filippaberry84
I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.
Stephanie
There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes
Edwin
The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.
Woodyanders
Colonies of ants suddenly band together and form a mass collective intelligence that threatens mankind's status as the dominant species on the planet. Coldly pragmatic scientist Ernest D. Hobbs (an excellent performance by Nigel Davenport), his earnest assistant James R. Lesko (a solid and likable Michael Murphy), and frightened teenager Kendra Eldridge (a sweet and appealing portrayal by the ravishing Lynne Frederick) must figure out a way to stop the ants before it's too late. Director Saul Bass, working from a quirky and interesting script by Mayo Simon, tells the fascinatingly bizarre story at a deliberate pace, maintains a solemn cerebral tone throughout, and concludes the film on a boldly enigmatic note. Moreover, there's a pleasing ambiguity to the narrative; no explanation is ever provided for exactly how and why the ants have become so cunning and organized. Another key triumph of this movie is the way it manages to make the ants seem extremely alien and unknowable, yet somehow still familiar and strangely sympathetic at the same time. The dry and desolate locations convey an eerie feeling of isolation and vulnerability. Dick Bush's stunning cinematography boasts a wealth of remarkable visuals, with the breathtaking micro-photography in particular of the ants and their perfectly structured society rating as truly something to behold. Brian Gascoigne's spare groovy score further enhances the overall off-kilter vibe. Those seeking cheap thrills and obvious jump out at you formulaic shocks will be deeply disappointed. But if low-key, smart, and ambitious out of the ordinary sci-fi fare flies your proverbial kite, then you should find this minor cult item to be a rewarding viewing experience.
AaronCapenBanner
Michael Murphy and Nigel Davenport play two scientists studying the recent peculiar behavior of ants after a strange outer space phenomenon has occurred. They rescue a young woman(played by Lynne Frederick) who has survived an ant attack that destroyed her family and farm. Seems the(normal) sized ants have evolved into a collective intelligence, and are studying them as well, in the next step of mutual evolution...Weird(to say the least)film is nonetheless quite original and intelligent; seems to be partially inspired by "2001: A Space Odyssey", and though not a masterpiece, still contains some quite striking visual imagination and ambition(courtesy of director Saul Bass) and a mind-bending ending that gives much to ponder. A thought-provoking Sci-Fi film that deserves to be better known.
Andrew Huggett
There's a rather slow start to this film with a lengthy and unsettling montage of different ant species working together, a little later there is a narration which explains the establishment of a science research facility to study the unusual activity and the decline in the natural predators of the ant population. There are a couple of interesting scenes of the protagonists from the viewpoint of the ants compound eyes which adds interest and creates an unsettling atmosphere. The music is also effective and unsettling. This is the only film to be directed by the graphic designer Saul Bass and there are one or two moments where the film seems a little disjointed – I suspect the film has been cut or re-edited in some way against the original intention. There is a horrible scene where after a chemical spray procedure against the first ant attack some ants crawl from the hand of a dead man ... a cleverly staged sequence shows the ants gradually become resistant to the first spray of yellow poison by absorbing it ... there is then a suggestion that after a queen ant samples it new ants are born which are fully resistant. The ants are very clever – aside from language they build structures overnight around the research centre which reflect sunlight … the premise of this film sounds absurd but somehow it kind of works … flawed but interesting ... The macro photography is excellent. An enigmatic and irritating ending though.
Raphael_Sarker
I watched Phase IV in the 1970s when I was probably too young to understand it but I was hooked on it anyway... It's the ants.This film has a lot to offer and is deeply rewarding when watched again and again over the years. I only recently realised that this is one of the very few films directed by Saul Bass, whose production, titles and graphic designs defined the coolness, and the cool, of the 1950s, 60s and 70's American cinema. Mad Men? Not without Saul Bass.And Phase IV is very much a design cinema, the kind that Don Draper would watch several times over. It's Sci-Fi for sure. It could be an extended episode of a never-realised 1970s visit to the Twilight Zone. It's a type of American film that makes you think of the low-budget Americana of Easy Rider, Corman, and early Coppola. It's very cool. If you can imagine an American SF film reconfigured as world cinema nature documentary with aspects of Cronenberg horror, then you have only just begun to embrace this film.A few years ago I listened to a Blue States album and the cover reminded me of this film so I watched it again. And I keep watching it. It's haunting, worrying, apocalyptic, cool, beautifully photographed and minimalist in its attitude to conventional drama and character. The actors are amazing, though. Michael Murphy. Understated and subtle. Nigel Davenport. A Don!Finally, If you are afraid of ants, DO NOT watch this film. The idea that they could truly harm humankind is outlandish and beautiful. I love ants, so it's OK.
