“La Cabina” is a Spanish short film directed by Antonio Mercero. It was released in 1972 and has become a classic in Spanish cinema. The film is known for its suspense, satire, and social commentary blend.
The film opens with a seemingly ordinary day in a bustling city. A man (played by José Luis López Vázquez) goes about his routine until he finds himself needing to make a phone call. He enters a telephone booth (la cabina) to make his call, but as soon as he finishes and attempts to leave, he discovers that the door is inexplicably jammed.
Initially, the man remains calm, expecting someone will notice his predicament and free him. However, as time passes, he becomes increasingly distressed, realizing he is trapped inside the telephone booth. Bystanders and passersby outside the booth either ignore his pleas for help or regard the situation with casual indifference.
As the man struggles to break free, the film’s tone shifts from a seemingly mundane situation to a Kafkaesque nightmare. The telephone booth symbolizes societal apathy, bureaucracy, and the absurdity of the human condition. Various attempts are made to free the man, involving the police, firefighters, and even a crane, but each effort only exacerbates the situation’s increasingly surreal and absurd nature.
Despite the man’s desperate attempts to communicate and escape, the absurdity of the circumstances intensifies, leading to a dark and thought-provoking climax. The film skillfully blends dark comedy, social commentary, and psychological thriller elements.
It remains a classic example of how a seemingly ordinary scenario can evolve into a compelling exploration of societal norms and human behavior.
The Other Cinema 