Don't Answer the Phone

Don't Answer the Phone—directed by Robert Hammer and released in 1980—is an American horror, mystery, and thriller film that serves as a chilling reminder to its viewers about the shadows lurking in the corners of urban society. The film boasts an ensemble of talented actors, including James Westmoreland, Ben Frank, and Flo Lawrence, who together create a nerve-racking journey through the sinister side of Los Angeles.

The storyline is centered around a disturbed Vietnam veteran and aspiring fashion photographer named Kirk Smith, played vividly by Nicholas Worth. He turns into a homicidal maniac who tortures and murders his unsuspecting female victims. The man uses a variety of methods to murder his victims, creating a spur of unpredictable and relentless terror throughout the heart of every audience member.

He is not just a typical murderer, for his sadistic pleasure, he also takes photographs of his victims at their point of death, thus adding a chilly element to his gruesome acts. Further highlighting his psychotic persona, Smith also makes threatening phone calls to a local radio psychologist, intelligently portrayed by the captivating Flo Lawrence. The calls serve as a game of cat and mouse, with the psychologist racing against time to identify the caller and prevent further mayhem.

James Westmoreland delivers a compelling performance as Lieutenant Chris McCabe, the proceedings detective on the case. McCabe, with his astute detective skills, recognizes the serial pattern of the killings and sets out to apprehend the murderer. He is seen closely working with his partner, Hatcher, portrayed by the skillful Ben Frank, who brings a grounded quality to the investigation.

The effectiveness of Don't Answer the Phone lies in its realistic depiction of the 1980s Los Angeles setting, which holds up a mirror to the society's dark underbelly. Despite its horrifying premise, the film maintains a stern police procedurality that mingles well with the suspenseful narrative. Meanwhile, the atmospheric score intensifies the dreadful environment in which the events unfold.

Director Robert Hammer proves his mastery over the genre by effectively infusing suspense and terror into the film. The movie takes its audience to the darkest corners of human psychology through its characters, particularly the deranged and terrifying protagonist. Hammer's depiction of urban horror starkly contrasts with the usually glamorized image of Los Angeles, giving the viewers an edge-of-the-seat experience.

Contrasting the darkness is the sub-plot involving the radio psychologist. Her role becomes increasingly significant as she attempts to identify the anonymous caller tormenting her show, thereby adding an extra layer of suspense to the storyline. The radio show space is set in an almost surreal, separate world but is eerily connected to the string of horrifying events taking place. Flo Lawrence's performance here brings a necessary balance to the intense narrative.

Equally significant are the performances of James Westmoreland and Ben Frank, as two cops outwitting the chilling play of the killer. They represent the conventionally heroic "good" against an overpowering "evil" and their struggle offers an underlying tension to the storyline. The dynamic between McCabe and Hatcher is engaging, adding a touch of realism to the complex narrative.

Don't Answer the Phone is a classic race-against-time thriller that hooks the audience from beginning to end. Its explicit terrifying premise plunges the viewer deep into a psychological abyss, creating an aura of fear and paranoia. Simultaneously, the characters' complex narrative arcs ensure an intriguing viewer experience wulating a perfect horror, mystery thriller experience. Beware, after watching this film, you might think twice before answering an unknown phone call.