About Compliance

Compliance is a 2012 American thriller film directed and written by Craig Zobel. The movie is based on a true story and revolves around a prank call at a fast-food restaurant that spirals out of control. The film examines the compliance of the employees in the wrongful detention and interrogation of a young female employee, manipulated into submission by an impersonator posing as a police officer.

Making / Production

The film was produced by Craig Zobel, Sophia Lin, Lisa Muskat, Tyler Davidson and Theo Sena. It underwent multiple discussions and reviews due to the sensitive and controversial nature of the narrative. Although based on true incidents, the makers took the creative liberty to portray the psychological implications of blind obedience to authority to its imaginable extreme.

Actors

• Ann Dowd played Sandra, the restaurant manager. She portrays a molded character who unquestioningly believes the impersonated cop, leading to unimaginable consequences. Dowd's performance is critically acclaimed for showcasing several character dimensions.
• Dreama Walker stars as Becky, a young employee falsely accused. Walker delivered a captivating performance accurately portraying a victim trapped in an undesired situation.
• Pat Healy played the prank caller, Officer Daniels. He finely displays the manipulative and reprehensible antagonist leading the narrative stopping at nothing to get away with his prank.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film is based on a real-life incident known as the Strip Search Phone Call Scam and depicts the final and most notorious hoax call made in Mount Washington, Kentucky.
• 'Compliance' was filmed in just 21 days.
• The film sparked controversy and received both walks-out and a standing ovation when premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

Awards

Ann Dowd won the National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in 'Compliance'.

Quotes

• "We all want to do what's right. But sometimes it is not clear," - Sandra.
• "Whatever this is... it's just the beginning," - Officer Daniels.

• The music for the film was provided by Heather McIntosh, who provided a tense and unnerving score that matched the film's disturbing premise.
• While the film does not focus on music, McIntosh's soundtrack skillfully enhances the anxious and uncomfortable tone of the movie.