Cast
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Anatoli Grachyov
as Vadim Nikolayevich
Iya Arepina
as Mother
Tamara Loginova
as Nina's neighbor
Lyudmila Marchenko
as guest
Tatyana Ronami
as Nina
Yelena Fetisenko
as guest
Svetlana Shvayko
as guest
Valerian Vinogradov
as guest
Mikhail Kislov
as guest
Mikhail Chigaryov
as guest
Gennadiy Malyshev
as guest
Crew
Director
- Konstantin Osin
Writer
- Anatoli Grebnev
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a science fiction narrative, Something with the Telephone explores potential technological and societal futures, raising important questions about humanity's place in the universe and our evolutionary trajectory. The film stands apart from other sci-fi works by presenting a vision that is both thought-provoking and visually distinctive.
Director Konstantin Osin 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 1979, 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 Something with the Telephone took approximately 9 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 19 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 50 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The costume department created over 119 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1979, when this film was released:
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Something with the Telephone shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Tekkaman Blade: Twin Blood, which focuses more on action than character development, Something with the Telephone subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Howl from Beyond the Fog and Atmosphere explore similar territory, Something with the Telephone stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 10, 1979
- Runtime: 19m
