meme: idiocracy was a documentarydream: eyes wide shut was a documentarysupreme: phase iv was a documentary
Arizona ants mock the food chain on their way to a desert lab to get two scientists and a woman.
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Cast & crew
6What people say
Legendary graphic designer Saul Bass' only feature directorial outing and it is a psychedelic, 2001-inspired science-fiction horror story about two human scientists declaring war on a colonizing force of hyper-intelligent ants. Has an incredibly strong and unique visual/sonic sensibility that combines macro bug photography, time-lapse imagery, piercing synths, crossfade montages and abstract compositions of landscape formations and light sources that all contribute to this terrifying and surreal but ultimately beautiful acceptance of our new insect overlords.Full discussion on ep 221 of my podcast SLEAZOIDS.
This is a....frankly amazing.....movie that certainly fits into my current kick of animals gone amok/environmental horror, but also aims for a level of genuine science fiction that somehow separates it from most of its kind. Like this is humans vs. ants, but on a level that obviously had some thought and care as opposed to “let’s just see what kind of shenanigans these animals can get up to”.The performances are all solid and the effects are gruesome in a beautifully subdued manner, like ants just casually eating through someone’s hand. This movie really is just one brilliant set piece after another and I’ve no idea why it isn’t a bigger deal, but I am here to tell you TODAY that it is better than you’d ever expect and certainly better than anyone has led you to believe. Almost too ahead of its time to be appreciated for the level of intelligence it presents.Phase IV? More like Phase IV.5 you know what I’m sayinggggggg. Yes I’m drunk but still......
Common questions
What is Phase IV about?+
Desert scientists observe a species of ants that forms a collective super-intelligence and begins waging a calculated war of survival against humans.
Who directed Phase IV?+
Saul Bass directed Phase IV in 1974, marking the renowned graphic designer's sole feature film directorial credit.
Where can I watch Phase IV?+
Showtimes on Mood.
