Author Randy Fox returns to the show so that we can continue our series on 1970’s Science Fiction films! This time we look at the fascinating directorial debut of graphic designer Saul Bass, PHASE IV (1974). The film was a financial failure at the time of release but its status as a cult film has grown slowly over the decades.
We look at the many cinematic influences the film’s story draws from including THE NAKED JUNGLE (1954), THE ANROMEDA STRAIN (1971) and 2001: A SPACE ODESSEY (1968). We marvel over the ant photography that allows the film to so clearly show us the world of these newly altered insects traveling into their hives and, at times, seemingly into their minds. We discuss the small cast even as I question why they bothered to give the characters proper names at all. Given Saul Bass’ background as a visual artist it is no surprise that the film produces a dozen or more unforgettable images and we try to point out as many of them as possible. The choice to use a voiceover is put to the test with Randy’s dreaded ‘professor with a pointer’ serving as our classic example of going too far! We dig into the ways the human living spaces are presented in comparison to those of the ants and how a break in that alignment shows a specific communication change in the story. Of course, we occasionally veer off topic as things point us toward other subjects but I’m happy to say we always find our way back to the film under the magnifying glass.
Do you have thoughts about PHASE IV or other films that stuck with you even though you weren’t sure if you liked them? If so, thebloodypit@gmail.com is the address to send those comments. Thank you for listening!
194 - GHOST CATCHERS (1944)
193 - Revenge of the Email Sack!
192 - Martian Invasion 1953!
191 - STAR TREK IV - THE VOYAGE HOME (1986)
190 - EATING RAOUL (1982)
189 - Mabuse 1960's Films
188 - THE INVISIBLE MAN'S REVENGE (1944)
187 - THE DEVIL’S WEDDING NIGHT (1973)
186 - A CHRISTMAS HORROR STORY (2015)
185 - TEN LITTLE INDIANS (1965)
183 - Inner Sanctum Radio Shows
182 - THE SCARLET CLAW (1944)
181 - STAR TREK III: THE SEARCH FOR SPOCK
180 - CONQUEST (1983)
179 - CALLING DR. DEATH (1943) and WEIRD WOMAN (1944)
178 - RATS NIGHT OF TERROR (1984)
177 - STAR TREK II THE WRATH OF KHAN (1982)
176 - KING OF KONG ISLAND (1968)
175 - Buggy Emails!
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