In a world where politicians use mental health as mere talking points when discussing gun violence and suicide rates, director Steve Buscemi’s “The Listener” addresses the crisis head-on. Written by Alessandro Camon, writer of the Academy Award-nominated “The Messenger” (2009), the film follows a helpline volunteer named Beth, played by Tessa Thompson, an integral part of a small army of counselors who find calls of all kinds from lonely people. and refraction. The film opens at the Giornate degli Autori Film Festival in Venice and is the closing film of the Venice Days on September 9.
Buscemi can sympathize with anyone who feels lost and broken, especially as he continues to grapple with the loss of his wife Jo Andres in January 2019; They have been married for more than 30 years. During pre-production, the director and producer called the helpline number. “Initially, it was in the name of research,” Buscemi said. diverse. “I had these dreams at night about my late wife, and that was reason enough for me to call. I spoke to this person for 15 minutes. I would never know who she was, and I never told her who I was. I just talked about Joe, and that was important” .
Marking his fifth film as a director, and his first in 15 years after Interview (2007), “The Listener” is still seeking US distribution and hopes to find a home after its debut at the Venice Film Festival.
Buscemi is mainly known for his brilliant work as an actor in iconic films such as “Fargo” (1996) and “Ghost World” (2001), as well as TV series such as HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire.” However, his work as a director was not outstanding. This needs to change.
Tiffany Rouhani
Being the centerpiece of a movie where she’s the only person on screen, Thompson continues to show off her depth of field that comes after an acclaimed role in last year’s Passing.
“The Listener” was filmed during Thompson’s one-week hiatus while filming Season 4 of “Westworld” on HBO. In a photo session that only lasted six days, she gave an amazing performance, an assessment confirmed by the director: “I am totally amazed that she was able to give up her little vacation to do such an intense project with us and then came right back.”
The Brooklyn-born filmmaker is the visionary that most Hollywood CEOs and studio heads should follow. Notable examples include the versatility of not only its leading lady but the artisans who bring the story to life, such as Japanese composer ASKA delivering the haunting score, cinematographer Anka Malatynska’s steady framing and thoughtful editing by Kate Williams.
The drama is not shy about the pandemic, incorporating COVID into discussions from anonymous callers, which is what will happen in real life. “It’s not why people call, but it’s there,” Buscemi said. “It’s like 9/11 or Katrina… you feel these effects for years, and we’re still in them.”
Buscemi said the film sends the message that “help is there, and we can help each other.” “The grieving process is not linear. It is a different journey for everyone.”
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