Dario Argento is famous for his hitchcockian tributes, such as; Deep Red, Tenebrae, and Suspiria, but with Phenomena he changes his formula into something quite daring. When you watch an Argento film you can expect two things, creative deaths and a killer you never expected. With this film however there is a killer, but it is complicated with supernatural elements weaving in and out of the picture. I do not want to give away any plot spoilers on this film so I will skip the plot. I will tell you that this is one of the most enjoyable of his films, possibly in my opinion his last great film. Check it out!
September 8, 2008It's been said that "Phenomena" is the movie Argento wanted to make with "Suspiria", the latter being cast with actresses well out of their teens. Here, much younger actresses are used, including Argento's own daughter, Fiore, who has the opening (amazing) death scene. Fourteen year old Jennifer Connelly is our lead, and Argento must have been quite taken with her, as she is lovingly framed and lighted in every scene. There are numerous similarities with "Suspiria". Just as Suzy is chastised for arriving at the European school from America late, so is Jennifer. The girls at this school are also odd, and while Suzy is drugged in "Suspiria", someone attempts to do the same with Jennifer.
The kills are stylish as ever, great lighting, camera work, cinematography, and a very interesting story. I think this is the first Argento where I cared about the characters-Those being Jennifer, and the Entomologist and his chimp. By the way, the Chimp has a really wrenching scene where she is desparately trying to get into the house while her master is being menaced by the killer. Many other noteworthy scenes include Jennifer sleepwalking, Jennifer summoning insects to her aid in the school, and the reveal of the killer. The soundtrack by Goblin is incredible per usual, and I didn't mind the heavy Metal music used as well. Some weird stuff, some gross stuff, and Argento's most gorgeous heroine to date. I am amazed to find I like this even better than Suspiria. If you are just getting into Argento, or thinking of, this is a great movie to try. I absolutely adore this film. Oh, and in the cab ride to the school, (You knew there would be a cab ride, right?) Daria Nicolodi's character tells Jennifer, "They call this area the Swiss Transylvania, you know." Jennifer: "Really? Why?" Daria: "I don't know, they just do." I love the randomness of the Argento dialogue!
August 23, 2008 |  | Pure, B-movie cheeseball goodness |  |
Dario Argento's 'Phenomena' is a a gem of a B-movie with enough engaging and entertaining characteristics to make this film well worth your time if you're into such genre novelties. When you have a film that features a monkey sidekick, a crippled scientific genius, an all-girls boarding school in Europe, Jennifer Connelly in her teenage glory, insect swarms, rotting corpses and a few other surprises the question is - what doesn't this film have? One of Argento's more entertaining films and a decent dvd to boot - lots of extras and an above average transfer.
August 3, 2008 | | Creative Horror with Unusual Soundtrack | |
insects, a monkey, Don Pleasence, Iron Maiden, Motorhead, a murderous mutant, and the classic beauty of Jennifer Connelly make this Argento work truly memorable. What are you waiting for?
July 18, 2008This is not so great movie, but has its own scary moments. If you are looking for some sensible storyline, well, this is not for you. The DVD transfer is very good with enough extra features.
June 28, 2008More reviews at Amazon.com ...
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