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IMDbPro

Phénomène

Original title: Phenomenon
  • 1996
  • Tous publics
  • 2h 3m
IMDb RATING
6.5/10
87K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
1,454
170
John Travolta and Kyra Sedgwick in Phénomène (1996)
An ordinary man sees a bright light descend from the sky, and discovers he now has super-intelligence and telekinesis.
Play trailer2:44
3 Videos
99 Photos
DramaFantasyRomanceSci-Fi

An ordinary man sees a bright light descend from the sky, and discovers he now has super-intelligence and telekinesis.An ordinary man sees a bright light descend from the sky, and discovers he now has super-intelligence and telekinesis.An ordinary man sees a bright light descend from the sky, and discovers he now has super-intelligence and telekinesis.

  • Director
    • Jon Turteltaub
  • Writer
    • Gerald Di Pego
  • Stars
    • John Travolta
    • Kyra Sedgwick
    • Forest Whitaker
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.5/10
    87K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    1,454
    170
    • Director
      • Jon Turteltaub
    • Writer
      • Gerald Di Pego
    • Stars
      • John Travolta
      • Kyra Sedgwick
      • Forest Whitaker
    • 165User reviews
    • 45Critic reviews
    • 42Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 7 wins & 8 nominations total

    Videos3

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 2:44
    Official Trailer
    Phenomenon: 15th Anniversary Edition
    Clip 1:05
    Phenomenon: 15th Anniversary Edition
    Phenomenon: 15th Anniversary Edition
    Clip 1:05
    Phenomenon: 15th Anniversary Edition
    Phenomenon: 15th Anniversary Edition
    Clip 1:14
    Phenomenon: 15th Anniversary Edition

    Photos98

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    + 94
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    Top cast55

    Edit
    John Travolta
    John Travolta
    • George Malley
    Kyra Sedgwick
    Kyra Sedgwick
    • Lace Pennamin
    Forest Whitaker
    Forest Whitaker
    • Nate Pope
    Robert Duvall
    Robert Duvall
    • Doc
    Jeffrey DeMunn
    Jeffrey DeMunn
    • Professor Ringold
    Richard Kiley
    Richard Kiley
    • Dr. Wellin
    David Gallagher
    David Gallagher
    • Al
    Ashley Buccille
    Ashley Buccille
    • Glory
    Tony Genaro
    Tony Genaro
    • Tito
    Sean O'Bryan
    Sean O'Bryan
    • Banes
    Michael Milhoan
    Michael Milhoan
    • Jimmy
    Troy Evans
    Troy Evans
    • Roger
    Bruce A. Young
    Bruce A. Young
    • Jack Hatch
    • (as Bruce Young)
    Vyto Ruginis
    Vyto Ruginis
    • Ted Rhome
    Brent Spiner
    Brent Spiner
    • Dr. Bob
    Elisabeth Nunziato
    Elisabeth Nunziato
    • Ella
    Ellen Geer
    Ellen Geer
    • Bonnie
    James Keane
    James Keane
    • Pete the Cop
    • Director
      • Jon Turteltaub
    • Writer
      • Gerald Di Pego
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews165

    6.587.1K
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    Featured reviews

    7=G=

    Sometimes you just gotta go with it

    "Phenomenon" is about a small town auto mechanic (Travolta) who experiences something he can only describe as being "light" and suddenly has peculiar powers such as being able to learn to speak Portuguese in 20 minutes or understanding Dianetics. At issue is, will these powers, which make him the object of fear and awe by the townsfolk, help of hurt his chances with his reluctant love interest (Sedgwick). An pleasant little folksy, Mayberry RFDish flick, "Phenomenon" sticks to the people story and doesn't go off into sci-fi-land as it conjures up the warm and fuzzies, takes a romantic turn with the best haircut & shave since "Wrestling Ernest Hemingway", and tries hard to deliver a message about what's important in life. Yes, the film gets a little sugary sweet but...okay, it gets a lot sugary sweet...but, if you go with it and don't fight it you'll be assured of a pleasant three star watch. Good stuff for sentimentalists. (B)
    7michaeltrivedi

    Yep

    Now John Travolta is one weird guy. Though I like his movies, and I like his characters. They are all so different than himself.

    Here is a good one and an old one. A guy gets hit by an alien force, and becomes a genius with the power to move things with his mind.

    It was very good actually. Not Oscar worthy or great or anything. Just a good movie worth watching. It's really got everything, and is a good time for the whole family.

    Highly recommend

    7 stars
    9jhazelett72

    An Inspiration!

    An ex-girlfriend talked me into seeing this movie, and I am happy she did. In my opinion, John Travolta deserved at least a nomination for an Oscar here, if not the award itself. The story was decent, but the performances of Travolta, Forest Whitaker, Robert Duvall, and Kyra Sedgwick made me care about what was happening on the screen. By no means is this a romantic comedy. It's romantic, probably the most romantic film I have seen in a long time. The reason for that is simple...it's real. In most movies you see the main characters sleep together within a day at the most, which rarely happens with two people who are really in love. True love has to take time and effort, which is exactly what you see here. Travolta's George is patient, but not because he wants to be. If you're a romantic at heart you will understand and relate to him, and you will hope for his success as you would for your own. Without giving anything away, I will tell you that the ending is sad, but also heartwarming. George has his "experience" for no other reason than to suggest what we as humans can become. Phenomenon is a story about our potential, the good and bad things that can happen to us if we achieve it. We could only be so lucky, and watching the movie is a good start. I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
    7marcelopietrovich

    Phenomenon: A Heartfelt Exploration of Humanity and Superhuman Abilities

    "Phenomenon" is a poignant and moving drama that showcases John Travolta's immense talent. His portrayal of George Malley, a man who gains superhuman abilities, is captivating and heartfelt. The film explores themes of humanity, love, and the power of the mind in a way that is both thought-provoking and touching.

