Listening (2003)
At a spa where talking is forbidden, an emotionally distraught woman finds solace in the company of a kind man and the two of them gradually fall in love.
- Kenneth Branagh
- Kenneth Branagh
Rating: 7.3/10 by 3 users
Alternative Title:
Country:
United Kingdom
Language:
English
No Language
Runtime: 00 hour 25 minutes
Budget: $0
Revenue: $0
Plot Keyword: peace, self-help, communication, short film, silence
Kenneth Branagh is one of my favorite filmmakers. None of his films are flawless, but many are close. the one hit I think many of his _pre_-Hamlet films suffer from a fear of silence. The dialogue is often wall to wall, and when there is a gap, Patrick Doyle's musical scoring loudly fills it. I don't know if this critique is unique to me, but if it is not, then it appears Branagh is aware of - and addressing the issue with this short film. **LISTENING** follows a woman who struggles with the world around her, all high in decibels. To regain her sanity she decides to visit a spa, a reclusive location where verbal conversation is not allowed. She tries to navigate without the daily talk to friends, without the use of a mobile phone. As a short film, there aren't 3 acts to this film. In fact, it is what would only be a third act. Branagh gets his quiet study and ends it with a twist more commonly associated with Rod Serling. As of this writing, the film is not available other than a horrible quality youtube video. I would recommend it for fans of Branagh, although passively.
