This curated list of films shot entirely in one room highlights the art of storytelling through minimalistic settings. These films prove that a single location can be a powerful stage for drama, suspense, and character development, offering viewers an intense and focused cinematic experience. Whether it's through psychological tension, intimate conversations, or sheer creativity, these films demonstrate the versatility and depth that can be achieved within the confines of a single room.
Rope (1948)
Description: Alfred Hitchcock's experiment in real-time storytelling, where two young men hide a murder in their apartment during a dinner party, all filmed to appear as one continuous shot.
Fact: Hitchcock used long takes to give the illusion of a single continuous shot, with hidden cuts.
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12 Angry Men (1957)
Description: Set in a jury room, this classic film explores the dynamics of twelve jurors deliberating the fate of a young man accused of murder, showcasing the power of persuasion and moral debate.
Fact: The film was shot in just 19 days, and the room was designed to look like a real New York City jury room. It was also remade in 1997 with a diverse cast.
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Cube (1997)
Description: While not strictly one room, the film's setting is a series of interconnected rooms, each with deadly traps, where characters must navigate to escape, focusing on psychological tension.
Fact: The film was made with a very low budget, and the set was constructed in an abandoned factory.
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Phone Booth (2002)
Description: A publicist trapped in a phone booth by a sniper who has been watching him and decides to make him atone for his sins, all unfolding in real-time within the booth.
Fact: The film was shot in sequence, and Colin Farrell was actually in the phone booth for most of the shoot, which lasted about 12 days.
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The Room (2003)
Description: While often cited as one of the worst films ever made, it's an interesting study in how a single room can be the setting for a bizarre and unintentionally hilarious narrative.
Fact: The film has gained a cult following, with midnight screenings where fans throw spoons at the screen and recite lines.
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The Man from Earth (2007)
Description: This film is a perfect example of a "one-room" movie, where a professor claims to be a caveman who has lived for 14,000 years, sparking a deep philosophical discussion among his colleagues.
Fact: The entire film was shot in one room over the course of 10 days. It was also initially released as a direct-to-video film but gained a cult following.
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Buried (2010)
Description: A contractor in Iraq wakes up to find himself buried alive in a coffin with only a lighter and a mobile phone, creating a claustrophobic thriller that unfolds entirely within this confined space.
Fact: The film was shot in a 220 cm x 80 cm x 48 cm box, and Ryan Reynolds, the lead actor, lost 10 pounds due to the physical and mental strain of the role.
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The Sunset Limited (2011)
Description: Two men, one an ex-convict and the other a professor, engage in a profound discussion about life, death, and faith, all within the confines of a small apartment.
Fact: Adapted from Cormac McCarthy's play, the film features Tommy Lee Jones and Samuel L. Jackson, who also directed the film.
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Locke (2013)
Description: The entire film takes place in a car as Ivan Locke drives to London, dealing with personal and professional crises via phone calls, showcasing the power of dialogue and performance.
Fact: Tom Hardy performed all his scenes in one take, driving the car himself, and the film was shot over the course of just one week.
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Fermat's Room (2007)
Description: Four mathematicians are invited to solve a puzzle in a room that starts to shrink, creating a tense atmosphere where intellectual and physical survival are at stake.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life story of a mathematician who was trapped in a shrinking room.
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