About this episode
The episode explores the history of telephones in cinema and how films are adapting to the smartphone age.
Alexander Graham Bell made the first ever telephone call 150 years ago this spring. That single moment of connection would transform communication - and provide storytellers with a rich device for drama, comedy, intimacy and tension. Ellen E Jones and Mark Kermode trace the history of the phone on screen, and examine how the movies have handled the thorny problem of the smartphone. Mark speaks to author and critic Kim Newman about some of the most iconic telephone calls in cinema, from Dr Strangelove to Scream. Meanwhile, Ellen delves into how film and TV are responding to the smartphone age, with the help of critic Kayleigh Donaldson. And she speaks to American filmmaker Janicza Bravo, whose 2015 film Zola made inventive use of the cellphone. Producer: Jane Long A Prospect Street production for BBC Radio 4
People in this episode
Hosts: Ellen E Jones, Mark Kermode
Guests: Kim Newman, Kayleigh Donaldson, Janicza Bravo
Topics covered
- history of telephones
- cinema
- smartphone age
- communication
- storytelling
Keywords
- telephone
- cinema
- smartphone
- communication
- storytelling
- Dr Strangelove
- Scream
- Zola
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: BBC Radio 4
Books & works: Dr Strangelove, Scream, Zola
More episodes of Screenshot
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Screenshot podcast page.