LISTENING

Human beings have been trying to control the human mind but the discovery is inevitable. Grad student David (Thomas Stroppel) invents a way to read minds with technology from scrapes. He recruits friends Ryan (Artie Ahr) and Jordan (Amber Bollinger) who come to think trying this new creation can help them.

What they don’t see coming is the seriousness of what is coming. As each of them are hooked up, they can not hide their true thoughts. Secrets are revealed to each other but none more so than the betrayal of greed when David betrays Ryan and Jordan pleading government coercion.

What’s inside our minds should stay there!

Stroppel as David is a man with an idea that he thinks will change the world. From the moment I saw what his technology could do I wasn’t for it in any way, shape or form. I certainly don’t want anyone knowing what I’m thinking most of the time but the character of David isn’t about to be stopped until he proves it can be done. A very dangerous guy!

Ahr as Ryan begins as the anchor for me. Trying to keep things together and on the right track, it becomes clear quickly that he was never taught that control is a bigger illusion than he realizes. I was a tad upset with Ryan for not being able to keep it together until I realized, hey – look who he’s working with!

Bollinger as Jordan is a complex character from the start. I never truly know if she really wants it to work or not. Actually that is a good thing because it keeps me guessing from one scene to the next.

Other cast include: Christine Haeberman as Melanie, Steven Hanks as Matthews, Pamela Cedar as Sharon, and Timothy Conley as Frank.

TUBS OF POPCORN: I give LISTENING three and a half tubs of popcorn out of five. This is a subject that is not only interesting to think about, but fascinating to watch on the screen. This is a deep and dark look into what a group of people will do in the ‘name of science’, what they are capable of and, more importantly, what they think of one another.

I kept thinking with each scene ‘no, no, no’ because the idea of it is kind of rattling which is a perfect way to view this film. Sort of a warning shot off the bow if you will that what goes on inside our minds is better left there. Just because a thing can be done doesn’t mean it should be and LISTENING proves that in so many ways.

Writer/director Sullins brings viewers something original and thought provoking in his first film. Keeping the film focused David, Ryan and Jordan, it is clear that the technology is actually the fourth character in the group and its so well done.

In the end – hide your thoughts!