Phantom of Death
Phantom of Death (Italian: Un delitto poco comune/ An Uncommon Crime) is an Italian giallo directed by Ruggero Deodato and released in 1988. It starred Michael York, Donald Pleasence and Edwige Fenech. The film was released in Germany as Off Balance.[2]
| Phantom of Death | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Ruggero Deodato |
| Screenplay by |
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| Story by |
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| Produced by | Piettro Innocenzi[1] |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Giorgio Di Battista[1] |
| Edited by | Daniele Alabiso[1] |
| Music by | Pino Donaggio[1] |
Production companies |
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Release date |
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| Country | Italy[1] |
Plot
Robert Dominici is a pianist who suffers from a genetic condition that causes him to physically age at a rapid pace and also to go mad. Distraught by his condition, Dominici goes on a killing spree. Inspector Datti sets off to catch him. Meanwhile, Dominici targets the Inspector's daughter, Gloria.
Cast
- Michael York as Robert Dominici
- Donald Pleasence as Inspector Datti
- Edwige Fenech as Helene Martell
- Mapi Galan as Susanna
- Fabio Sortar as Davide
- Renato Cortesi as Agent Marchi
- Antonella Ponziani as Gloria Datti
- Carola Stagnaro as Dr. Carla Pesenti
- Daniele Brado as Dr. Vanni
- Caterina Boratto as Robert's mother
Background
Deodato has stated that "I did Phantom of Death because it was based on a true element – the idea of growing old [...] And I got to work with Michael York and Donald Pleasence."[3]
On the film as a whole, he commented that "some parts look like an 'A' production. But it seemed too long in the final part." He added that Edwige Fenech was miscast, and was only included because the producer wanted her in the film.[3]
Reception
From contemporary reviews, "Lor." of Variety commented that the film had "little suspense".[1] The review noted that York had "solid thesping which engenders some pathos for the central figure" and added that Pino Donaggio's score was "lush".[1]
References
- Lor. 1991.
- Luther-Smith, Adrian (1999). Blood and Black Lace: The Definitive Guide to Italian Sex and Horror Movies. Stray Cat Publishing Ltd.
- McAllister, Matt (11 August 2009). "Ruggero Deodato: The Cannibal King Interviews - Total Sci-Fi". totalscifionline.com. Archived from the original on 22 July 2012. Retrieved 30 July 2012.
Sources
- Lor. (1991). Variety's Film Reviews 1989-1990. Vol. 21. R. R. Bowker. There are no page numbers in this book. This entry is found under the header "January 18, 1989". ISBN 0-8352-3089-9.
External links