Cast
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Richard Chamberlain
as Nat Bridger
John Houseman
as Stanley Markowitz
Sara Botsford
as Ridley Taylor
Robin Gammell
as Noah Clayton
Gary Reineke
as Lt. Meara
Barry Morse
as Fred Waites
Alan Scarfe
as John Websole
James B. Douglas
as Jack Gilsdorf
Ken Pogue
as Fil Thorner
Neil Munro
as Winters
Jefferson Mappin
as Photographer
Tom Butler
as Detective Tamblyn
Colin Fox
as Dr. Alderman
Luba Goy
as Beth Freemantle
Lenore Zann
as Connie Lawson
Crew
Director
- Michael Anderson
Producer
- Bob Cooper
- Roger Corman
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Science Fiction/Thriller/Horror/Mystery film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Murder by Phone presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Michael Anderson 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 1982, 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 Murder by Phone took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 129 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The costume department created over 396 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1982, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Murder by Phone shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Criticsized, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Murder by Phone subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Tiger Woman and Wolf Guy explore similar territory, Murder by Phone stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: December 1, 1982
- Runtime: 1h 30m
