Call Me (1988), directed by Sollace Mitchell, is a violent and erotic thriller that attempts to capture the gritty, sordid atmosphere of late 1980s New York. The story follows Anna, a young journalist who receives an obscene phone call she believes is from her boyfriend. When she agrees to meet him at a bar, she inadvertently becomes a witness to a murder. From there, Anna's life spirals into a dangerous web of mystery, suspense, and encounters with dark, menacing characters, including a killer.
Mitchell's direction makes effective use of urban locations to heighten the sense of danger and claustrophobia, while Zoltan David's cinematography employs stark contrasts of light and shadow to emphasize the film's thriller tone. The portrayal of New York as a cold, grimy, and chaotic environment feels authentic and adds to the film's atmosphere. However, the narrative itself is plagued by logical inconsistencies and an exasperatingly slow progression of events. Anna's decisions, in particular, border on the absurd, which can test the audience's patience.
Steve Buscemi stands out in one of his early roles as a criminal, bringing his trademark intensity and eccentricity to the character. Yet, even his performance struggles to elevate a story that relies too heavily on genre clichés and lacks cohesion.
In conclusion, Call Me delivers a well-crafted aesthetic and some moments of genuine tension, but its weak plot and illogical character behavior undermine its potential. While visually compelling, the film ultimately falls short of being a truly engaging thriller.
