Listen to the City (1984)

In the politically charged year of 1984, the urban symphony of the city whispers a chilling prophecy that only the affluent will weather the coming storm. "Listen to the City", directed by Ron Mann, is a rare and audacious non-documentary film that paints a dystopian reality echoing with the sounds of the city's unrest. The story unfolds with the dramatic resurrection of Hupar, a poet-cum-punk, portrayed by Jim Carroll. Rising from a two-decade-long coma, Hupar is reborn into a world teetering on the brink of a financial calamity of historic proportions, a candy store shoplifting scandal foretelling a bleaker future. In this cityscape of decay, Hupar finds allies in Arete, a young poet with a heart full of rebellion, and Sophis, an astute TV newswoman. Together, they embark on a fearless journey to expose the cold, hard machinations of a heartless corporation set on gutting the city for profit. This poignant narrative is not merely a tale, but a vibrant collage of DIY desperation, political satire, and video-art installation. The film, like a street artist's poster, is a bold polemic experiment, a political cartoon brought to life, and a provocative performance prank all rolled into one. From the opening scene where Hupar, with his IV drip in tow, steps onto the streets carrying a message of hope, to the chilling climax depicting the corporate vultures circling over the dying city, "Listen to the City" is a visual and auditory experience that resonates with the heartbeat of a metropolis on the edge. It's a call to listen, to see, and to act - a testament to the times that were, and a prediction of the times to come.

Listen to the City is a drama movie featuring Jim Carroll.

Listen to the City is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.

It is also possible to buy Listen to the City on Apple TV.