great movie this was. Instead they force-feed all the answers down the viewers throat. I left very disappointed as the ending ruined all the suspense for me. Overall it knocks this movie down to a 6 out of 10.
This movie surprised me with how, despite some flaws, I was on the edge of my seat for the entire movie. I was constantly expecting something shocking to happen. Even though nothing shocking did happen, that does not matter. It kept me in suspense. I was all set to rate this movie an 8 out of 10. However, then the ending came. What an awful ending! Apparently the makers of this film have a low opinion of the viewing audience. They seem to believe that instead of leaving us in suspense they should wrap everything up in a nice little package. If only they had cut that scene at the end with the real estate agent I would be raving about what a great movie this was. Instead they force-feed all the answers down the viewers throat. I left very disappointed as the ending ruined all the suspense for me. Overall it knocks this movie down to a 6 out of 10.
This movie is a mess. Save your money.
mb80-16 August 2006
This movie is a mess. I'm surprised it even has a theatrical release. WIthout Robin Williams it would have gone straight to video. It is poorly written. It is poorly directed. It's worse offense is that it has taken an interesting topic and reduced it to a ridiculous and BORING thriller that has no thrills and no suspense and no inner or emotional logic.Especially after the first half hour the movie dovetails into a series of ridiculous set pieces that are so over the top that the audience I saw it with was laughing at it. Save your money. The trailer is totally misleading - it is not suspenseful and there are no thrills - in fact the movie's truly worst offense is that it is simply boring.
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