Search - The Caller on DVD

An outstanding minimalist film...

Steve Kuehl | Ben Lomond, CA | 04/13/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A few noted reviewers here use the SASS abbreviation - and this would apply here in the forefront of all synopses for those that suffer from it. For me though, I watched this film from beginning to end without ever wanting to fast-forward, without ever wanting to see all that was being left out. Truly one of the only films this year that deserves the independent support but with a mainstream cast.

This will probably be one of the only bare bones DVDs that gets a 5 star from me, but the performances, quality and nuanced displays of professionalism make this a stand-alone art piece. The Amazon description actually gives away too much, so any more description would be moot for getting the full effect of what this has to offer. But maybe a small indulgence...

Two story lines intertwine about the character's lives in 1940s France and modern day New York City. One of a retired NYC detective playing the private eye, and another of a corporate cover-up man that grows a conscience and decides to end his life in the way he deems fit to make things right.

The music, camera angles, inter-spliced monotony of lifestyles, and mystery of storytelling all make for a minimalist piece that only a few will enjoy. I have read a plethora of complaints about being bored, nothing happening, and "I don't get it" whiners filling the ranks, so if you find yourself saying this when watching a good film, then skip this one.

I found no fault with the sound, picture or soundtrack - just a quality piece about memories, life and the events that can lead up to one's reckoning for the things done wrong in life. I related to the loss of one's self in this, and the film offers much to think about in making the choices we do as we get older. Hope you enjoy a great film."

To the audience be true, Frank Langella...you let us down!

J. P. Molyneaux | Charlotte, North Carolina | 08/09/2010

(2 out of 5 stars)

""To thy audience be true" should be Frank Langella's motto. Then he wouldn't make movies like this! He's boring, the movie's predictable and has a central character named on the DVD cover's back. Heck, it has the storyline if you look at the pictures clockwise. I'll save the suspense and use the pence (penny.) If you REALLY have to have THE CALLER then buy the USED for ONE PENNY plus tax and tags. That brings the tab up to around THREE DOLLARS.

I wished to see what Langella was like in a 21st century film. He's still handsome, has "those lips, those eyes" and will forever (at least in photos.) If this one is any indication of what the others are then NO Langella ever again for me! He's best known for DRACULA from his stage play of the same name. His class films began in DIARY OF A MAD HOUSEWIFE, THE 12 CHAIRS,Twelve Chairs, THOSE LIP-THOSE EYES, SPINX, anything in the 1980-90's. Perhaps he should remain on the stage. He recently portrayed "Thomas More" in A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS. Langella was acclaimed for his stage work and just now was an Academy award "Best Actor" nominee. He made films for money, had fun on stage and won numerous awards there. Was he A MAN ONLY FOR THE 20TH CENTURY?

If you're looking for a great film to buy, look for Timothy Dalton on Amazon and buy his. They are ALL great and his Bond brought out the tears and grit first. He admires Daniel Craig for taking up where he left off. "Nobody does it better...than Timothy Dalton then Daniel Craig.""