Listen to Me Marlon

Released Jul 29, 2015

1 hr. 42 min.

Documentary

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List

95%

108 Reviews

Tomatometer

88%

2,500+ Ratings

Audience Score

Actor Marlon Brando reveals personal thoughts on audio tape, offering insight into his life and career.

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Premiered Aug 29

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Critics Consensus

Listen to Me Marlon offers a fascinating look at the inner life of a Hollywood icon, told in his own words.

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Jeff M

Those who know me well realize that my movie knowledge (e.g. facts and figures and awards) far surpasses the actual number of movies I've seen. I've woefully neglected many of the undisputed classics, and I'm trying to rectify that over time. I mention this because I'm embarrassed to admit that the only Brando performance I've actually seen is his cameo in 1978's SUPERMAN. The highest compliment I can bestow on this documentary is that I'm very anxious now to dig into Brando's filmography and find out what all the fuss was about. His life seems to be a textbook example of someone who seemingly has it all - abundant talent, otherworldly good looks, legions of fans - but suffers from a number of demons and misfortune throughout his 80 years. Had I known more about Brando, I think I would have gotten more out of the audio tapes and narration he posthumously provides. And at only 103 minutes, we aren't given enough time to really dig deep - I think this would have made a marvelous limited series. I was happy to learn about his work on behalf of civil rights and other minorities. And it saddens me that the end of his life was filled with such tragedy. If you're a Brando fan, I think you'd quite enjoy this reminiscence.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/06/24

Full Review

Rami A

This documentary offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of Marlon Brando, who is still regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time. During this movie, I felt conflicted. Though it is the foundation of all those outstanding performances, you can feel Brando's pain.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/11/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Another honorably crafted documentary of posthumously allowed intimate access to an icon's inner thoughts providing his modestly reflective take on the career journey providing insightful retrospect, further enriching his roles with astounding captivation by empathetic acknowledgement. (A-)

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/17/23

Full Review

Audience Member

First, let me say I knew Marlon for many years. I probably knew more things about him than many people and I watched this twice on On Demand and I was mesmerized. It is so like him- a lot of self-analysis and so on point with so many things. I was thoroughly caught up in it and came away knowing that the world would finally know him at least nearly as well as I did for the complex but sweet man that he was.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/20/23

Full Review

Audience Member

A masterpiece, one of my favorite movies. A moving, lyrical and intimate portrait of an artist and a human being. I had no great interest in Brando prior to viewing, but the film is so incredibly compelling that you leave with a greater appreciation of him. I highly recommend!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/19/23

Full Review

Isaiah Y

A great look inside the mind of the greatest actor of all time.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/25/20

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Stevan Riley

Director

Michael Borne

Young Marlon Brando

Marlon Brando

Voice

Stevan Riley

Writer

Peter Ettedgui

Writer

R.J. Cutler

Producer

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Listen to Me Marlon: Trailer 1

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Martin Hoyle

Financial Times

Much is hinted at, then skipped over. But Brando at least leaves us feeling there were real depths there: the angst was genuine, he took his art seriously.

Rated: 3/5

May 2, 2017

Full Review

Kristen Yoonsoo Kim

Complex

Through its ups and downs, Listen to Me, at its core, is a gift for the fans. It's like an audiobook for the cinephiles and Brando lovers-almost like a bedtime story from Brando himself.

Rated: 3.5/5

Feb 27, 2017

Full Review

Adam Nayman

The Walrus

There are plenty of posthumous profile pieces, of course, but Listen to Me Marlon is unique in that the dearly departed is the only one permitted to speak. It's more of a séance than a documentary.

Feb 29, 2016

Full Review

Wael Khairy

The Cinephile Fix

...the best-documented film on not only the greatest and most influential actor to walk this planet, but on acting itself as an art form. Riley paints Brando’s words with corresponding visuals that perfectly encapsulate the meaning behind the spoken word.

Jan 24, 2024

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Vadim Rizov

Filmmaker Magazine

Genuinely moving. Fans only, perhaps, but a much better primer than usual...

Jan 23, 2023

Full Review

Michael Clark

Epoch Times

Stevan Riley peels back the layers of one of the most mysterious figures in the history of film, with practically every word spoken by the subject himself. It is an unprecedented coup and perhaps the finest documentary of any entertainment icon ever made.

Rated: 5/5

Apr 7, 2022

Full Review

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Synopsis

Actor Marlon Brando reveals personal thoughts on audio tape, offering insight into his life and career.

Director: Stevan Riley
Screenwriter: Stevan Riley, Peter Ettedgui
Distributor: Showtime Entertainment
Production Co: Passion Pictures
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 29, 2015, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 29, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $423.2K

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