The Daily Dig: Phantom of Death (1987)

“Phantom of Death” almost works: the acting is strong, the director has style, it looks good; the story was just told from the wrong angles.

A successful pianist is struck with a rare genetic disease, leading him to go on a killing spree. Let’s dig into 1987’s PHANTOM OF DEATH, directed by Ruggero Deodato!

As I See It

Have you ever wondered what Benjamin Button would be like if it were a horror movie? Look no further!

Alternately titled and released as Off Balance, there are many reports of this film being the late Ruggero Deodato’s (Cannibal Holocaust)  least favorite of his own films. He says he didn’t feel connected to the story. Perhaps that is a product of the contrived alteration of a real genetic disease.

Bastardizing an ailment so rare, but real, leaves little to no room for creating something relatable.

You have to wonder how many people are informed (especially at that time) about the condition. The first time I personally remember being exposed to it would be the Die Antwoord video. All this amounts to a disadvantage when even the director can’t get on board with the material.

All that said, these are still professionals making a movie. There is a vintage style going on, regardless of the eighties setting. A bit Phantom of the Opera, a bit Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, a bit Frankenstein.

The class of actors involved really elevates what is subpar material. Michael York will make you feel high society by just listening to his euphonious voice. Donal Pleasence is always a pleasure to watch, even if he’s still just riffing on the Doctor Loomis character a bit. His freak-out in the middle of the street, late in the film, is worth a watch on its own.

Famous Faces

Michael York (Robert Dominici) played Logan in the film adaptation of Logan’s Run, but it is perhaps his role as Basil Exposition, the parody version of James Bond’s M in Mike Myers’ timeless time piece, Austin Powers.

Donald Pleasence (Inspector Datti) needs no introduction. Dr. Loomis (the Halloween franchise) is an enduring piece of the genre film zeitgeist.

Edwige Fenech (Hélène) popped up in a bit part in Eli Roth’s Hostel Part II. Roth is a self-proclaimed Deodato fanatic. He’s often cited Cannibal Holocaust as his favorite film.

Carola Stagnaro (Doctor Presenti) has parts in a handful of Giallo masterpieces, including Dario Argento’s Tenebrae and Opera.

Of Gratuitous Nature

Playing with real ailments is tricky. I imagine they picked something extremely rare, so most people wouldn’t question the exposition. I would say that a certain level of responsibility comes with such choices. Yes, this is the land of make-believe, but they toy with the reality of the disease enough that they should have known better. It’s a great chance to use it as a teaching moment within horror. Otherwise, choosing this disease is, in fact, gratuitous.

Heartthrob

Both Mapi Galán (Susanna) and Edwige Fenech (Hélène) are gorgeous. The European beauties have a similar look, actually. I’m going to pick Fenech solely because of the reported ire of Deodato, which is unfounded in my opinion. He was reportedly forced to cast her and was unhappy with how she looked. I’ve got eyes, and she’s easy to look at. That’s some “Hollywood bullshit” in my opinion to label her too old and out of shape.

Ripe for a Remake

This is a singular entry for the genre, in my opinion. It carries familiar elements from both Giallo and traditional horror, but beyond that, the story is so unique that it would take a very specific filmmaker to do the job.

Spawns

No progeny to report.

Where to Watch

Cauldron Films released a Blu-ray with a 2K restoration from the negative. It also includes one of the last interviews with Ruggero Deodato before his death. It’s not currently streaming, so physical media is definitely the way to go with this one.