"Nothing happens."
The 2022 film titled "The Listener" directed by Steve Buscemi explores the harsh realities of the human psyche and its pitfalls. The story follows Maggie who works for a help hotline, answering calls from lonely, confused, and mentally unstable people whose stories spark a gnawing and uncomfortable effect on her. The protagonist takes on the moniker Beth to protect herself from the intrusiveness of callers.
The main character Beth has a one-on-one dialogue with mentally distraught callers. Their stories often trigger her PTSD from her former life. Throughout the course of the film, little nuggets of information about the protagonist are revealed to the audience. One might decree that the whole movie feels like a 'one woman show'. It takes place primarily in Beth's house, apart from the last scene where the character goes on a stroll with her dog. Tessa Thompson is the only person seen on-screen, while the rest of the actors can only be heard.
The movie perfectly captures the intrinsic value of the human spirit and showcases the complexities of good and evil. The film is inherently about the protagonist coming to grips with her past and reconciling and accepting her former self's flaws and insecurities.
The last shot of the movie where Maggie lets her hair down showcases her growth and carefree and free-spirited nature. Tessa Thompson looks utterly beguiling, and I barely even recognized her in some scenes. This film only proves her versatility as an actress even further. Her acting range has always been impressive, but here it reaches new ground. I wouldn't go as far as saying that this is a career best performance from her, but it certainly made a lasting impression.
One gripe I have with the film is that it feels too melancholic and slow at times. Even though, a melodrama is supposed to move at a rather gradual pace, I thought this movie should have picked up its momentum faster.
To conclude, at its core this movie is a sort of character study, emphasizing on dialogue and emotion, rather than telling a fully fleshed out story with fully realized characters. Its non-linear narrative helps to showcase realism effectively. Steve Buscemi tackled this deeply vexing story with sincerity and pathos. Also, he incorporates excellent use of the close-up. The filmmaking style is certainly not for everyone's liking. The close-ups capture the mental anguish of the protagonist, making the spectator understand their point of view. Steve Buscemi's film "The Listener" claims niche status, yet that should not stop avid filmgoers to see this movie.
Other tidbits:
*One of the things I loved about the film is that the humour is very subtle and cleverly incorporated in the script.
Final verdict: 6.5/10.
The 2022 film titled "The Listener" directed by Steve Buscemi explores the harsh realities of the human psyche and its pitfalls. The story follows Maggie who works for a help hotline, answering calls from lonely, confused, and mentally unstable people whose stories spark a gnawing and uncomfortable effect on her. The protagonist takes on the moniker Beth to protect herself from the intrusiveness of callers.
The main character Beth has a one-on-one dialogue with mentally distraught callers. Their stories often trigger her PTSD from her former life. Throughout the course of the film, little nuggets of information about the protagonist are revealed to the audience. One might decree that the whole movie feels like a 'one woman show'. It takes place primarily in Beth's house, apart from the last scene where the character goes on a stroll with her dog. Tessa Thompson is the only person seen on-screen, while the rest of the actors can only be heard.
The movie perfectly captures the intrinsic value of the human spirit and showcases the complexities of good and evil. The film is inherently about the protagonist coming to grips with her past and reconciling and accepting her former self's flaws and insecurities.
The last shot of the movie where Maggie lets her hair down showcases her growth and carefree and free-spirited nature. Tessa Thompson looks utterly beguiling, and I barely even recognized her in some scenes. This film only proves her versatility as an actress even further. Her acting range has always been impressive, but here it reaches new ground. I wouldn't go as far as saying that this is a career best performance from her, but it certainly made a lasting impression.
One gripe I have with the film is that it feels too melancholic and slow at times. Even though, a melodrama is supposed to move at a rather gradual pace, I thought this movie should have picked up its momentum faster.
To conclude, at its core this movie is a sort of character study, emphasizing on dialogue and emotion, rather than telling a fully fleshed out story with fully realized characters. Its non-linear narrative helps to showcase realism effectively. Steve Buscemi tackled this deeply vexing story with sincerity and pathos. Also, he incorporates excellent use of the close-up. The filmmaking style is certainly not for everyone's liking. The close-ups capture the mental anguish of the protagonist, making the spectator understand their point of view. Steve Buscemi's film "The Listener" claims niche status, yet that should not stop avid filmgoers to see this movie.
Other tidbits:
*One of the things I loved about the film is that the humour is very subtle and cleverly incorporated in the script.
Final verdict: 6.5/10.