IMDb > Phantasm (1979)
Phantasm
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Phantasm (1979) -- A young boy and his friends face off against a mysterious grave robber known only as the Tall Man, who keeps a mysterious arsenal of terrible weapons with him.

IMDb Holiday Movie Guide

Overview

User Rating:
6.7/10   7,469 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 11% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writer:
Don Coscarelli (writer)
Contact:
View company contact information for Phantasm on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
28 March 1979 (USA) more
Tagline:
If you're looking for horror that's got balls...IT'S FOUND YOU. more
Plot:
A young boy and his friends face off against a mysterious grave robber known only as the Tall Man, who keeps a mysterious arsenal of terrible weapons with him. full summary | add synopsis
Awards:
1 win & 1 nomination more
NewsDesk:
(93 articles)
User Comments:
Phantasm - feel the love more (220 total)

Cast

  (Complete credited cast)
A. Michael Baldwin ... Michael 'Mike' Pearson (as Michael Baldwin)
Bill Thornbury ... Jody Pearson

Reggie Bannister ... Reggie
Kathy Lester ... Lady in Lavender
Terrie Kalbus ... Fortuneteller's Granddaughter
Kenneth V. Jones ... Caretaker (as Ken Jones)
Susan Harper ... Girlfriend
Lynn Eastman-Rossi ... Sally (as Lynn Eastman)
David Arntzen ... Toby
Ralph Richmond ... Bartender
Bill Cone ... Tommy
Laura Mann ... Double Lavender
Mary Ellen Shaw ... Fortuneteller
Myrtle Scotton ... Maid
Angus Scrimm ... The Tall Man
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Additional Details

Also Known As:
The Never Dead (Australia)
more
Runtime:
88 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Color (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
UK:15 (video re-rating) (2005) | UK:18 (video rating) (1989) | UK:X (original rating) | Norway:16 (video rental version) | Iceland:16 | West Germany:18 (cut) | Germany:(Banned) (2002) | Canada:13+ (Quebec) | Singapore:PG (heavily cut) | Italy:VM14 (new rating) | Italy:VM18 (original rating) (VHS) | Australia:R | Finland:K-18 | France:-16 | USA:R

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
The Spanish distributors for the movie decided, instead of translating the title, to simply add an "a" at the end, making it "Phantasma". The word itself does not exist in the Spanish language, but sounds phonetically the same as "Fantasma" (Ghost). more
Goofs:
Continuity: When Mike pulls the car up the driveway, when he pulls the lever his pants are blue, but when he steps out, his pants are brown. more
Quotes:
Reggie: Hi guys. Heh heh, just thought I'd come over and see what was going on before the kids got out of summer school. Hey Mike, you want to ride along with me today? It's pretty warm outside and the ice cream's going to be flying fast and furious. Remember how good you were at crowd control last time? Hey, what's going on here? more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in Face Eater (2008) more
Soundtrack:
Sittin' Here At Midnight more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
20 out of 25 people found the following comment useful.
Phantasm - feel the love, 19 August 2003
Author: auteurus from USA

Phantasm is possibly my favourite film of all time.Why? It's not about the budget or the hype of a film, but mainly about how this film makes me feel. Phantasm director Coscarelli crafted a little gem of a horror movie that has bought me more enjoyment than any major Hollywood film I can remember. I first saw Phantasm as a kid in the 80's and it has stuck with me ever since. It was great to rediscover this film on a beautifully mastered DVD.

For me, Phantasm combines a nightmarish quality that few horror movies achieve with a nostalgic trip back in time to the late 70's. The central theme is that of young Mike being abandoned by his brother Jody, and overcoming his fears. The cryptic nature of the Tall Man's presence adds to the tension, and Myrow's eerie soundtrack is the perfect finishing touch.

Like a nightmare, there is no explanation or attempt to pander to desires for a logical conclusion. The little touches such as Jody and Reggie's jam session add to the homely feel of this movie - it's like a well worn pair of jeans. It's crystal clear that no studio executives were in the editing room at the last minute, trying to turn Coscarelli's vision into another mediocre horror film . For the director, this film was clearly a labor of love. Coscarelli is still an outsider from the Hollywood system. I am grateful that he hasn't been sucked into turning out mediocre movies for major studios but has stayed somewhat true to the original spirit of Phantasm.

Many of the comments here on IMDB criticize the film for weak FX and poor acting. When viewed in the context of a genre film made by young industry outsiders for $300,000 in 1979, I think the technical values are exceptional. Critics who claim otherwise have no idea of the work involved in the process of creating a movie, especially before the advent of video.

I've seen Hollywood blockbusters made for many millions of dollars with great technical values, and yet I can't think of one that I can enjoy time and time again like this film. If you consider yourself a fan of horror movies, you owe it to yourself to own this classic on DVD.

10/10

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Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Phantasm (1979)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Does anyone know where I can get the Phantasm 3 end theme? cloyesds
I found a great review! prop_fan
Anyone seen the new movie the The Box ? rdmills
other films with the same vibe - recommendations please reversi
Wow unbelievable... jasonV888
Has this confused the hell out of anyone? Petersonrob16
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