For those unfamiliar with the work of Italian director Dario Argento, Phenomena may not necessarily be the best place to start. It is somewhat excessive movie even by the film makers own standards. Yet if approached with the right mind set, then it can be a very rewarding film. Mainstream American cinema often has a clear and linear framework. It is constructed in an established fashion and despite adopting techniques and styles from other countries, is frequently somewhat conservative in its presentation. Italian cinema, especially the work of Argento, focuses very much on visual aesthetics. Framing, the use of colour, editing and atmosphere often take priority over narrative and logic.