PHANTOM OF DEATH (1988) DIR: Ruggero Deodato

This next review comes from Richard Alan Long, a life long horror fan with a passion for Italian horror in particular. Richard is also a horror novelist and Poet, this is his first review and it's for Ruggero Deodato's (Cannibal Holocaust) giallo, Phantom Of Death. Please check out Richard's review after the jump....

Whenever horror fans hear the name Ruggero Deodato two films come to mind, Cannibal Holocaust and House on the Edge of the Park. These great films caused both controversy, and the BBFC to get their knickers quite firmly twisted. Holocaust for its realistic violence and animal cruelty became the pin up for the video nasties scandal, whereas House on the Edge of the Park was so badly trimmed on its video release, almost all the sexualised violence was cut.

Fans of the two films will be glad to know Shameless Screen Entertainment has released both almost uncut; the latter, House on the Edge of the Park, now becoming coherent rather than a slaughtered mess of close ups and gasps.

This brings me to Phantom of Death. Fans of Deodato’s wanting the same shocks will find Phantom of Death disappointing, but if you’re a genre fan with a wider taste in horror then this film has some great moments and interesting concepts.

The film opens with pianist Robert Dominici played by Michael York (yeah him from Austin Powers), as he entrances a gathering with his remarkable skills at tickling the ivories and being lusted after by every woman he meets.

When Dominici’s girlfriend is found killed, in a set piece similar to Argento’s, we discover the killer is a 35 year old man whom we soon learn is non-other than Robert Dominici. His reasons become apparent early on, when it appears poor Robert is suffering a rare disease that causes him to age quickly, lose mental stability and become enraged as his once handsome face changes from youthful to old causing him to become ‘off balance’ (the alternative title for this film). One moment he’s 35 and the next he is 50 which leaves the police and the troubled Inspector Datti played by Donald Pleasence perplexed and distraught as they are sure the killer is Robert Dominici.

Angry and limping, Dominici can’t handle his loss of good looks and goes from attacking anyone that questions his hair falling out, to murdering the beautiful women that once wanted to bathe in his sweat.

By today’s standards, many might find the pace of the film too slow owing to a lack of over the top murders and bland scenes of cat and mouse chasing.

Michael York is fantastic in his portrayal of a man ageing rapidly. During the second half of the film, when we really get to know his character, it’s hard not to pity Dominci whose only friend becomes a dog which is near the end of its own life too.

Driving him to his ultimate murder is his girlfriend (another one), played by Edwige Fenech, who plays the role frighteningly beautifully and although Deodato has said he felt she was miscast, she seems to fit in nicely.

What is disappointing is Donald Pleasence, an actor I grew up watching in ‘Halloween’ and James Bond’s ‘You Only Live Twice’. Pleasence has always been an actor I’ve held in the same regard as Marlon Brando but he’s wasted in this. His performance is reminisant of John Saxon’s subdued performance in Cannibal Apocalypse. Pleasence seems tired, almost bored, with things in Phantom of Death. Although a key moment must be given to his frenzied outcry at the killer who taunts him on the phone, resulting in Pleasence rushing out into the city screaming ‘You bastard’ as onlookers stopped and watched the action (could it be Deodato didn’t use extras and just shot on location without asking?). Either way this lifts the film and gives it some urgency resulting in the final showdown between Edwinge and York.

Overall Phantom of Death isn’t a bad film. It isn’t as slick as Argento’s Deep Red or as shocking as Fulci’s New York Ripper but it’s a decent journey and one worth taking.

Review Written by Richard Alan Long. 

Richard Alan Long is an indie horror novelist and poet, he's also a massive horror movie fan and Italian horror fan. This is Richard's first review for Cine-Apocalypse but hopefully not his last.