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All rights reserved.The Night Listener (2007, DVD)
Top Reviews
Robin Williams Playing the Lead in Maupin's True StoryReview created: 05/27/07
by:
8 of 8 people found this review helpful.
Armistead Maupin turns his novel into a scrutiny of a person's degenerating mind & the disturbing ways they toy with reality. A viewer can't be certain where truth stops & delusions begin. Maupin co-wrote the autobiographical screenplay adaptation with Terry Anderson & director Patrick Stettner. It was released August 4th, 2006. It flies by at under 90 mins. short.
Gabriel Noone (Robin Williams) is a popular gay writer who reads the "fiction of his life" on a late night talk show in hushed, nearly hypnotic, intonations. Due, in part, to a sense of devastating loss of his lover of 8 years, Jess (Bobby Cannavale), Noone's in a state of writer's block. He nursed Jess for years through a health crisis with AIDS; but, now that Jess is in remission & wants to be free to sow wild oats, Noone feels depressed & discarded.
A literary agent Ashe (Joe Morton) gives Noone a book to read written by a 14yo boy, Pete Logand (Rory Culkin). Logand's story details years of being sexually molested & consequently having to live with AIDS in foster care with a social worker, Donna (Toni Collette). Noone finds Logand's story fascinating enough to distract him from his own mid-life crisis. In contrast, the boy's dilemma makes Noone's seem minor.
Logand & Donna become Noone's fans as they enter into dialogue via phone. After Noone tells Logand's story to Jess, Jess plants the seed of doubt of potential fraud. Noone begins to wonder if Logand exists. So, he heads for Wisconsin to uncover the truth. He meets Donna & learns some of their secrets, but doesn't get to meet Logand.
Based on real events that happened to Armistead Maupin, the brevity of the movie keeps the action moving & plot clear. As usual in this part of my reviews, I shant go any further into the story. I believe "The Night Listener" will be most intriguing to viewers who know Maupin's prior stories & personal history. Terrific acting by Williams, Collette, Cannavale, Culkin & a swell supporting cast make this DVD a very good one to own.
Gabriel Noone (Robin Williams) is a popular gay writer who reads the "fiction of his life" on a late night talk show in hushed, nearly hypnotic, intonations. Due, in part, to a sense of devastating loss of his lover of 8 years, Jess (Bobby Cannavale), Noone's in a state of writer's block. He nursed Jess for years through a health crisis with AIDS; but, now that Jess is in remission & wants to be free to sow wild oats, Noone feels depressed & discarded.
A literary agent Ashe (Joe Morton) gives Noone a book to read written by a 14yo boy, Pete Logand (Rory Culkin). Logand's story details years of being sexually molested & consequently having to live with AIDS in foster care with a social worker, Donna (Toni Collette). Noone finds Logand's story fascinating enough to distract him from his own mid-life crisis. In contrast, the boy's dilemma makes Noone's seem minor.
Logand & Donna become Noone's fans as they enter into dialogue via phone. After Noone tells Logand's story to Jess, Jess plants the seed of doubt of potential fraud. Noone begins to wonder if Logand exists. So, he heads for Wisconsin to uncover the truth. He meets Donna & learns some of their secrets, but doesn't get to meet Logand.
Based on real events that happened to Armistead Maupin, the brevity of the movie keeps the action moving & plot clear. As usual in this part of my reviews, I shant go any further into the story. I believe "The Night Listener" will be most intriguing to viewers who know Maupin's prior stories & personal history. Terrific acting by Williams, Collette, Cannavale, Culkin & a swell supporting cast make this DVD a very good one to own.
Review ID: 10000000003640121
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The Night ListenerReview created: 07/24/08
by:
Great movie, suspensful, recommend to adults, Reason I bought, like actor, and heard the movie was good.Very Good movie, in my opinion.
Review ID: 10000000008071588
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dvd guyAs advertised. Item price + shipping = reasonable overall expense. Very quick shipping.
Per ebay requirements: Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their party. Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their party.
Per ebay requirements: Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their party. Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their party.
Review ID: 10000000006406883
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The title is a misnomer. It is focused on one man.I liked the movie. It was a bit confusing at the end of it. It really kept me intrigued by being interesting. The plot was very good. I bought it because I really like Robin Williams. He is a great actor, and it shows in this movie.
