THIS is a psychological thriller based on Armistead Maupin's partly autobiographical novel of the same name.

Mired in a painful separation from his lover Jess (Bobby Cannavale), celebrated gay radio talk show host Gabriel Noone (Robin Williams) becomes fascinated with the soon-to-be-published memoirs of a teenager called Pete (Rory Culkin), who was sexually abused by his parents, and now lives in care with a woman called Donna (Toni Collette).

Gabriel and the boy strike up a friendship via telephone and email, and they make plans to meet.

When Jess voices his doubts about the veracity of the youngster's shocking story, Gabriel contemplates the possibility that Pete might not be all he seems. His entire book could be a hoax.

Desperate to know the truth, Gabriel sets out to find the elusive Pete and Donna and determine their trustworthiness for himself.

The Night Listener still retains the bare bones of the book's plot, which propels Gabriel into a maze of secrets and lies.

But we get no indication of the deep emotional vacuum within Gabriel, which would lead him to embark on his quest, nor of his deep empathy for Pete.

The lack of chemistry between Williams and Cannavale also makes a mockery of Gabriel's all-consuming depression, brought on by the breakdown of their romance.

Swearing, no sex, violence Rating: Three stars