Hacker Cinema
When a Stranger Calls
1979 · Film · 97 min
Directed by Fred Walton
A student babysitter has her evening disturbed when the phone rings. So begins a series of increasingly terrifying and threatening calls that lead to a shocking revelation.
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2 comments on Hacker News
Many years ago when I was a pre-teen, I was up late reading when I heard someone walking on the roof of our house. I will never forget that moment, because I was just sitting at my desk, when suddenly I heard heavy footsteps across our roof. I quickly woke up my dad, who called the police. To make a long story short, the intruder was not found - but I buried deep into my subconscious that it was due to my actions (namely, being awake) that saved us all. Thus began my never-ending trial with insomnia. I started staying up late, because I feared another intruder. Watching movies like “When A Stranger Calls” (the original version with Carol Kane) did not help.
Later, when I entered college I discovered that I was a serial procrastinator. Nothing really seemed that urgent unless it was the night before the due date. Combined with the advent of the web, my circadian rhythm was forever altered. If I was not burning through the midnight oil for a deadline, I was browsing around in some forum or downloading songs through Napster.
Next came the long-awaited moment of getting my first apartment. This was pure heaven. I could stay up as late as I wanted, without disturbing anyone.
Now, I am in my mid-thirties, and I am unable to go to sleep without 10mg of Ambien. If I could tolerate the taste of alcohol, I would probably be an alcoholic. I truly envy those who can fall asleep within 10 minutes.
For anyone who doesn't understand the context: [1] This is a quote from the movie "When a Stranger Calls" [2] 127.0.0.1 is the IP address for "localhost", one's own computer.