Review of Phenomena (1985) by Hans L — 31 Jul 2007
Lets start off by saying that this features a great and often chilling performance by Daria Nicolodi who plays a mother who has a hideously deformed son. Also not to mention an equally as good performance by an incredibly young Jennifer Connelly and Donald (Don't call me Dr. Loomis) Pleasance.
The story revolves around Jennifer Corvino a girl who is a schizophrenic sleepwalker and has the ability to be able to communicate with insects via telepathy. Well...shes just moved to an all girls school and already after having sleepwalked the first night there she already gets the piss ripped out of her by her fellow classmates. At this school pupils are being decapitated, by an unseen assassin. Now this story plays out like a type of giallo as we do not know who the killer is until the end, yet again surprise surprise it's the person you least expect.
Next we have Prof. John McGregor who is an entomologist so as Jennifer has the ability to communicate with insects these pair get along like 2 peas in a pod. Did I mention that the Prof. has a helper monkey...
As more gruesome murders occur so does the plot thicken, as we are introduced to a police detective, who is also trying to track down the murderer. I don't want to say much or anything really about the ending as it has to be seen to be believed!
This has some astounding set pieces and great camera work by Argento, the acting isn't brilliant though it is better than most.
The soundtrack features spooky songs by Goblin and some classic rock tunes by Iron Maiden and Motorhead. The films special effects are realistic, and look amazing. Locations for this film are perfect and add to the overall creepiness.
As for this DVD release it has a decent transfer, not to great but watchable.
It also has a fair amount of extras including Theatrical Trailers, Picture Gallery, Interviews with Dario Argento, Behind the Scenes, Original Phenomena Music Video and an Interview with Claudio Simonetti from Goblin!
If you are a fan of Argento's work and you've not seen this movie...I ask the question why?
GO BUY IT!
This review of Phenomena (1985) was written by Hans L on 31 Jul 2007.
Phenomena has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
