The Telephone
The Telephone

Movie spotlight

The Telephone

1988
Movie
78 min
English

Crazy out of work actress Vashti Blue spends all her time in her small apartment with her pet owl and her telephone, which she uses to try and solve all her problems with life.

Insights

IMDb5.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes20%
Director: Monte HellmanGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

Valerie, a woman prone to anxiety and delusion, believes she is on the run from the Mafia after witnessing a crime. She immerses herself in a series of increasingly bizarre and dangerous scenarios as she attempts to evade capture, leading to a surreal and chaotic journey through the underbelly of Los Angeles. Her frantic efforts to find safety often put her in more perilous situations.

Critical Reception

The film received generally negative reviews from critics, who found its plot convoluted and its humor unfocused. While Whoopi Goldberg's performance was sometimes noted, the overall reception was that of a disorganized and unsatisfying cinematic experience.

What Reviewers Say

  • The film suffers from a muddled plot and inconsistent tone.

  • Whoopi Goldberg's energetic performance can't salvage the disjointed narrative.

  • Despite its comedic aspirations, the film often falls flat and feels chaotic.

Google audience: Audience reception for 'The Telephone' is largely absent from public records, making it difficult to gauge specific likes or dislikes.

Fun Fact

The film was originally conceived as a vehicle for Robin Williams before Whoopi Goldberg took over the lead role.

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