Rent The Night Listener (2006)

Underwhelming - The Night Listener review by Kurtz

"Adapted from the play" always means cinematic death- the result is stagey dullness and a complete lack of that zest that real films have.This film is one up from that, but the fact that it's "Adapted from the short story" should ring alarm bells. And sure enough it spends much of its time wallowing in its literary traditions,(God, it's tough being a writer) and meticulously building atmoshere whilst neglecting to actually make anything happen on the screen.The usually effervescent Williams is virtually catatonic here, affecting a gravelly whisper to remind us that his character's a sensitive artist, and the central "mystery" is solved in 30 seconds by a secondary character. Oh, and did I mention NOTHING HAPPENS? Well, Williams does have to run away from security guard at one point, and Toni Collette gives him a couple of funny looks.(Probably the beard).

Good plot, outstanding acting, dismal presentation. - The Night Listener review by JD

Robin Williams has brilliantly played dark roles before so I shouldn't be so amazed at his acting versatility but he is incredible again. For this alone worth watching. The plot has an ending which is only predictable shortly before it is unfolded. The film however is slow, unremarkable and could easily be improved. Needed the direction of Mark Romanek from One hour photo.

Suprising! - The Night Listener review by CP Customer

A very different role for Williams and done very well. Collette is as brilliant as always.

Its a good story, with a pretty 'obvious after the event' ending! Kept me interested and changing my mind on who I believed throughout the film. Can't say anything about that, without giving anything away!