Phenomenon (1996)

An ordinary man sees a bright light descend from the sky, and discovers he now has super-intelligence and telekinesis.

Director:

Jon Turteltaub

Writer:

Gerald Di Pego

Stars:

John Travolta, Kyra Sedgwick, Forest Whitaker

7 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Travolta	...	George Malley
Kyra Sedgwick	...	Lace Pennamin
Forest Whitaker	...	Nate Pope
Robert Duvall	...	Doc Brunder
Jeffrey DeMunn	...	Prof. John Ringold
Richard Kiley	...	Dr. Wellin
David Gallagher	...	Al Pennamin
Ashley Buccille	...	Glory Pennamin
Tony Genaro	...	Tito
Sean O'Bryan	...	Banes
Michael Milhoan	...	Jimmy
Troy Evans	...	Roger
Bruce A. Young	...	FBI Agent Jack Hatch (as Bruce Young)
Vyto Ruginis	...	Ted Rhome
Brent Spiner	...	Dr. Bob Niedorf

Storyline

The main character observes a strange light on his birthday at a bar. The following days he becomes very intelligent and puts the intelligence to good use in his community. When word gets around he becomes known as a freak and everyone wants to figure out why this happened to a car mechanic. The government also wants to get their hands on it to put it to other uses.

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Plot Keywords:

light | birthday | telekinesis | bar | beer | 

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Taglines:

Some things in life just can't be explained.

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Genres:

Drama | Fantasy | Romance | Sci-Fi

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for language and mild sensuality

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 July 1996 (USA)

Also Known As:

Fenomen

Filming Locations:

Auburn, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$32,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

JPY 76,886,100 (Japan) (17 January 1997)

Gross:

JPY 144,935,600 (Japan) (24 January 1997)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Touchstone Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

123 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color (FotoKem)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Assuming the man in Bob's question is from California, then the question is answered at 12:12pm on July 25th, 1996.

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Goofs

During the Doc's "sleep better tonight" tirade at the bar, there is a beer glass in his foreground, even though he smashed them all with his mug. Also it doesn't show in the reverse angle.

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Quotes

Dr. Bob Niedorf: All right, I'll start the questions, and I'll be timing your responses, and we'll be recording. Any questions?
George Malley: What's your first name?
Dr. Bob Niedorf: Uh, my first name is Bob.
[George reaches across the wide table to shake hands]
George Malley: Shoot, Bob.
Dr. Bob Niedorf: Right. Name as many mammals as you can in 60 seconds. Ready? Go.
[Starts stopwatch]
George Malley: Hmm. 60 seconds. Well, how would you like that? How about alphabetical? Aardvark, baboon, caribou, dolphin, eohippus, fox, gorilla, hyena, ibex, jackal, kangaroo, lion, marmoset, ...
[...]

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Connections

Referenced in The Nostalgia Critic: 3 Ninjas (2008)

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Soundtracks

"I Have The Touch"
Written by Peter Gabriel
Performed by Peter Gabriel

User Reviews

Augmented Human Interest

I'm not usually inspired to review your average hollywood fare, but I was moved by this film. Not only did it portray dramatic tension between one who is experiencing 'supernatural' awareness and their hokey, small-town friends, but Phenomenon also gains rank by being one of the first few films with a completely 'open mind.' I attribute its existence to the film Powder, which came out a few years ago, and I am honestly looking forward to more innovative dramas in a similar vein.

It will probably not become a classic, but it deserves to be seen in its time. Perhaps the honesty of this film will inspire other, greater filmmakers with more influence to change their ways and provide more thinking elements in their films.

Watch it with a loved one on a Saturday night.

A good alternative to show those boyfriends who are caught up in their own male-ness. Try this before plopping in Gone with the Wind. It may bridge the gap.