Review ID: 10000000006004061
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the movie is great! i watch it everyday !there is nothing i dislike about this movie! i love it! i watch it every chance i get! it has a twist to it and you will keep wondering until the end who is this person and what do they want? so if you want a good movie you should get this movie. i would rent it first just in case you do or don't like it and then if you do then please buy the movie! you will love it!
Review ID: 10000000004877831
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i good person to order from.Review created: 07/31/07
by:
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.
fast shipping and no shipping price.I will order again.the movie come in good shape.the movie was good.
Review ID: 10000000004076663
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The Night ListenerReview created: 03/05/07
by:
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.
I have read and seen many shows about this real life story.
Skip the movie~! It was a waste of talent for these two fine actors.
The movie never really had a starting point, if you know nothing about the real life story you'll be completley confused. I knew about the story & had trouble following the movie. It was a very short movie, I think that was part of the problem. They tried to get to much in to very little time & it made little sense.
Hope this helps.
Skip the movie~! It was a waste of talent for these two fine actors.
The movie never really had a starting point, if you know nothing about the real life story you'll be completley confused. I knew about the story & had trouble following the movie. It was a very short movie, I think that was part of the problem. They tried to get to much in to very little time & it made little sense.
Hope this helps.
Review ID: 10000000003098752
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Super SALE!!!0 of 2 people found this review helpful.
Thank you to the seller who was quick with sending a wonderful copy. Easy sale- quick service and friendly. Thanks - rej62
Review ID: 10000000003070839
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Left me feeling unsatisfied!Review created: 03/03/07
by:
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.
I thought this movie was going to be really good, but reality hit me about 30 minutes in and I realized - I wasted my money. The movie did have a little intrigue and mystery to it but, they killed that pretty quickly. And the ending left the viewer with not even a stitch of closure or satisfaction.
Review ID: 10000000003055784
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The Night ListenerReview created: 02/07/07
by:
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.
Gabriel Noone (Robin Williams) is a soothing talk radio personality specializing in embellishing stories from his daily life. When handed a memoir of sexual abuse written by a 14 year-old named Pete (Rory Culkin), Gabriel is quickly consumed by the book, and accepts the opportunity to speak to the boy over the phone. Gabriel's dreary world is brightened by their friendship, but when those around him raise doubts about the boy's existence, Gabriel travels to Wisconsin to meet the writer and his eccentric mother (Toni Collette).
"Night Listener" is a humble psychological thriller shoehorned into a heated August release date where it doesn't belong. The studio is promising thrills and chills, but this picture doesn't dance to that tune.
Adapted by celebrated author Armistead Maupin (with Terry Anderson) from his 2000 novel, "Listener" is a dense look (based on truth) at the hollow existence of a writer who cannibalizes his own life for the entertainment of others. Played with a thick layer of purple funk by Robin Williams, Gabriel is a broken man in the midst of a painful breakup with his boyfriend (Bobby Cannavale), the crumbling of his artistic inspiration, and rising doubt over Pete's true whereabouts. Maupin's screenplay seeks to concentrate on the essential character impulses to further the story, but he leaves room for interesting asides featuring Gabriel's gay angst about growing older and feeling unwanted by his younger lover, as well as his prickly relationship with his father.
While I wasn't a fan of his constipated debut picture "The Business of Strangers," director Patrick Stettner has a strong hold on the many facets of "Listener." There are times when watching Gabriel try to figure out his personal life is far more interesting than the central thriller unfolding. Stettner balances the characters with the mystery very well, and doesn't go overboard trying to polish either side to perfection. "Listener" is an intimate story, and Stettner directs accordingly, appreciating Maupin's delicate framework and doesn't push his weight around trying to shape the material into standard thriller mode.
What I treasured most about "Listener" is that it never felt the need to attempt a massive plot twist to suck the viewer in. Perhaps some will find the slow roll out of the mystery here not exciting enough; however, I was tickled to see a picture with patience and resolve to not play street corner card tricks. This is a potent mind game that doesn't need fireworks to click. "The Night Listener" doesn't hammer home the bite of big Hollywood entertainment, but it does deliver an engrossing and emotionally rich tale of deceit.
Please let us know if this review was helpful (click below)
If you have any questions about this review please contact us at
contact@ck-auctions.com
Posted by CK-Auctions
"Night Listener" is a humble psychological thriller shoehorned into a heated August release date where it doesn't belong. The studio is promising thrills and chills, but this picture doesn't dance to that tune.
