Confess to materialism...
This
film has a gorgeously simple premise and it's
played out brilliantly. A man, who makes his
living on the phone as a New York wheeler &
dealer con-man, picks up a ringing payphone,
only to find that if he hangs up... he dies! It
is a classic Hitchcockian stand-off that really
has the viewer of the edge of their seat
throughout. And although the premise may lack a
certain versatility, it does a great job of
filling the relatively short 80 minute running
time.
Collin Farrell delivers in his best performance
to date. He really demonstrates some acting
chops that weren't all too apparent in previous
outings. It is one of the best performances of
the year. Kiefer Sutherland is the voice on the
other end of the line and he does a marvelous
job of creating terror without being visually
accessible. Forest Whitaker, Katie Holmes &
Radha Mitchell all have small, but supporting,
roles that merit praise.
The film will surprise you. It goes in
directions that aren't readily apparent... I was
surprised on how many levels this film worked.
It plays with some social commentary and some
morality issues... and it does it well. 'Phone
Booth' is one of the more memorable thrillers of
the year and will be added to my DVD collection.
©
Written by TC Candler
Richard
Propes' Comment
It's
weird. Joel Schumacher is one of the more fun
directors in the world to make fun of, but I've
got to respect a man who takes as many risks as
Schumacher. Most directors find what they're
good at and stick to it. I mean, really, can you
imagine Tarantino directing a Rob Schneider
film? "Phone Booth" features one of Colin
Farrell's best performances along with a killer
premise that is mostly pulled off with nearly
all Farrell's performance taking place within
the confines of the phone booth.
Kiefer
Sutherland is marvelous in what is essentially a
voice-over role as the film's villain, and
Schumacher's direction keeps the action paced
perfectly and appropriately suspenseful.
Jacob
Hall's Comment
"Phone
Booth" is one of those movies that would have
probably worked better as a stage play.
The movie stars the ever-impressive Colin
Farrell as an obnoxious business man who is
pinned down in a phone booth by a sniper who
wants him to "repent his sins."
What makes this film unique is that it takes
place in one location throughout the entire
film. A street corner and a phone booth. This
could have been used to present a long and
agonizing experience, but the film is so short
(82 minutes) it's over just as we're getting
into it.
There is still some fun to be had, though.
Especially in the form of Kiefer Sutherland, as
the voice of the sniper, who gives the audience
chills although his face is not seen.
