Red Phone Diaries: The Making or Breaking of 'Close Calls'

Watch Red Phone Diaries: The Making or Breaking of 'Close Calls'

  • 2019
  • 2 hr 31 min

Red Phone Diaries: The Making or Breaking of 'Close Calls' is a suspenseful and compelling documentary film that chronicles the behind-the-scenes making of the indie horror movie, Close Calls, directed by Richard Stringham and starring Jordan Phipps. The film provides a rare and exciting glimpse into the complex and often unpredictable process of independent filmmaking, as well as the personal and artistic struggles of the cast and crew involved.

From the very beginning, the viewer is drawn into the intense and chaotic world of Close Calls, as Stringham and Phipps set out to make their dream project a reality. The film captures the highs and lows of the production, as the cast and crew grapple with budget constraints, technical difficulties, and the challenges of working under tight schedules.

One of the most captivating aspects of the film is its exploration of the personal and creative tensions that arise during the filmmaking process. The viewer is given intimate access to the thoughts and emotions of the actors and crew members, as they struggle to maintain their focus and energy throughout the grueling shoot. For Phipps and Stringham, the making of Close Calls is both a dream come true and a source of intense pressure and stress, as they work to deliver a film that will resonate with audiences.

Another standout feature of Red Phone Diaries is its beautifully shot and edited visual style. The film blends behind-the-scenes footage with interviews and atmospheric sequences, using a mix of handheld camerawork, tracking shots, and stylized edits to create a dynamic and immersive viewing experience. The eerie and haunting soundtrack, composed by Timothy Fife, adds an extra layer of tension and atmosphere to the film, heightening the sense of unease and uncertainty that permeates the story.

Throughout its runtime, Red Phone Diaries offers a fascinating and nuanced exploration of the many challenges and rewards of filmmaking, both as an artistic endeavor and a business. The viewer is given a bird's eye view of the intricacies of casting and crew selection, set design and location scouting, and the often tedious and time-consuming process of post-production. At the same time, the film provides a compelling commentary on the larger questions of artistic expression and commercial viability, exploring the complex trade-offs that filmmakers must make between creative vision and financial success.

In terms of its performances, Red Phone Diaries features a strong and diverse cast of characters, each imbuing the film with their own unique energy and perspective. Phipps and Stringham, in particular, deliver standout performances as the film's central figures, showcasing their passion for the project and their unwavering commitment to bringing it to life. Other notable performances include those of Greg Fallon, who plays the film's villain, and Carmen Patterson, who shines as a young and ambitious assistant director.

Overall, Red Phone Diaries: The Making or Breaking of 'Close Calls' is a must-see film for anyone interested in independent cinema, horror, or the art of filmmaking in general. With its impeccable visuals, strong performances, and thought-provoking themes, the film is a true testament to the power and magic of bringing stories to life on the big screen. So, if you want to know the stories behind the stories, this is the film you must watch.

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Description
  • Release Date
    2019
  • Runtime
    2 hr 31 min