The Night Listener
Miramax Home Entertainment
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Synopsis:
A psychological thriller that revolves around the celebrated writer and popular late-night radio show host, Gabriel Noone, who develops an intense relationship with a young listener named Pete and his adopted mother, just as his own domestic life is undergoing changes. When a troubling question arises regarding the boy's identity, it causes Gabriel's ordered existence to spin wildly out of control as he sets out on a harrowing journey to find the truth.
The Night Listener is one of those films where it's easy to recognize something's going on and there's interesting intentions but it just never comes together. The tone is creepy and tense. But I wonder if it actually had to be.
The premise is one about the search for love, even if it means lying and deception. However, the tone of the film doesn't follow through. It transforms into more of a mystery. So while the dialogue is exploring relationships, the look and feel of the film is setting up a possible twist. I believe this would have been a much stronger film if the personal stuff was given all the attention and the plot devices were ignored. By the end of the film there is no real revelation or surprise. It's telegraphed from about the 40-minute mark on. So if the surprise element was thrown out the window, the film could have instead honed in on the emotional implications of what's happening.
Video: How's it look?
The dark and ominous tone of the film is captured well with the film's enhanced widescreen (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation.
Audio: How's it sound?
The Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround audio track is all one could ask for.
Extras: What additional goodies are included?
- "The Night Listener Revealed" is a 12-minute featurette that discusses the ideas behind the film.
- One deleted scene.
- Trailers for The Heart of the Game, The Queen, The Roger Corman Collection and Blu-Ray technology.
- French and Spanish subtitles.
Closing Thoughts
A disappointing feature and a major lack of substantial extra materials make this DVD one that's easy to pass over.
Review brought to you by our friend Ryan @ Movie-Views.com
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