Cast
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Kirk Cameron
as Tucker Muldowney
Jami Gertz
as Monica Tomanski
Roy Scheider
as Charlie Nichols
Amanda Peterson
as Donna Lumis
Tim Quill
as Garson McKeller
Christopher Atkins
as Bruce Arlington
George Wyner
as Dean Schwimmer
Anthony Zerbe
as Senator McKellar
Yeardley Smith
as Cootz
Quinn Cummings
as Susan Hooper
Jason Gould
as Hinkelstein
Moon Unit Zappa
as Longnecker
Dan Schneider
as Nathan Gore
Mary Gregory
as Justice Brooderworth
Tom Schanley
as
Crew
Director
- Douglas Day Stewart
Writer
- Douglas Day Stewart
Producer
- Martin Bregman
- Marykay Powell
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Listen to Me examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Douglas Day Stewart 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1989, 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 to Me took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 107 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 152 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1989, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Listen to Me shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike A Room for Moon, which focuses more on action than character development, Listen to Me offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Hers and Glamour Dolls explore similar territory, Listen to Me stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 5, 1989
- Runtime: 1h 47m
- Revenue: $4,299,023
