Have You Been Watching...? Phase IV (1974)

 

Phase IV is one of those movies that I’d heard of but always got confused with something else. Ants taking over the world? Somehow this, in my mind, became the Joan Collins vehicle “Empire of the Ants” which did come out a few years after Phase IV. I recall Empire of the Ants from when I was little and being underwhelmed, had no intention of ever seeing it again. However, in 2012, the long lost director’s ending to Phase IV (it had been believed destroyed) was recovered. Mildly perusing the internet, I came across the lost ending video and watched it. I was instantly intrigued. This was NOT the giant ant movie I thought it was. So I sought out a copy.

This is a very strange movie. I’ve seen reviews describing it as “creepy”. It’s directed by a chap called Saul Bass, who is apparently big in the “title sequence” genre, and this is his only feature length work. I feel a little sad about that as Phase IV is GREAT. Made in 1974 on a very low budget, it tells the story of the aftermath of a “celestial event”, that appears to have left earth unaffected. One scientist discovers that various species of ant have begun to co-operate and communicate and take out the opposition. Scientist Hubb (played by British actor Nigel Davenport (Chariots of Fire, Man for All Seasons) and Scientist Lesko played by Michael Murphy (The Mayor in Batman Returns) seal themselves off in a dome in Arizona after the ants build seven large towers. The ants behaviour scares most of the population away apart from one homestead, who decide to stay and fight. Thus begins a battle of wits between the human scientists and intelligent ants.

There is a tiny cast in this movie (pun intended!) with only 3 main characters. The filming of the ants and stopmotion work is incredible, giving genuine personality to the ants. While a lot of people describe this film as terrifying, I found it a lot of fun. Each side takes a turn on the other, like a game of chess. There are a few grisly deaths, although off screen (depending if you think a Mantis gorging on an ant is grisly or not). I found myself rooting for the ants a few times! It is implied that this is happening world over, but you never really get a feel of that, and that the two scientists seem to be the only ones with nay idea what’s going on.

Brian Gascoigne provides the music and I do quite like the 70s creepy synth work in this. It certainly marries up nicely with the images. When the viewer does reach the ending, it’s easy to see why the director was upset at the changes the studio made. The theatrical ending, while giving an explanation of sorts as to what the ants are up to, is nothing compared to the trippy and terrifying alternate ending. You would do well to seek it out.

It might be an oldie, but Phase IV is definitely worth looking in on. Apparently it has gathered quite the cult status and I can see why. It’s not amazing and unlikely to shake your world, and there are a few plot holes (particularly one moment of ants revenge when I had no idea it WAS ants revenge). It runs for just under 85 minutes and if approached with an open mind, you might enjoy this too!

Year: 1974

Availability: on Blu Ray from 101 films, digitally on streaming services.

Rating: 5/10