IMDb RATING
6.4/10
9.6K
YOUR RATING
Suddenly, desert ants form a group intelligence and wage war on the humans. It's up to a couple of scientists and a girl to stop themSuddenly, desert ants form a group intelligence and wage war on the humans. It's up to a couple of scientists and a girl to stop themSuddenly, desert ants form a group intelligence and wage war on the humans. It's up to a couple of scientists and a girl to stop them
- Awards
- 1 win & 1 nomination
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- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaAccording to actor Michael Murphy, director Saul Bass was very worried about British actress Lynne Frederick being able to sound suitably American for the film, since her character was supposed to be from Arizona. Bass made her run her lines over and over while he listened for any hint of a British accent.
- GoofsThe ant-queens seen are actually a species of wasps. This choice has been most probably made as to not seriously disturb several ant-states. However, ant-queens shed their wings when going into pregnancy and developing the huge white abdomen. It needs to be remarked that the choice for not ripping out the wasps' wings speaks in favor for the film makers.
- Quotes
[last lines]
James R. Lesko: [voiceover] We knew then, that we were being changed... and made part of their world. We didn't know for what purpose... but we knew, we would be told.
- Crazy creditsThe title is not revealed until the end credits. It is divided into segments "Phase I," Phase II," and "Phase III," and only at the very end when Phase IV is reached is the title ever given.
- Alternate versionsThe French TV release is cut, the close-up on the scientist being devoured by ants is missing.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Mystery Science Theater 3000: Phase IV (1989)
Featured review
Trippy & Ambiguous Sci Fi
I have seen this film numerous times, starting when I was ten yrs old and it has always had a peculiar fascination for me. It moves a bit slower than most modern viewers are used to but it is pretty compelling stuff.The ant photography is amazing. When I was a small boy and I heard about this I was expecting something along the lines of THEM! and anyone who has seen this knows it is about as far from that as you can imagine. But even as a youngster wanting something more un-subtle and action-oriented, I was not turned off by PHASE IV's slow art-film qualities.It is a shame Saul Bass never directed again because this was a valiant effort to do something a little different. I say bravo! Seen in widescreen for the first time after years of TV viewings and the panned & scanned VHS the new DVD of Phase IV is a revelation. The compositions and use of color are masterful.
helpful•995
- raegan_butcher
- Jul 2, 2006
- How long is Phase IV?Powered by Alexa
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