Film Review – The Listener

Steve Buscemi is primarily known for his acting efforts, frequently achieving greatness with a varied filmography, often portraying itchy personalities with limited patience for others. He’s also carved out a directorial career, but he hasn’t touched it in 17 years, with “The Listener” his return behind the camera, previously helming such films as “Trees Lounge,” “Lonesome Jim,” and “Animal Factory.” Buscemi and screenwriter Alessandro Camon confront the psychological mess of the COVID-19 pandemic with the material, but they remain respectful of the situation, creating an incredibly small-scale study of therapy and connection with the picture, which completely focuses on a single character dealing with helpline callers for 90 minutes. There’s nowhere to go in “The Listener,” giving Camon a chance to create tension through conversations, while Buscemi spends his time highlighting behaviors and calming techniques, working with star Tessa Thompson and a host of voices to explore the darkness of isolation and need for connection. Read the rest at Blu-ray.com