Dario Argento’s Signature Style in Phenomena
Dario Argento is one of those directors like John Carpenter – his style is unmistakable. You can throw on one of his movies, and within minutes, you just know who directed it. Suspiria got me into Argento’s work, and you can read my blog on this great film here. Phenomena feels a lot like Suspiria. The cinematography, the lighting, and the transitions all have the same dreamlike, almost hypnotic visual style. And the story? It’s got a Suspiria structure too, where just when you think the main character is in the clear she is right back into the nightmare.
A Chaotic Finale: Unpacking the Climax
The final ten minutes are a wild shift. You can almost see where the story is going, but it goes way off the rails. It turns into this chaotic mix that made me think of Child’s Play, Friday the 13th, and Candyman all wrapped into one. You’ve got the heroine in a boat, the boat explodes, and then she’s in the water with this deformed kid who looks like a young Jason Voorhees. And somehow, while she’s in the boat this deformed kid has a spear but can’t land a single hit on her? It’s the same thing with Chucky – how was that doll ever a threat? You’d just punt him across the room or shoot him and it’s game over. The whole sequence is insane, but it works because it leans into the madness of Phenoma’s story.
I hate to pick on Chucky because I like him but, there’s another piece that didn’t make sense I’d like to mention. The whole poison-pill situation. You know it’s poison. I know it’s poison. But the main character takes it anyway. This was no different in Dr. No featuring James Bond (Read my blog from a few weeks ago on this movie here). You know what’s happening, but, watch as the character does it anyway. Another moment when I just had to question the character’s decision was when she tried to fish the phone to herself. Why struggle to lift the phone through the opening when you could just crawl through the narrow window? I get it. It’s a movie so you must suspend disbelief for the sake of the story. I find myself dealing with this reality often in my writing and one day I’ll accept my previous statement…maybe.
Unforgettable Imagery: Monkeys, Pits, and More
Let’s talk about crazy and good for a few lines. There’s a pit full of decomposing bodies, a straight-razor-wielding monkey (which you know is coming back for revenge), and some eerie, amazing locations that make the whole film feel even more unsettling. The set design is incredible too. There are old ambulances, hearses, and a tour bus like I’ve never seen before. I don’t know when this bus was made but, it was one of the highlights for me. You can read more about the vehicles in Phenomena, including this bus, here. I enjoyed the ornate wooden cuckoo clocks too but not as much as the bus. Phenomena was shot partially in Switzerland, so, every outdoor scene is stunning. Then there’s the music. Out of nowhere, you get these metal riffs crashing in, and somehow, it works. In addition to metal music (from the 80s), you get punk tunes too. I’m not sure how but, the soundtrack works.
Donald Pleasence’s Role and the Film’s Architecture
Donald Pleasence is Phenomena too, which is always a win. Architecture is not my passion in life but, occasionally films I watch show some impressive dwellings and structures. Phenomena is one of these and the school where Jennifer Corvino, played by Jennifer Connelly, caught my eye. The Rietberg Museum in Zurich was the building used as this learning center and, it’s a very impressive site. There’s some weird narration, some unexpected tech from the day, airports, and Swiss banks to see in Phenomena as well. Another site to see on this trip back in time is the professor’s home. Donald Pleasence’s character is in a wheelchair, so he has a chair lift attached to his staircase. I’ve seen one of these in real life at the Clemson Masonic Lodge in Clemson, SC. I suppose they are cheaper than elevators.
A Unique Narrative: Communicating with Insects
egardless of all the cool things to see though, the story is very impressive, but it took a genius to make it work. Ultimately, Phenomena is about a girl who can communicate with insects and uses this ability to solve a murder. This goes back to another point I make often today – Hollywood no longer uses creativity. And those last ten minutes? It’s like Argento hits you with surprise after surprise. Just when you think you’ve seen the craziest thing, he pushes it further. That’s what makes his movies so wild. Argento takes risks that modern horror filmmakers just don’t. A girl who can communicate with insects? This storyline sounds ridiculous on paper, but Argento makes it terrifying. Pair this with the wild color and shot angles and you certainly have a unique and enjoyable film.
Exploring Argento’s Filmography: Next Up, Deep Red
I looked up Dario Argento’s filmography after watching Phenomena, and the next one on my list is Deep Red. If it’s anywhere near as chaotic and visually striking as Phenomena, I’m all in. This one? I’d absolutely watch Phenomena again. It’s the kind of movie that sticks with you, just for how strange and unexpected it all is. Just remember that horror logic takes a backseat to reality. Regardless, Argento pulled off something special here. You’re invited to follow my art journey on social media, visit my website, read more of my blogs on odd films, and consider supporting and buying my art here. Peace.