It’s fitting that kaleidoscopic images introduce this psychological thriller in which reality and fantasy collide, splintering into patterned bits and cinematic fragments.

Inspired by true events, the bizarre story revolves around a popular late-night New York radio talk show host Gabriel Noone (Robin Williams), who develops an intense phone relationship with a 14 year-old AIDS-afflicted listener named Pete (Rory Culkin) and his protective, adoptive mother Donna (Toni Collette). At the same time, Gabriel’s gay longtime lover (Bobby Cannavale) decides to move out and move on but not before raising some troubling, skeptical questions about the boy’s real identity.

Morbidly fascinated by a mysterious manuscript, allegedly written by Pete, about surviving a childhood marked by sadistic sexual abuse, Gabriel sets out on a harrowing journey to Pete’s home in rural Wisconsin in order to discover the truth about the devastating memoir. His investigation reveals not only unconscious aspects of himself but also a truth so complicated that’s difficult to decipher.

Directed by Patrick Stettner (“The Business of Strangers”), it’s based on the semi-autobiographical best-seller by Armistead Maupin who – with Terry Anderson and Stettner - adapted it for the screen. The result is contrived and convoluted with more than its share of unexpected twists. Part of the mystery – revolving around the mother - unravels too soon and the point-of-view shifts entirely during the second half of the narrative.

While Robin Williams’ torment is credible, if not convincing, it’s Toni Collette who struggles the most with a seriously underwritten martyr role. Cinematographer Lisa Rinzler and production designer Michael Shaw maintain a doggedly dreary tone that’s amplified by composer Peter Nashel.

On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, “The Night Listener” is an enigmatic, suspenseful 6. It’s a creepily intriguing identity charade.