Listen (1996)

Listen Poster

A young woman thinks one of her neighbors in her apartment building is a serial killer and begins to suspect both her current boyfriend and former girlfriend of being the killer.

Introduction
"Listen", a psychological thriller from 1996, performs the timeless facility of a tormented writer communicating with his typewriter/ computer system. With perfectly built symbolism and imagery, the film checks out the complex relationship between writers and their craft, with the omnipresent worry of divulging excessive of oneself in one's work.

Plot
"Listen" depicts the story of a writer, played by Brooke Langton, who is mysteriously advised by her word processor to compose a particular kind of story. As she begins composing, she realizes that the plot involves a potentially murderous plot led by her downstairs neighbour. Therefore starts her journey into a world of mystery and fear. As the author gets more immersed in the story and with her neighbor, she discovers herself caught in a web of uncertainly, worry, horror, and fascination.

Characters & Performances
The lead character, Langton, has provided an extremely compelling efficiency showcasing various feelings required to be an afraid and paranoid lady who looks for the fact at any expense. Gordon Currie's performance as the neighbour is also excellent, illustrating him as scary and strange. Though all efficiencies mostly serve to heighten the atmosphere of suspense, the quality of performances ensures that the plot does not feel forced or incredible.

Themes & Symbolism
"Listen" checks out themes of creativity, the power of the composed word, and the line in between fiction and reality. Langton's character's desire to write, combined with her worry of exposing too much, strengthens her paranoiac vigil on her neighbour. The typewriter symbols her imaginative procedure, practically ending up being a character itself, and the extent to which her imagination can affect her life. The element of criminal activity thriller emerges strongly as the movie advances. In addition, the film also explores styles of fascination and fear, masterfully utilizing thriller to keep the audiences engrossed.

Direction and Screenplay
The direction of "Listen" is good, with a fantastic narrative rhythm that improves every twist and turn. The movie script, pacing, and accumulation to the climax are well performed. The movie succeeds in producing an aura of thriller and secret, keeping the viewers on edge. Also, the cinematographic techniques utilized in the film especially during the tense scenes are appreciable.

Final Thoughts
"Listen" is about a singular writer who attempts to chalk out the distinction in between truth and her fiction story. The movie continues as she finds herself in the ditches of madness where she could not distinguish reality from fiction. Despite the facility being traditional, the execution is fresh, innovative, and remarkably gripping. The suspense is well kept throughout the film, and the climax justifies the build-up. The movie may fall under B-tier horror/thrillers of the 90s, however it handles to captivate and captivate its audiences completely.

In conclusion, "Listen" is a film that checks out the limits of truth and fiction through the mind of an author. In doing so, it becomes a statement about the power of the written word and its impact on reality. It's a surprise gem from the late 90s which deserves a look for the suspense and thriller enthusiasts.

Top Cast

  • Brooke Langton (small)
    Brooke Langton
    Sarah Ross
  • Sarah Buxton (small)
    Sarah Buxton
    Krista Barron
  • Gordon Currie (small)
    Gordon Currie
    Jake Taft
  • Andy Romano (small)
    Andy Romano
    Det. Sam Steinmann
  • J.H. Wyman (small)
    J.H. Wyman
    Randy Wilkes
  • Philip Granger (small)
    Philip Granger
    Max
  • Frank Cassini (small)
    Frank Cassini
    Repairman
  • Iris Quinn (small)
    Iris Quinn
    Farley's Sister
  • Evan Tylor
    Det. Louis Penny
  • Jeff Burnett
    Erwin Farley
  • Junior Williams
    Cabby