Telefon
Nicolai Dalchimski, a mad KGB agent steals a notebook full of names of "sleeping" undercover KGB agents sent to the U.S. in the 1950's. These agents got their assignments under hypnosis, so they can't remember their missions until they're told a line of a Robert Frost poem. Dalchimski flees to the U.S. and starts phoning these agents who perform sabotage acts against military targets.
Insights
Plot Summary
In the midst of the Cold War, a Soviet agent is sent to the United States on a mission of assassination. His objective is to eliminate defectors who are believed to hold sensitive information. However, he soon discovers that his mission is far more complex than it initially appears, as he becomes entangled in a dangerous game of espionage and betrayal.
Critical Reception
Telefon received a mixed reception from critics, with some praising its suspenseful atmosphere and Charles Bronson's performance, while others found the plot convoluted and the sci-fi elements unconvincing. Audiences were divided, with some enjoying the action and spy thriller elements, and others finding it less engaging than other films of the era.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its tense espionage and Bronson's stoic portrayal.
- Criticized for a confusing and overly complicated plot.
- The film's blend of Cold War thriller and science fiction elements did not always coalesce effectively.
Google audience: Audience reviews indicate appreciation for the thriller aspects and Bronson's role, but many found the story difficult to follow and the premise somewhat outlandish. Some enjoyed the action sequences and the suspense, while others felt it was a forgettable entry in the genre.
Fun Fact
The film is based on a novel of the same name by Walter Wager, which was itself inspired by a real-life Soviet program.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources