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 (as Gerald Dipego)

Stars:

John Travolta, Kyra Sedgwick, Forest Whitaker

7 wins & 8 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

John Travolta plays George Malley, who owns the local auto repair shop in a small California town. After celebrating his birthday with friends at the local bar/hang-out, George heads for home. He pauses to watch a strange light in the sky, then collapses for a few seconds in the middle of the deserted street. In the days and weeks that follow, George finds his IQ and consciousness expanding dramatically, and develops telekinetic abilities. Despite his attempts to explain what has happened to him, with just a very few exceptions, most of the local townspeople treat the "new" George as a freak. His state of isolation becomes even more pronounced when his new-found abilities allow him to correctly predict an earthquake, and outside authorities become interested in what's happened to him.

---

Plot Keywords:

telekinesis | genius | psionic power | brain tumor | terminal illness | 

---

Taglines:

Some things in life just can't be explained.

---

Genres:

Drama | Fantasy | Romance | Sci-Fi

---

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:

Petaluma, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$32,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$16,200,000, 7 July 1996, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$104,636,382

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$152,036,382

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

The main part of the movie was filmed in Old Town, Auburn, California. The gas station was fake, and built in front of the U.S. Post Office in town. The bar scenes were filmed in the old Shanghai, which is now Auburn Ale House. Doc Brunder (Robert Duvall) mooned George Malley (John Travolta) from the window of then, TSUDA's store. It is now Sierra Moon Goldsmith.

---

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.

---

Quotes

Lace Pennamin: So, let me ask you something, George. When a man comes over with a basket full of tomatoes, what is he expecting? Dinner?
George Malley: Nah, no, no. Just hoping.

---

Connections

Referenced in Siskel & Ebert: Mad City/Bean/Starship Troopers/Eve's Bayou/The Wings of the Dove (1997)

---

Soundtracks

Touch Me in the Morning
Written by Ronald Miller and Michael Masser
Performed by Diana Ross

User Reviews

One of my all-time favorites.

This movie doesn't get the credit that it deserves. Travolta's speech at the end of the movie to the doctor is incredible. Rarely do I ever see a movie that acknowledges the value of a single human life like this movie does. Most movies glorify sacrifice. This movie glorifies life. I highly recommend it.