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7.3/10 • 3

2003-10-030h 25m

DramaRomance

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.

Directors
Kenneth Branagh
Writters
Kenneth Branagh
Editors
Kenneth Branagh, Neil Farrell

Top Billed Cast

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  1. Paul McGann

    Paul McGann

    Man

  2. Frances Barber

    Frances Barber

    Woman

  3. Nanette Newman

    Nanette Newman

    Spa Owner

Reviews1

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DocTerminus Avatar

DocTerminus

Feb 11, 2022

7/10

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.

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    Status
    Released
    Original Language
    English
    Budget
    --
    Revenue
    --
    Keywords
    peaceself-helpcommunicationshort filmsilence