Denise Calls Up

source: Denise Calls Up

Very nice to see this again after so many years. It's a different world now but you can see here the seeds of nowadays crazy relation with technology.

This movie is very good all around acting, writing, directing. . Everybody knows someone who you are keeping the relationship up only by talking on the phone. I think this movie came out when only a small group of hardcore computer freaks sent message over the phone lines; before everybody in the world could send e-mail anytime, anywhere of the day. This is up there with 2001: A Space Odyssey and Citizen Kane as of being before its time REALLY!! Rent it a see if watching this movie isn't like looking into a mirror.

Wow. Just saw this film on cable and couldn't stop watching it. So refreshing. And brilliantly funny. A well observed, insightful farce. Like something Oscar Wilde would have written if he were alive today. Just so clever! And very well directed, the director letting the mostly unknown actors who all do a wonderful job (with the Barbara character a particular standout) just do their thing, though the camera does move at just the right moments, and the framing and editing and what have you is impeccable. But it's the writing that stands out. Of course it's an exaggeration for effect, but, I mean, it's such an obvious idea, it's been there forever-- what's happening to us in the modern world-- and this Salwen guy could see it. Anyway, Just thought I'd put it out there. Anyway, if you're into smart comedies that aren't like anything you've seen before, then see this movie if you get the chance.

Having just finished watching Denise calls up (my 2nd time for this one since it was released) ... I feel it is an excellent comedy that everyone can relate to. Having lots of friends but never enough time to actually meet them, get together. Making plans but always cancelling at the last minute for some obscure reason ... this is something most people can relate to. I was impressed again by the performances of all of the actors which are excellent. Especially the actress who plays Barbara which I think was giving a wonderful and believable performance. Definitely the best performance of the movie in my mind. Some funny moments, some sad ones ... this one is a little rollercoaster ride that is quite pleasant to watch ... Rating : 3.5/5

My girlfriend, an aspiring movie critic (who told me about this internet site) just brought this flick home from the video store and said she heard good things (seems they study this movie in her film classes). I was dubious... and then I was bowled over. I mean are there any more movies out there (in english, and that aren't fifty years old) that I haven't heard of that are this good? The only problem is, too many movies like this might ruin me for the knuckle-brained stuff that's in the theaters (and that I must admit I do enjoy). Still, once and awhile it's good to sip a nice wine, after overloading on diet pepsi. Try it.

Funny spoof on the high tech, alienated society we live in today.At first this film aggravated me with all the telephones ringing and no one talking face to face. However, after a few minutes I settled into the routine and enjoyed watching a group of job junkies who were unable to relate to anyone unless they had re-dial, voice mail, and speaker phones.

Sure, everyone has this sort of relationship, more phone call than interaction, but ain't it a shame... These are some of the most alienated, dysfunctional people I have ever seen. They're so detached they can't get up and answer the doorbell for a party they're hosting. Or even go to a friend's funeral. This is fabulous ensemble acting, a fact made the more rionic because none of these people actually encounter each other physically. (Of course, writing this commentary on a computer and transmitting it via modem is even more ironic.

There are very good, specific comments on this film already, so I will limit mine to general, nearly abstract remarks. While some of the technology used in the film may become obsolete, the main theme is timeless. The paradox is this: as humans get more and more connected by phones, faxes, internet, and so on, they become more and more disconnected from each other. Virtual contact replaces physical contact. We are not the better for it. For raising a timeless question this movie will become a minor classic. The film has a great sense of humor. It may appeal to East Coasters, to Europeans, to fans of Woody Allen, and to lovers of independent New York comedies. Main target audience: you with the phone in the hand.

Frank (Tim Daly) and his girlfriend, Gail, broke up five years ago but still stay in touch on the phone. It is Gail's idea to fix up her friend, Barbara with Frank's friend (Liev Schreiber). Yet, when Gail gives Barbara the man's telephone number, they get disconnected quite a few times. Once they start talking, however, their conversations definitely "heat up". Meanwhile, another friend gives a party for everyone but no one shows up. That's because everyone in this small circle of friends is agoraphobic! They work at their apartments, mostly, and they stay in touch via Ma Bell everyday. Another friend, Martin, gets a mysterious call one day from a lady named Denny. It seems she's pregnant with Martin's child, from a "donation" he gave to the local sperm bank. She calls quite often to give Martin an update. Meanwhile, one of the friends suffers a life-changing event because of a mobile phone. Will anyone of these folks ever see each other in real life? This is a highly unusual but very entertaining film. It is told almost exclusively in telephone conversations between the parties. If this sounds boring, I assure you, it is not! All of the actors are terrific and give their characters a nice depth, despite the film's premise. The usual amenities, the costumes, the sets, and the production values, are fine, also. But, most of all, the script is a winner, with great lines and originality. If you are a film fan who never plays it safe, you will thoroughly enjoy this movie. So, even if you are an agoraphobic yourself, don't miss out on this one! Send someone to the video store, if you have to, to get this film into your hands. You will be darn glad you did.