Adapted by celebrated author Armistead Maupin (with Terry Anderson) from his 2000 novel, "Listener" is a dense look (based on truth) at the hollow existence of a writer who cannibalizes his own life for the entertainment of others. Played with a thick layer of purple funk by Robin Williams, Gabriel is a broken man in the midst of a painful breakup with his boyfriend (Bobby Cannavale), the crumbling of his artistic inspiration, and rising doubt over Pete's true whereabouts. Maupin's screenplay seeks to concentrate on the essential character impulses to further the story, but he leaves room for interesting asides featuring Gabriel's gay angst about growing older and feeling unwanted by his younger lover, as well as his prickly relationship with his father.
While I wasn't a fan of his constipated debut picture "The Business of Strangers," director Patrick Stettner has a strong hold on the many facets of "Listener." There are times when watching Gabriel try to figure out his personal life is far more interesting than the central thriller unfolding. Stettner balances the characters with the mystery very well, and doesn't go overboard trying to polish either side to perfection. "Listener" is an intimate story, and Stettner directs accordingly, appreciating Maupin's delicate framework and doesn't push his weight around trying to shape the material into standard thriller mode.
What I treasured most about "Listener" is that it never felt the need to attempt a massive plot twist to suck the viewer in. Perhaps some will find the slow roll out of the mystery here not exciting enough; however, I was tickled to see a picture with patience and resolve to not play street corner card tricks. This is a potent mind game that doesn't need fireworks to click. "The Night Listener" doesn't hammer home the bite of big Hollywood entertainment, but it does deliver an engrossing and emotionally rich tale of deceit.
Please let us know if this review was helpful (click below)
If you have any questions about this review please contact us at
contact@ck-auctions.com
Posted by CK-Auctions
Review ID: 10000000002923945
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I would recomend itReview created: 01/25/07
by:
1 of 4 people found this review helpful.
Great DVD, good special features. Picure quality is perfect. sad but uplifting, and well produced. I would recomend it.
Review ID: 10000000002800614
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It's a drama , not a thriller.0 of 3 people found this review helpful.
Well, i saw this movies with a couple of my friends, and 15 minutes into the movie we were convinced
****MAJOR SPOILRER**********
that what you think is going on, that whats going on ;)
but the point of the movie is the women and Gabriel and his obssesion
Pros: Great acting by Williams
Cons:Not so great by everybody else
If your looking for thriller with 100 loss ends and twist and turn everyminute , thats not for you, if you want a clever drama with a mystery, this movie is for you.
****MAJOR SPOILRER**********
that what you think is going on, that whats going on ;)
but the point of the movie is the women and Gabriel and his obssesion
Pros: Great acting by Williams
Cons:Not so great by everybody else
If your looking for thriller with 100 loss ends and twist and turn everyminute , thats not for you, if you want a clever drama with a mystery, this movie is for you.
Review ID: 10000000002795340
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Not what one would expect from Robin Williams.Review created: 01/20/07
by:
0 of 2 people found this review helpful.
I was so excited to watch this movie, and then when I did I was very disappointed. Robin Williams part was weak I thought, I waited for the entire length of the movie for the suspense and the thrills, and found none. Not at all what I would have expected from Robin Williams. I found it lacking and not up to par with his usual work. The plot started out strong and you wait with bated breath through the movie to see if it will increase only to be let down when nothing happens. Very disppointing. And not one I would recommend.
Review ID: 10000000002786743
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Is he real or is he not?2 of 3 people found this review helpful.
AAdapted from Armistead Maupin's book, this tale is based on an experience Maupin actually had.
Gabriel Noone (Robin Williams) finds his relationship falling apart just as he begins a long distance phone and mail relationship with a young boy who purportedly was abused and is in the last stages of AIDS.
Noone's borderline lover (John Cullum) plants the seeds of doubt about whether the boy's tale is true or not which leads Noone on a significant trip to find out the truth.
Toni Collette plays the disturbed blind woman who is giving foster care to the young boy and Sandra Oh plays Noone's confidant.
Robin Williams is outstanding!
.
Gabriel Noone (Robin Williams) finds his relationship falling apart just as he begins a long distance phone and mail relationship with a young boy who purportedly was abused and is in the last stages of AIDS.
