Cast
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Shanna Reed
as Dr. Lindsay Roland
Tracy Nelson
as Beth Needham
Mary Crosby
as Nikki Rogers
Cyndi Pass
as Marge Hampton
Eve Sigall
as Mama
Howard S. Miller
as Lee Dixon
Christopher Kriesa
as Mr. Brill
Zack Hopkins
as Matt Roland
Luisa Leschin
as Consuela
Rance Howard
as Hank
Jean Speegle Howard
as Olivia
Brad Sherwood
as Andy Saden
J.J. Cohen
as Bicyclist
Judy Nazemetz
as Operator
Shannon Welles
as Customer
Crew
Director
- Robert Malenfant
Writer
- Frank Rehwaldt
- Mark Bomback
Producer
- Pierre David
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Night Caller presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Robert Malenfant brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1998, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Night Caller took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 91 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 122 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 106 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1998, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Night Caller shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Dark, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Night Caller subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Corporate and Shaun of the Dead explore similar territory, The Night Caller stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 13, 1998
- Runtime: 1h 31m
