For those unfamiliar with the work of Italian director Dario Argento, "Phenomena" may not be the best place to start. It is somewhat excessive even by his own standards. Yet if you approach it with the right mindset, then it can be a very rewarding. Mainstream American cinema has a clear and linear framework. It is constructed in a particular fashion and despite adopting techniques and styles from other countries, is still somewhat conservative in its presentation. Italian cinema, especially the work of Argento, focuses very much on visual aesthetics. Framing, the use of colour,editing and atmosphere often take priority over narrative and logic.

"Phenomena" is about the Jennifer Corvino (Jennifer Corvino), daughter of a famous actor, who starts at an exclusive girls school in Switzerland. She befriends Dr. MacGregor (Donald Pleasance), a disabled entomologist who is helping Police with their enquiries regarding a serial killer. The Dr. has a Chimpanzee. I mention this as it is an integral plot device. It should also be noted that Jennifer is a somnambulist and has a telepathic link with insects (please make notes, I'll be asking questions later). It is not long before Jennifer crosses the path of the serial killer.

On paper, the plot does sound somewhat ludicrous and frankly it is. However, the film beautifully shot on location in Switzerland, transcends its storyline and absorbs you with its vibrant audio visuals. Argento uses crane shots and stedicams to construct audacious and shocking set pieces. The violence is often shocking. European cinema always seems to depict such acts in a far more horrific way than the US. It is hard to put a finger on what the exact difference is. Colour and sound play an important part in the construction of "Phenomena". The music veers from soft choral motifs, to burst of 80's metal. Night scenes are bathed in blue hues and blood is often splattered against lighter colours that starkly contrast it.

If you have a curious nature, a liking for the horror genre and an interest in European cinema, then this film is certainly a "baptism of fire". Just to re-iterate, the plot contains killer dwarf's, flesh eating insects, bad Scottish accents and a chimp with a cut throat razor. The final 20 minutes are quite gruelling. But it is also a beautiful assault on your senses and for that reason I recommend it.

XoD.