|
 The
Caller
On
DVD.
Frank Langella, Elliot Gould and Laura Harring
Directed by: Richard Ledes
The
Caller is reminiscent of a 1970s era thriller. There’s
no blowing up, or CGI – just swell acting and character
development. I know they just lost many of you…
Story
goes…Jimmy Stevens (Frank Langella) is in big trouble. He’s
grown a conscience which has made him disclose some disconcerning
dirty deeds.
In
his world, that means some pretty tough characters wanna see him
done away with.
Both these are civilized times. The hitman calls the intended
and asked why he has made an error so grievous the corporation
wants him swimming with the fishes. – does not explain but
asks he is given a week to settle his affairs.
So
be it.
Then
Stevens hires a mysterious private detective to follow him. But
not for the reason you may think.
The
detective, Frank Turlotte (Elliot Gould), starts to get annoyed
at how mundane the client’s life is. He gets really mad
when he discovers the client and the man he’s watching are
the same.
The
whole film seems as if you’ve turned on the UHF channel
for some mid –seventies thriller. And I mean that in a good
way. Elliot Gould has a great walk - give a look. And his character
starts to make you wonder just what is going on. Frank Langella
plays the coolest death-approaching big wig I think I’ve
ever seen. If he were not so talented you’d not buy the
shtick. But he is and you do. These two are ex-mansteaks in their
own rights and Langella's career has had a rebirth thanks to the
impeccable Frost/Nixon. The two together are wonderful.
The
film wraps up quite unexpected – though hinted to. And your
left remembering simple films are still fine films. The camera
work the ambience and so forth all well done indeed.
On
DVD.
Snack recommendation:
A NYC style hot Dog (veggie is fine) with Gould's mustard - natch |
