Breaking Down Phone Box (2014)

1. Common CAMS (Cinematography)

In Phone Box, the cinematography uses a lot of close-up

s to show emotions and reactions, creating a sense of intimacy and tension. The use of static shots adds to the eerie and mysterious tone of the film. There are also wide shots to establish the isolated setting, which enhances the feeling of unease.

2. Common Sound in the Genre
Sound plays a huge role in creating suspense. Phone Box uses ambient sounds like wind and silence to make the scene feel unsettling. There are also moments of diegetic sounds like the ringing phone, which becomes a key part of the story. The lack of music builds tension, making every sound stand out.

3. Common Mis-En-Scene (CLAMPS)

• Costume: Simple, everyday clothing to make the character relatable.
• Lighting: Natural and low-key lighting creates a mysterious, unsettling atmosphere.
• Actors: The protagonist’s expressions and body language reflect confusion and fear.
• Makeup/Props: The phone box itself is the central prop, representing isolation and mystery.
• Setting: A remote, empty location that feels abandoned, adding to the tension.

4. Common Editing in the Genre
The editing in Phone Box uses slow pacing to build suspense, with longer shots that linger on the character’s reactions. Jump cuts are used effectively to create a sense of disorientation, while the timing of cuts emphasizes the tension around the phone ringing.

5. Example Films of the Genre The Black Phone (2021) Locke (2013)Buried (2010)The Guilty (2018)

6. What I Like About the Genre
I love the tension and mystery that films like Phone Box create with minimal dialogue and settings. The focus on visuals, sound, and atmosphere makes the story feel immersive and gripping. The simplicity of the concept, paired with strong execution, is what makes it so effective.

7. What Doesn’t Appeal to Me
Sometimes, the slow pacing can feel drawn out, especially if the payoff isn’t as strong as the buildup. The lack of action or dialogue can also make it feel repetitive if not handled carefully.