Noone's borderline lover (John Cullum) plants the seeds of doubt about whether the boy's tale is true or not which leads Noone on a significant trip to find out the truth.
Toni Collette plays the disturbed blind woman who is giving foster care to the young boy and Sandra Oh plays Noone's confidant.
Robin Williams is outstanding!
.
Review ID: 10000000002748343
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A not-uninteresting adaptation of a(n impossible-to-film) book about listeningReview created: 06/30/07
by: Stephen_Murray-- a member of Epinions and Advisor in Movies
Pros:
Toni Collette
Toni Collette
Cons:
trying to make the story a thriller was a mistake
trying to make the story a thriller was a mistake
The "thriller" part of "The Night Listener" is more developed than the thriller part of "The Bulgarian Lovers," but in both instances, the characters are more interesting than the plot menaces. And, tedious as it gets to say, the book The Night Listener is better than the movie, having the voice of Armistead Maupin, more character development, and less outlandish (well-inner-landed!) terror. Still, the movie has some very good performances, particularly that of Toni Collette (Muriel's Wedding, The Hours, Little Miss Sunshine) as the woman who has invented a 14-year-old's memoir of parental...
Review ID: 10000000003873789
THE NIGHT LISTENER FALLS SHORT OF "HITCHCOCKIAN"Review created: 08/04/06
by: mike.holmes -- a member of Epinions
Pros:
Excellent acting by the stars
Excellent acting by the stars
Cons:
Weak script and lack of suspense
Weak script and lack of suspense
NOTICE: Although I saw this film in the theater, the Epinions database only listed it in "Videos and DVD's". I have to admit that I borrowed part of my title from a blurb I saw advertising this movie. The ad said that "The Night Listener" is a "Hitchcockian Thriller." Frankly, I don't remember the great Mr. Hitchcock's last name being used as an adjective before but it was effective in making me want to see the film. I'm sorry to report that, although the movie is good, it does not measure up to the better Hitchcock films. That's not too bad because most movies don't measure up to his films...
Review ID: 10000000001982910
Car on a frozen lake....no thanks!Review created: 08/06/06
by: quidrock -- a member of Epinions
Pros:
Collette
Collette
Cons:
Twists aren't twisted enough, dark places not dark enough.
Twists aren't twisted enough, dark places not dark enough.
Sigh. I still have Maupin's novel "The Night Listener" on my nightstand. I understand from friends that it is (once again) more complex and easier to like than the new film. Maupin wrote the script with director Patrick Stettner and Terry Anderson, who was once Maupin's real life partner. The novel is semi-autobiographical, a story of love, loss and obsession that twists itself into a kind of psychological thriller. Still, I was more compelled by the deeper emotions than I was by the plot twists and dark moments. I try to see every movie that features Toni Collette. She's a consummate actress.
Review ID: 10000000003873790
The Night ListenerReview created: 02/15/08
by: lyoness913-- a member of Epinions and Advisor in Movies
Pros:
Fabulous acting, wonderful actors, very suspenseful
Fabulous acting, wonderful actors, very suspenseful
Cons:
None
None
Like many movies that I happen to catch on cable, I had never heard of The Night Listener starring Robin Williams and Toni Collette. I began watching and I was immediately interested in the story and the characters. Night Listener is actually based on events that really took place, which makes it even more magnetic. Perhaps many might say that this isn t a significant film in the long list of movies that Robin Williams has been involved with, but I beg to differ. I believe that The Night Listener boasts one of Williams as well as Collette s finest performances. Robin Williams is Gabriel Noone.
Review ID: 10000000006846997
The Trials of a Radio Talk Show Host Night Listener starring Robin WilliamsReview created: 12/21/07
by: wychic -- a member of Epinions
Pros:
great acting, twisted plot
great acting, twisted plot
Cons:
has a little bit of a slow start
has a little bit of a slow start
Gabriel Noone (Robin Williams) is an evening radio show host suffering from a creative block as his world comes crashing down around him. For the last eight years Gabriel has broadcast stories about him and his significant other, Jess (Bobby Cannavale), who was diagnosed with AIDS. Thanks to new advances in medications and AIDS treatment Jess gets well enough that it's apparent he won't die anytime soon so he finally leaves Gabriel because he's sick and tired of his life and misfortune being jazzed up and told to the nation. Amidst his emotional crisis a publisher friend of Gabriel's hands...
Review ID: 10000000006846998
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