Review of Listen to Me Marlon (2015) by Viet Phuong N — 10 Dec 2015

An incredible insight to one of the great legends of the silver screen. Whatever you may have heard before about Marlon Brando will be side-swept by this film pretty soon after it's opening. It's obvious to me that for Director Steven Riley, this is a labor of love.

Taking every short, interview, movie, ANY video footage we have of Brando and weaving a well told story out of never before heard audio tapes. There's also a unique look at Brando, completely digital doing some of Shakespeare's well known monologues.

For me, Marlon's life speaks at great length about the human experience. I can't exactly decide why, but the pain that he felt and the confusion and loneliness he dealt with, all trying to do what's best.

This film manages to sway anybody who thought he was a nut, consumed with himself. Funny thing is that it's a very convincing tale, walking through his life step-by-step with his narration; Marlon can't help but seduce you to seeing it his way.

What he set out to do as a human being, helping others, on the front line for any group of individuals he felt was battered or beaten by an unjust authority. I suppose empathy was his biggest trait, and anger his go-to emotion being raised in an abusive home.

It seems to me that Marlon had his heart on his sleeve his entire life, only dangling by a thin thread. To know the man a bit closer is a wonderful opportunity. No matter what, if you see the film Brando has done his job, what I think was his life's work- denying you of your ignorance.

5 stars.