The Telephone Book

The Telephone Book, directed by Nelson Lyon, is a 1971 cult classic film that fuses elements of comedy, drama, and erotica. The movie stars Sarah Kennedy, Norman Rose, and James Harder, who all deliver noteworthy performances, contributing to the film's memorable impact.

Sarah Kennedy, who is best known for her role in the popular 1970s sitcom, 'The Sarah Kennedy Show', plays the lead role of Alice. She is an innocent yet curious young woman living in New York City who gets an obscene phone call that changes her life. Throughout the entire film, Alice showcases an odd mixture of naivety and confidence. Her distinctly light voice adds a new dimension to her character.

Norman Rose plays the unnamed man, the one who makes the obscene phone call. Despite his off-kilter character, Rose lends a sense of depth and intrigue to his performance. He is brilliant at switching between seduction and humor and exudes an unexpected charm that adds intricacy to his character.

James Harder plays Alice's boyfriend, who remains oblivious to Alice's unexpected journey throughout the film. Harder brings a distinct naturalism to his performance, making him a delightful addition to the cast.

The narrative of The Telephone Book starts when Alice receives an anonymous obscene phone call that leaves her fascinated instead of repulsed. As opposed to feeling victimized or revolted, Alice becomes obsessed with the person behind the call and decides to get to the bottom of it. Her goal? To find the man who made the call and understand his perverse fascination with eroticism.

The movie plays out as an eccentric adventure through New York City, or rather, the underground, unseen parts of it. Alice encounters various quirky characters on her quest. Each encounter unfolds as a piece of the larger puzzle that Alice is trying to sort out.

The Telephone Book may come across as sexually provocative, but under the surface, it's an exploration of the concept of eroticism and a reflection on the society of the time. Besides being a sexual awakening story, it also delves into the theme of objectification and loneliness in an urban setting. The movie's outré comic tone, coupled with a unique visual style, maintains throughout the storyline, keeping it engaging for viewers.

The film stands out for its visual distinctiveness. Divided into two distinctive styles, the movie’s first half is shot in crisp black-and-white, showcasing the bustle and energy of New York City while reflecting the aloofness and solitude that can exist in such an environment. The second half, in contrast, features a trippy, pop-art inspired animation style that helps dive into the psyche of the mysterious caller.

Apart from the striking visual contrasts, the film’s upbeat, psychedelic soundtrack perfectly accommodates the eccentric visual style and story. It further solidifies the film’s stand as a cult favorite and a representative of the daringly novel cinema of its era.

The dialogue is stark and explicit, although it never crosses into vulgarity. Each line is crafted to shock, amuse, and intrigue, adding to the surreal feel of this quirky dark comedy.

Interestingly, The Telephone Book isn’t just the sum of its explicit dialogues or trippy animations. There is an overarching message about the changing norms and attitudes concerning sexuality during the era in which it was made. It projects a rather confident take on erotica, freedom of speech, and the power of anonymity.

All in all, The Telephone Book is an outlier among traditional films. Its avant-garde style, explicit dialogue, and unusual narrative have made it a truly memorable piece of 70s cinema, a touchstone of a bygone era. It's a hodgepodge of the scandals, attitudes, and changing morals of the 70s with a comedic twist that keeps it from becoming a banal commentary. Its unique qualities make it worth watching for those who appreciate an out-of-the-box cinematic experience.