Phantasm

If this one doesn't scare you, you're already dead!

PHANTASM (18)

D: Don Coscarelli

AVCO Embassy/New Breed (D.A. Coscarelli)

US 1979

89 mins

Horror/Fantasy

W: Don Coscarelli

DP: Don Coscarelli

Ed: Don Coscarelli

Mus: Fred Myrow & Malcolm Seagrave

PD: S. Tyer (Kate Coscarelli)

Angus Scrimm (Tall Man), A. Michael Baldwin (Mike), Bill Thornbury (Jody), Reggie Bannister (Reggie), Kathy Lester (The Lady In Lavender)

Considering this cult classic horror was produced on a meagre $300,000 budget, using a cast of amateur actors, it's fair to say that Don Coscarelli, holding the reins on all the aspects of the production, did a rather incredible job, especially since it looks like it cost a lot more than the budget would suggest.

The plot follows a pair of brothers who investigate their father's death and attribute the blame to a mysterious tall man, who harvests the souls of the deceased for his own nefarious purposes.

The acting and dialogue is the weak link of the film, but it's visually superb with some brilliantly creative touches, a handful of grotesquely bloodthirsty scenes and a chilling screen presence captivated by Angus Scrimm as the villain.

Practically ignored on its original release, the film gained a notorious following on television screenings and home media release, leading to a clutch of sequels.

6/10