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Phone Booth

Phone Booth is a 2002 American thriller film directed by Joel Schumacher and written by Larry Cohen.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Phone Booth is a 2002 American psychological thriller film directed by Joel Schumacher and written by Larry Cohen. Starring Colin Farrell, the film follows a New York publicist trapped in a phone booth and threatened by a hidden sniper. It is known for its real-time structure, confined setting, and suspense-driven premise.

Premise

The story follows a publicist who answers a ringing phone booth and becomes the target of a sniper who forces him to confront his secrets. The film unfolds largely in and around the booth, creating a confined, suspenseful setting.

Production

The screenplay was written by Larry Cohen and the film was directed by Joel Schumacher. Sources note that the booth was a custom-built set rather than a real New York City phone booth.

Release and reception

Phone Booth was delayed from its original 2002 release and opened in the United States on 4 April 2003. Reviews were generally positive, and the film performed well at the box office.

Key facts

  • The film was released in 2003 after originally being scheduled for 2002.
  • It centres on Stu Shepard, a New York publicist who is trapped by a caller using a sniper rifle.
  • Colin Farrell plays the lead role of Stu Shepard.
  • Kiefer Sutherland provides the voice of the unseen caller.
  • The film received generally positive reviews and was a box office success.
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Canadian context

The film was released internationally, including in Canada, and is part of early-2000s Hollywood thriller cinema that received wide English-language distribution.

Frequently asked questions

What is Phone Booth about?
It is about a New York publicist who is trapped in a phone booth by a sniper threatening to shoot him if he hangs up.
Who directed Phone Booth?
Joel Schumacher directed the film.
Who wrote Phone Booth?
The screenplay was written by Larry Cohen.
Who stars in Phone Booth?
The main cast includes Colin Farrell, Forest Whitaker, Katie Holmes, Radha Mitchell, and Kiefer Sutherland.
When was Phone Booth released?
It was released in U.S. theatres on 4 April 2003.
What genre is Phone Booth?
It is generally classified as a psychological thriller or mystery thriller.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phone_Booth_(film)
    Supports: Basic film identification, director, writer, cast, and premise.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/phone_booth
    Supports: Genre, release date, runtime, and synopsis.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Phone-Booth
    Supports: Film identification and key cast/production details.
  4. Reelviews — https://www.reelviews.net/reelviews/phone-booth
    Supports: Release date, credits, genre, and production context.
  5. Roger Ebert — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/phone-booth-2003
    Supports: Premise and interpretive description of the film.