Cast
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Jennifer Connelly
as Jennifer Corvino
Daria Nicolodi
as Frau Brückner
Fiore Argento
as Vera Brandt
Federica Mastroianni
as Sophie
Fiorenza Tessari
as Gisela Sulzer
Dalila Di Lazzaro
as Headmistress
Patrick Bauchau
as Inspector Rudolf Geiger
Donald Pleasence
as Professor John McGregor
Alberto Cracco
as UBS Bank Teller
Kaspar Capparoni
as Karl, Sophie's Boyfriend
Mario Donatone
as Morris Shapiro
Antonio Maimone
as EEG Doctor
Davide Marotta
as Patau (Bruckner Son)
Fulvio Mingozzi
as Mr. Sulzer
Francesca Ottaviani
as Nurse
Crew
Director
- Dario Argento
Producer
- Dario Argento
Reviews
John Chard
Phenomena, doo-doo doo-doo-doo.
Arriving at a Swiss Academy for girls, Jennifer Corvino (Jennifer Connelly) gets embroiled in the workings of a serial killer. Her friends the insects and Professor John McGregor (Donald Pleasence) are on hand to help if possible.
Directed and co-written by horror legend Dario Argento, Phenomena is a mixed bag. Ignoring the butchered American version, which was titled Creepers, the full uncut version is still messy. Argento the director is doing good work here, which explains why the film has a sturdy reputation. His eye for striking imagery and horror scene staging is evident here for sure, but Argento the writer (along with Franco Ferrini) fails to string a decent enough narrative together. Pace is all over the place, the dialogue often boorish, while wasting Donald Pleasence is a crime against horror film making. Still, there’s enough good Argento at work here to keep Phenomena above average, even if it’s more for the eyes than the brain. 6/10
Oct 3, 2014
talisencrw
Both a great chance to see two acting icons (one, Donald Pleasence, at his prime, and the other, Jennifer Connelly, just starting out on her filmic journey) and one of the films on director Argento's great run of horror classics, this is worth purchasing the finest print and will award the horror aficionado many great times in rewatches. Cinephiles often called Argento 'the Italian Alfred Hitchcock', and this would be a great Exhibit A for their evidence. Essential for connoisseurs of the arcane.
May 9, 2016
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Phenomena presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Dario Argento brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1985, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Phenomena took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $3.8 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 110 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 163 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1985, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Phenomena shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Omen, which focuses more on action than character development, Phenomena offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Se7en and M explore similar territory, Phenomena stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 25, 1985
- Runtime: 1h 50m
- Budget: $3,800,000
Where to Watch
