Review of Phenomena (1985) by Justin M — 07 Jun 2007

Creepers is one of Dario Argento's lesser triumphs. Casting a baby faced Jennifer Connelly against the almost horror savvy Donald Pleasance is an exellent idea in any horror fan's book. The story also carries its own strange charms.

It is unlikely that a girl with an ability to talk to bugs could make such a charming heroine, but that is testament to Connelly's talents as a child actress, expressing a gentle sense of passivism audiences can't help but love.

Argento also showcases the flair for disfigurement that generated the success of Susperia and would later be used in Jenifer. By breaking from the tradition of Italian neo-realism in favor of grotesquery, Argento creates a belivable horror environment which more than rivals the likes of Kubrick in The Shining and Hooper's Texas Chainsaw Massacre, whcih adds genuine shock even to reveals which viewers see a mile away.

I also liked the chimp with the razor blade. My only criticism is the overuse of Heavy Metal in Creepers, which Argento carries over from 1979's Opera. In particular the use of Iron Maiden detracts from the story and seems inappropriate in the creation of terror.

This is a flaw which I have tried to avoid in my work and will use it as future reference. Other than that, an exellent paranormal thriller reminiscent of the 1970s.