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

At one point Wolfgang Petersen was attached to direct.

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Goofs

When Nate is shown calling "CQ" (a general call for any amateur) for Diana Ross on the 30 meter band (10.135 mHz), Voice (phone) emissions are prohibited on that band - only Digital emissions (Morse code {CW}, RadioTeletype {RTTY} or Packet) are allowed on that band.

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Quotes

Doc: Every woman has her chair, something she needs to put herself into, Banes. You ever figure out what Lisa's chairs were and buy 'em?
[pause]
Doc: Nope. But, you're right about one thing, George never changed.

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Connections

Version of Phenomenon II (2003)

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Soundtracks

"It's All Right"
Written by Curtis Mayfield
Performed by Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions

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.