Phantom of Death

J.M

at 7:34 am

Directed by Ruggero Deodato (Cannibal Holocaust) this is probably the last half decent film he made before disappearing from view. Michael York plays the pianist who becomes mad after discovering he has a disease that makes him rapidly grow old. Donald Pleasence is the cop on the trail of the killer but at the same time being driven to the edge by the constant tauts of the killer. It’s quite a nicely directed film and is mostly entertaining but it’s no way as extreme or nasty as the Directors more infamous work. It does still contain some ok deaths with alright amounts of blood on offer. Pleasence’s performance is highly amusing and his reaction to the death of one of his police colleagues is absolutely priceless. It all leads to a totally dramatic ending that you would only see in an Italian film. 70’s sex symbol Edwinge Fenech (Strange vice of Mrs Wardh) also appears as does Giovanni Lambardo Radice (Cannibal Ferox).
Rating: 3 / 5