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The Cable Guy
1996 96 min United States of America PG-13 18+
★6.3
Comedy, Drama, Thriller
Director: Ben Stiller
Trailers
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Description
When recently single Steven moves into his new apartment, cable guy Chip comes to hook him up—and doesn't let go. Initially, Chip is just overzealous in his desire to be Steven's pal, but when Steven tries to end the 'friendship', Chip shows his dark side. He begins stalking Steven, who's left to fend for himself because no one else can believe Chip's capable of such behaviour.
Budget:
$47M
US Gross:
$60.24M
Worldwide:
$102.83M
Starring
Jim Carrey
Actor
Matthew Broderick
Actor
Leslie Mann
Actor
Awards
MTV Movie & TV Awards 1997
— Best Comedy Performance
MTV Movie & TV Awards 1997
— Best Villain
MTV Movie & TV Awards 1997
— Best Fight
Key opinion
The Cable Guy is a polarizing dark comedy that has evolved from a misunderstood commercial flop into a cult classic appreciated for its bold exploration of loneliness and media obsession. While some viewers criticize its jarring tonal shifts and plot contrivances, many now praise Jim Carrey’s daring performance and Ben Stiller’s ambitious, unconventional direction.
| Acting | Jim Carrey delivers a transformative and daring performance that successfully pivots from his slapstick persona toward a darker, psychologically complex character. | |
| Theme | The film functions as a prescient satire on society's unhealthy obsession with television and the isolation born from a life lived through mass media. | |
| Direction | The movie’s refusal to stick to one tone—fusing elements of thriller, dark comedy, and drama—leads to divided reactions, as some appreciate the unpredictability while others find the experience jarring or unfocused. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is praised for its sharp, culturally literate humor and iconic set pieces, though critics argue the finale feels weak or unearned. | |
| Acting | The supporting performances by Matthew Broderick and others are viewed by some as strong, grounding work, while others characterize the characters as inherently unlikeable or underutilized. |