Film
What's on at the cinema plus reviews of the latest movie and DVD releases
Bookmark this pageThe Night Listener (2006)
Director: Patrick Stettner
Movie review
From Time Out London
A flimsy, turgid fiction based on a potentially fascinating true-life event, this explores the relationship between a gay writer and broadcaster, Gabriel Noone (Robin Williams), and Pete Logand (Rory Culkin), a 14-year-old fan of his late-night radio show. Never shy about ransacking his own private life for creative inspiration, Gabriel is struck by the raw honesty of Pete’s childhood memoir. Gabriel and Pete strike up a phone relationship, but Gabriel’s semi-estranged lover, Jess (Bobby Cannavale), notices a similarity between Pete’s voice and that of his guardian, Donna (Toni Collette). Adapted from a novel by Armistead Maupin, Stettner’s film superficially explores the ways in which writers fictionalise their lives, yet reveals almost nothing about their motives. As the plot dawdles along, intrigue gives way to risible melodrama, and Patrick Stettner fails to get to grips with the issues.Author: Nigel Floyd
Time Out London Issue 1882: September 13-20 2006
Cast & crew
Director: Patrick Stettner
Producer: Jill Footlick, John Hart, Robert Kessel, Jeff Sharp
Cast: Robin Williams, Bobby Moore, Toni Collette, Joe Morton, Bobby Cannavale, Rory Culkin, Sandra Oh, John Cullum, Emery Emery, Rodrigo Lopresti full cast
Rated: 15
Duration: 90 mins
UK Release: Sep 15 2006
Most popular on this site
Top Stories
Stephen Poliakoff discusses 'Glorious 39'
Stephen Poliakoff’s ‘Glorious 39’ is his first film for cinema since ‘Food of Love’ in 1997. Dave Calhoun met him
Is 'Paranormal Activity' the new 'Blair Witch'?
How does a film go from DIY experiment to box-office smash? 'Paranormal Activity' director Oren Peli explains
Steven Soderbergh on 'The Informant!' and 'The Girlfriend Experience'
We talk to Steven Soderbergh about his two forthcoming films: one featuring a porn star, the other a chubby Matt Damon
A gateway to all things 'New Moon'
In anticipation of 'The Twilight Saga: New Moon', Time Out is offering the chance to pick up a limited edition pack with three exclusive magazines and a free poster.
London Children's Film Festival
Read our exclusive reviews of films playing at the 2009 London Children’s Film Festival
The films that deserve a TV spin-off
With Roland Emmerich suggesting he'd like to make a '2012' TV spin-off, we propose some more movie-to-TV serialisations
The Coen brothers discuss 'A Serious Man'
Masters of contrary comedy, Joel and Ethan Coen have struck gold again with their latest, ‘A Serious Man’
Michael Haneke discusses 'The White Ribbon'
Dave Calhoun met with Michael Haneke in Munich to mull over the details of his Palme d'Or winner, 'The White Ribbon'
Ten inspirations behind 'Avatar'?
Time Out ponders the influences behind James Cameron's anticipated space-opera on the basis of the trailer
Time Out's 50 greatest animated films with commentary by Terry Gilliam
In celebration of the release of Pixar's 'Up' and Wes Anderson's 'Fantastic Mr Fox', read our rundown of fifty classic feature length animations
What do you think?
Post your review now