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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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.
- Quotes
Dr. Ernest D. Hubbs: You did your major work applying game theory to the language of killer whales.
James R. Lesko: Well, it seemed cheaper than applying it to roulette
Dr. Ernest D. Hubbs: Did you actually *succeed* in making positive contact with the whales?
James R. Lesko: Only with the emotionally disturbed.
Dr. Ernest D. Hubbs: How were you able to determine that?
James R. Lesko: We talked!
- 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)
Weird(to say the least)film is nonetheless quite original and intelligent; seems to be partially inspired by "2001: A Space Odyssey", and though not a masterpiece, still contains some quite striking visual imagination and ambition(courtesy of director Saul Bass) and a mind-bending ending that gives much to ponder. A thought-provoking Sci-Fi film that deserves to be better known.
- AaronCapenBanner
- Sep 22, 2013
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- How long is Phase IV?Powered by Alexa
Details
Box office
- Gross worldwide
- $289
- Runtime1 hour 24 minutes
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1