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.

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Plot Keywords:

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

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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:

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

John Travolta and David Gallagher appeared in Look Who's Talking Now (1993).

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Goofs

George is spinning the sunglasses for everyone to see when the TV reporter asks his cameraman if he's "getting this." Camera man gives a thumbs up, however, his camera view is partially obscured by a guy in a brown coat. If the camera is actually pointed to the sunglasses (to a table that is thigh-high), the view would have been obscured even more.

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Quotes

Doc: [Doc sits on the side of George's hospital bed looking sorrowful] "God damn it. Somethin' happened about 25 years ago when you broke your leg and I set it, George. I don't know what to call it, but uh, somehow you got into my heart more than most. And f... and for a man who's never been a father, I sure feel like I'm losing a son. Yeah. Georgie. Yeah."

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Connections

Featured in Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai (1998)

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Soundtracks

No Te Olvidare (I'll Never Forget You)
Written by Roy Hodges
Performed by The Iguanas

User Reviews

Highly, highly recommended love & life story with a twist

I simply LOVE this movie. A celebration of life to be enjoyed & inspired by. I feel sorry for those who don't "get it" but that is their (huge) loss. I can only imagine the joy it must have brought to the director, screenwriter & musicians (wonderful soundtrack thanks Robbie Robertson) involved when they saw the final product. There are so many great "lines", so many great scenes. I've seen the movie about 6 times now and always am moved by the amazing performances of Travolta, Kyra, Whittaker & Duval. You guys were perfect! Definitely among my favorite all-time films. Thank you so much to all the above for making this gem of a movie.