Cast
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Brooke Langton
as Sarah Ross
Sarah Buxton
as Krista Barron
Gordon Currie
as Jake Taft
Andy Romano
as Det. Sam Steinmann
J. H. Wyman
as Randy Wilkes
Philip Granger
as Max
Frank Cassini
as Repairman
Iris Quinn
as Farley's Sister
Evan Tylor
as Det. Louis Penny
Jeff Burnett
as Erwin Farley
Junior Williams
as Cabby
David Fredericks
as Charlie
Sandra P. Grant
as Margaret
Don Stewart
as Reporter
Nancy J. Lilley
as Catherine
Crew
Director
- Gavin Wilding
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Crime/Thriller/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Listen presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Gavin Wilding brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1996, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Listen took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 97 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 147 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 34 unique compositions.
- The film contains approximately 1701 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 479 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1996, when this film was released:
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Listen shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Monster, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Listen subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Se7en and Friday the 13th explore similar territory, Listen stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 27, 1996
- Runtime: 1h 37m
