'Phone Booth' answers the call for suspense

By Blaine Martin
Staff Writer

“Phone Booth,” focuses on Stuart Shepard (Colin Farrel), an acting agent. He’s made a living lying and cheating, and now a crazed killer is set to make him pay the price for his transgressions. After using a pay phone, the phone rings and Stu answers a sniper, played by Kiefer Sutherland, staring at him from an unknown location. The sniper tells Stu what he is doing to let him know he sees him, and threatens to shoot him if he leaves the booth.

The movie seems very simple and boring at first glance, but looks can be deceiving. The sniper builds a fortress out of a nearly destroyed phone booth with only a few words and a high-powered rifle. With a weapon and a secure phone line, the sniper grips control of the lives of Stu, police officers, and citizens on the scene and at home simultaneously. In effect, Stu is isolated in a confined living space, much like “Panic Room” and “Cast Away.”

“Phone Booth” has many upsides. Even in is most thrilling moments, “Phone Booth “ manages to produce laughs. Our energetic and lively sniper provides much of the comedy throughout the movie. Likewise, not seeing the villain forces the audience to produce a mental image of him, adding mystery to the mix. Hearing Sutherland’s voice throughout the film makes the audience feel as I they are on the phone. Viewers witness Stu’s selfish acts early on, but sympathize for him soon after.

The movie didn’t allow for major character development apart from Stu, but other roles did support Farrel’s role without disrupting the flow of the story. Forest Whitaker plays Capt. Ramey, who plays the predictable role of negotiator during the crisis. Ramey’s warm and friendly personality adds a nice touch to the film. Katie Holmes plays Pamela, Stu’s wife. She wasn’t a crucial element in the story – maybe more of an instrument than an artist.

Among the film’s short list of flaws is the introduction. Nearly ten minutes is spent explaining phone usage, which will probably turn off some viewers. Likewise, the ending occurs rather abruptly, but is nonetheless rewarding.

“Phone Booth” is a thriller that offers nearly as much comedy as it does suspense.Farrel fits his character well, and Whitaker adds a good performance to a usually dry and predictable role. Sutherland provides a shady and funny villain. It’s definitely worth the ticket price.

May 8 , 2003 Issue