CLASSIC MOVIE CORNER: 'Phenomena' (1985)

Jennifer Connelly in 'Phenomena'“Phenomena” (1985)

MPAA Rating: R
Directed by: Dario Argento
Starring: Jennifer Connelly, Donald Pleasance, Federica Mastroianni, Dalila Di Lazzaro

The Gist: Here’s a slasher flick to drive you positively buggy.

The Story: A serial killer preys on young students at a Swiss girls’ boarding school. Jennifer Corvino (Connelly), is sent there by a rich, single father who lacks the time to raise her. Jennifer has a hard time making friends, thanks to her unnerving talent. She can commune telepathically with insects. Professor McGregor (Pleasance) is a forensic entomologist who thinks her gift is wonderful. He lives alone, paralyzed from a car crash, with only his helper chimpanzee for company. McGregor seeks Jennifer’s help in identifying the killer. As she unravels the case with some six-legged assistance, she discovers the danger is closer than she suspected.

The Review: This Italian horror film, originally released as “Creepers” in the U.S., features American film star Jennifer Connolly in one of her earliest roles. Just 15 at the time of its release, she showed considerable talent in a demanding performance. “Phenomena” is also one of the highlights of Italian horror director Argento’s ouevre, with its surreal and sinister imagery. Argento revels in gore and putrefaction, but also has a passion for beautiful lighting and composition. In keeping with the film’s international flavor, the soundtrack ranges from eerie synthesized instrumentals to contributions from Motörhead, Iron Maiden and Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones. Unlike some other Italian horror films, the plot actually makes sense and is quite compelling. Animal lovers will be bowled over by Tanga the chimp’s startling heroics.

The Classic Quote: Headmistress (Lazzaro): “The Bible also refers to the devil as Beelzebub, which means ‘Lord of the Flies.’ Look at her — the Lady of the Flies.”

(Note: The Leader’s Classic Movie Corner is going on an extended hiatus. It’s been fun reviewing the finest films from cinema’s history and this feature might return in the future. Please e-mail your suggestions for what you’d like to see in a future version of Classic Movie Corner to me, Jorge Sosa, at sosa@hutchinsonleader.com.)