Hidden Gems

PHASE IV

• Director: Saul Bass
• UK, USA / 1974 / DCP / Colour / 84´ / English; Turkish s.t.

• Screenplay: Mayo Simon
• Director of Photography: Dick Bush
• Editing: Willy Kemplen
• Music: Brian Gascoigne, David Vorhaus, Desmond Briscoe
• Cast: Nigel Davenport, Michael Murphy, Lynne Frederick
• Producer: Paul Radin
• Production Co.: Alced Productions, Paramount Pictures
• World Sales: Park Circus

Saul Bass was one of the most iconic graphic designers of the 20th century who designed some of the most memorable posters and title sequences in film history. You might think that when he rolled up his sleeves to make his first feature length after receiving an Oscar for his short film he deserved respect, but that wasn’t the case with the studio executives in 1974. While Bass was trying to make a smart and stylised sci-fi about ants, Paramount was adamant at turning the film into a clichéd box-office behemoth. Bass’ edit was changed without his consent, the final montage sequence was cut, and the film was swept under the rug upon failing at the box-office. When the lost 35mm reel of the final sequence was found after almost 40 years, the film was restored and finally received the respect it deserved. The only film Bass has directed, Phase IV is a unique, visionary feast that needs to be seen on the big screen.

This film was a Meetings on the Bridge participant.