Watch Listen to Me Marlon

Listen to Me Marlon is a unique and intimate documentary that delves into the life and renowned career of one of the greatest actors of all time, Marlon Brando. The movie, released in 2015, is a directorial effort by Stevan Riley that presents a trove of archival footage, photographs, and audio recordings featuring Marlon Brando's voice.

The film starts with an eerie black-and-white shot of Brando's face, which sets the tone for what is a deeply personal exploration of the actor's life. Through the use of these never-before-seen audio recordings that Brando himself created, we see a man who was deeply introspective, thoughtful, and even tortured. The recordings range from simple musings to deeply philosophical thoughts about the nature of existence, and they give us a glimpse into the mind of the enigmatic performer.

The documentary takes us on a journey through Brando's personal and professional life, from his early days in Omaha, Nebraska to his breakthrough role in A Streetcar Named Desire, right through to his later years. The film reveals much about Brando's personality and contradictions, including his lifelong struggles with fame and his own sense of self.

Listen to Me Marlon also showcases Brando's relationship with his acting coach Stella Adler, who had a profound influence on him. Using footage from her acting classes, we see the two of them working together and discussing acting techniques. It's clear that Adler had a profound impact on the young actor, and their partnership helped shape Brando's signature method of acting, one that authentically conveyed a character's innermost feelings.

Another significant aspect of the film is its portrayal of Brando's approach to his craft. He was not just a performer, but an artist who viewed acting as a means of exploring the human condition. By sharing his thoughts and beliefs about his profession, Brando provides a glimpse into the creative process and the importance of intuition in the creative arts.

The documentary also explores some of the darker aspects of Brando's private life, including his complicated family relationships, struggles with addiction, and his overall unease with the trappings of fame. Through his own words, Brando reflects on some of the more difficult moments in his life, including the death of his daughter Cheyenne.

The film also touches on Brando's involvement in the civil rights movement, which was a contentious issue during his lifetime. Using footage of speeches and interviews, we see Brando's genuine passion for fighting inequality and his willingness to go against conventional thinking to make a difference. And we learn of his involvement in the American Indian Movement, and how he was moved to action by the struggles faced by Native Americans.

Overall, Listen to Me Marlon is a fascinating and deeply personal portrayal of one of the most iconic American actors of the 20th century. Through the use of Brando's own words and a treasure trove of archival footage, Stevan Riley has created an insightful and poignant look into the life of one of the most influential figures in film history. As viewers, we are given access to a side of Brando that few have seen, and we come away from the film with a deeper appreciation for his artistry and humanity.

Listen to Me Marlon is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1 and a MetaScore of 87.