Cast
View All
Patricia Charbonneau
as Anna
Stephen McHattie
as Jellybean
Boyd Gaines
as Bill
Sam Freed
as Alex
Steve Buscemi
as Switchblade
Patti D'Arbanville
as Cori
John Seitz
as Pressure
David Strathairn
as Sam
Ernest Abuba
as Boss
Olek Krupa
as Henryk
Pi Douglass
as Nikki
George Gerdes
as Fred
Kevin Harris
as Dude
Gy Mirano
as Waitress
Crew
Director
- Sollace Mitchell
Producer
- John E. Quill
- Kenneth F. Martel
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Call Me examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Sollace Mitchell 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1988, 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 Call Me took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 119 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1988, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Call Me shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Sand Trap, which focuses more on action than character development, Call Me subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The 39 Steps and The Silence of the Lambs explore similar territory, Call Me stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: May 20, 1988
- Runtime: 1h 36m
