Hot Docs 2014: Hotline Review

Hotline

Hotline

World Showcase

Hotline is an emotionally charged and often funny window into the lives of the voices on the other end of the phone line.

Filled with interesting people it dodges the pitfall of becoming overly voyeuristic. The few times that actual phone recordings of hotline clients are used, they fit well thematically and never seem exploitative.

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You’ll find the people behind the voices of crisis hotlines, prayer hotlines, phone sex hotlines and two minor hotline celebrities: Ms. Cleo, the TV phone psychic and Jeff, One Lonely Guy (who is admittedly less famous, but still notable). Each one of these interview subjects is compelling and adds a unique viewpoint to the overall discussion on the value of anonymous human interactivity.

There’s no real narrative thrust or structure, which makes it feel a bit longer than it needs to be, but Hotline is still very enlightening and emotionally satisfying. Even when it lingers a bit too long on anecdotes, it still commands attention. (Peter Counter)

Screens

Monday, April 28th, Hart House Theatre, 7:15pm

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Tuesday, April 29th, Scotiabank 3, 1:00pm

Friday, May 2nd, Scotiabank 4, 9:45pm



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