Phantasm Movie

Phantasm
Rating:
Run Time: 90 min
MPAA Rating: R
Released: 1979
Directors: Don Coscarelli
Genre/Type: Horror
Producers: Don Coscarelli
S. Tyler
Plot Synopsis by Jeremy Beday
Phantasm is a surprisingly artful and imaginative horror film, an impressive film for 23-year-old director Don Coscarelli who worked with a miniscule budget to create a small masterpiece. When Mike (Michael Baldwin) spies some sinister Jawa-like creatures stealing corpses from the local cemetery, he and his older brother Jody (Bill Thornbury) explore the mausoleum, where they find that the mortician (Angus Scrimm), a towering, emaciated figure with superhuman strength, has somehow bridged the gap between Earth and the afterworld and needs fresh corpses. Among the tools of his trade is a flying Swiss army pinball that bores into the skulls of its hapless victims then extracts their brains. Their allies die off one by one, until only the brothers are left to defend humankind against the nefarious "Tall Man" and his army of shrouded dwarves. While the film does contain a fair amount of graphic violence, the gore is never gratuitous and, relative to other movies of its day, is used rather sparingly. The effects are fantastic as is the highly stylized direction; the result is a memorable chiller with more than its share of genuine shocks.

Back to the top Images of Phantasm

Popular Products on Phantasm

Videos of Phantasm

Back to the top Top Questions about Phantasm

This is some of my own art this time done with Bryce 5. Hope you enjoy it! Wallpaper availible in both 800x600 and 1024x768. Click my homepage link above for more Wallpaper and Desktop Themes and other cool stuff! PHANTASM Features:
An orgasm for homosexual men. When self-induced, it most-likely involes unicorns, rainbows, and fairies.
There are 4. I personally like the original the most

Cast

Actors Character Born
Michael Baldwin Mike
Bill Thornbury Jody
Reggie Bannister Reggie Sep 29, 1945
Kathy Lester Lady in Lavender
Angus Scrimm Tall Man
Ralph Richmond Bartender
Mary Ellen Shaw Fortune Teller
Myrtle Scotton Maid
Terrie Kalbus Granddaughter
Laura Mann Double Lavender
Bill Cone Tommy
Susan Harper Girl Friend
Lynn Eastman Sally
David Arntzen Toby
Ken Jones Caretaker Sep 16, 1948

Back to the topReview

Review by Robert Firsching
One of the best low-budget horror films of the 1970s, Phantasm has acquired a large cult following for its creepy visuals and a formidable villain in the arachnoid undertaker known as the "Tall Man" (Angus Scrimm). A standard, albeit effective horror film for most of its length, it suddenly veers off into science fiction territory for its bizarre conclusion, presenting a slew of fresh and frightening ideas along the way. Replicas of one of the more memorable set pieces -- a flying spiked sphere which bloodily drills its way into victims' heads -- became a hot collectible among genre fans. Highly recommended for anyone needing a good scare.
Table of Contents