IMDb RATING
5.5/10
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In Italy, a pianist suffering from the Progeria genetic disease becomes distraught and goes on a mad killing spree prompting a police inspector to investigate.In Italy, a pianist suffering from the Progeria genetic disease becomes distraught and goes on a mad killing spree prompting a police inspector to investigate.In Italy, a pianist suffering from the Progeria genetic disease becomes distraught and goes on a mad killing spree prompting a police inspector to investigate.
Lewis E. Ciannelli
- Chief Physician
- (as Lewis Eduardo Ciannelli)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaEdwige Fenech's real voice is used throughout the entire film in the English-language version (shot in 100% sync sound). This is a rarity for her speaking in her own voice as her previous roles are dubbed by professional voice actresses.
- Quotes
Robert Dominici: Death is God's cruelest joke, but not for me.
[dies]
- Alternate versionsThe 1989 UK video version (released as "Off Balance") was cut by 18 secs by the BBFC to edit gore from the train station murder and the stabbing of a woman with a table lamp. The 2007 Shameless DVD is uncut.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Deodato Holocaust (2019)
Featured review
Intriguing central idea but not particularly well executed
This horror/giallo was directed by Ruggero Deodato, who was more famous for extremely controversial films such as the very unpleasant The House on the Edge of the Park. With The Phantom of Death he reigned in his excesses and produced a far more restrained affair. Its story does have an original angle. A famous pianist discovers he has a rare disease which ages him extremely rapidly. This sets off a homicidal impulse in him and he thereafter goes about murdering women. He becomes hard for the police to track down seeing as the evidence suggests a much older man is responsible for the killings.
The cast in this one is very good on paper. Michael York is the pianist, giallo legend Edwige Fenech is his wife and Donald Pleasance is the cop pursuing the killer. York and Fenech put in a bit of effort with their characters but Pleasance seems to be going through the motions a bit. The lethargy is reflected in the film overall as it is a little dull for the most part and generally lacks suspense. There is a series of murders to enliven things a little but even they don't make too much of an impact. It's a shame in some respects that it is such a pedestrian effort because the central concept is at least an attempt at something a bit different. It's definitely a watchable enough film, however, just a little disappointing considering the potential.
The cast in this one is very good on paper. Michael York is the pianist, giallo legend Edwige Fenech is his wife and Donald Pleasance is the cop pursuing the killer. York and Fenech put in a bit of effort with their characters but Pleasance seems to be going through the motions a bit. The lethargy is reflected in the film overall as it is a little dull for the most part and generally lacks suspense. There is a series of murders to enliven things a little but even they don't make too much of an impact. It's a shame in some respects that it is such a pedestrian effort because the central concept is at least an attempt at something a bit different. It's definitely a watchable enough film, however, just a little disappointing considering the potential.
Helpful•73
- Red-Barracuda
- Apr 22, 2013
- Permalink
- How long is Phantom of Death?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Runtime1 hour 30 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.66 : 1
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