    Director Jon Turteltaub expertly balances the supernatural elements of the story with the grounded, human drama, creating a film that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant. The supporting cast, including Kyra Sedgwick and Forest Whitaker, also deliver strong performances that complement Travolta's work.

    Overall, "Phenomenon" is a powerful and unforgettable film that showcases the best of both science fiction and drama. It's a must-watch for fans of Travolta and anyone who enjoys thought-provoking, character-driven stories that explore the depths of the human experience.
    dubnut

    Augmented Human Interest

    I'm not usually inspired to review your average hollywood fare, but I was moved by this film. Not only did it portray dramatic tension between one who is experiencing 'supernatural' awareness and their hokey, small-town friends, but Phenomenon also gains rank by being one of the first few films with a completely 'open mind.' I attribute its existence to the film Powder, which came out a few years ago, and I am honestly looking forward to more innovative dramas in a similar vein.

    It will probably not become a classic, but it deserves to be seen in its time. Perhaps the honesty of this film will inspire other, greater filmmakers with more influence to change their ways and provide more thinking elements in their films.

    Watch it with a loved one on a Saturday night.

    A good alternative to show those boyfriends who are caught up in their own male-ness. Try this before plopping in Gone with the Wind. It may bridge the gap.

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Old town Auburn, California was used for the scenes in town. Most of the businesses are still in operation, and thrive off of the tourism generated by the movie to this day. Auburn is also the birthplace of Kane Hodder who played Jason Voorhees in the Friday the 13th movies.
    • Goofs
      When George uses the tape recorder to record the Morse code signals, there's no tape in the recorder.
    • Quotes

      Dr. Bob Niedorf: All right, I'll start the questions, and I'll be timing your responses, and we'll be recording. Any questions?

      George Malley: What's your first name?

      Dr. Bob Niedorf: Uh, my first name is Bob.

      [George reaches across the wide table to shake hands]

      George Malley: Shoot, Bob.

      Dr. Bob Niedorf: Right. Name as many mammals as you can in 60 seconds. Ready? Go.

      [Starts stopwatch]

      George Malley: Hmm. 60 seconds. Well, how would you like that? How about alphabetical? Aardvark, baboon, caribou, dolphin, eohippus, fox, gorilla, hyena, ibex, jackal, kangaroo, lion, marmoset, Newfoundland, ocelot, panda, rat, sloth, tiger, unicorn, varmint, whale, yak, zebra. Now "varmint" is a stretch; so is "Newfoundland" (that's a dog breed); "unicorn" is mythical; "eohippus" is prehistoric. But you weren't being very specific, now, were you, Bob?

      Dr. Bob Niedorf: [pauses, then stops watch and laughs] Well! Ahh, I'll, uh - I'll try to be more specific. You ready for the next one?

      George Malley: Shoot.

      Dr. Bob Niedorf: Answer as quickly as you can... how old is a person born in 1928?

      [starts stopwatch]

      George Malley: Man or a woman?

      Dr. Bob Niedorf: [stops stopwatch and pauses] Why?

      George Malley: Specifics, Bob.

      Dr. Bob Niedorf: Okay, one more time. How old is a MAN born in 1928?

      [starts stopwatch]

      George Malley: Still alive?

      Dr. Bob Niedorf: [stops watch, pauses, nods] If a man is born in 1928, and he's still alive, how old is he?

      [starts stopwatch]

      George Malley: What month?

      Dr. Bob Niedorf: [stops stopwatch] If a man was born October 3rd, 1928, and he's still alive, how old is he?

      [starts stopwatch]

      George Malley: What time?

      Dr. Bob Niedorf: [stops stopwatch] 10 o'clock... PM!

      [starts stopwatch]

      George Malley: Where?

      Dr. Bob Niedorf: [stops stopwatch; now impatient] Anywhere!

      George Malley: Well, let's get specific, Bob! I mean, if the guy's still alive, born in California, October 3rd, 1928, 10 PM, he's 67 years, 9 months, 22 days, 14 hours, and...

      [takes Bob's hand to see his wristwatch]

      George Malley: ... and 12 minutes. If he was born in New York, he's 3 hours older, now isn't he?

    • Alternate versions
      ABC network television version features alternate/new footage not present in the theatrical and home video releases.
    • Connections
      Featured in Siskel & Ebert & the Movies: Striptease/Cold Fever/The Nutty Professor/A Perfect Candidate/Maybe, Maybe Not (1996)
    • Soundtracks
      Love Child
      Written by R. Dean Taylor (as R.D. Taylor), Frank Wilson (as F. Wilson), Pam Sawyer (as P. Sawyer) and Deke Richards (as D. Lussier)

      Performed by Diana Ross & The Supremes

      Courtesy of Motown Records Company, L.P.

      By arrangement with PolyGram Film & TV Licensing

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    FAQ

    • How long is Phenomenon?Powered by Alexa
    • Why didn't George Malley read all the neurobiology books he could, to invent a procedure to save himself?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • September 18, 1996 (France)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Languages
      • English
      • Spanish
      • Portuguese
    • Also known as
      • Fenómeno
    • Filming locations
      • Auburn, California, USA
    • Production companies
      • Touchstone Pictures
      • Michael Taylor Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $32,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $104,636,382
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $16,158,901
      • Jul 7, 1996
    • Gross worldwide
      • $152,036,382
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      2 hours 3 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
      • SDDS
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.39 : 1

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