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Phantasm
1979 89 min United States of America R 16+
★6.8
Horror, Science Fiction
Director: Don Coscarelli
Trailers
EN
EN
Description
A teenage boy and his friends face off against a mysterious grave robber, known only as the Tall Man, who employs a lethal arsenal of unearthly weapons.
Budget:
$300,000
US Gross:
$11.99M
Worldwide:
$11.99M
Starring
A. Michael Baldwin
Actor
Bill Thornbury
Actor
Reggie Bannister
Actor
Awards
Saturn Awards 2017
— Best Special Blu-ray/DVD Edition
Saturn Awards 1980
— Best Horror Film
Key opinion
Phantasm is widely celebrated as a surreal, atmospheric cult classic that effectively uses its low budget to create an eerie, dream-like nightmare. While its narrative logic and acting are frequently debated, the film's unique aesthetic and iconic horror elements have left a significant, lasting impact on the genre.
| Acting | Angus Scrimm delivers a chilling, iconic performance as the Tall Man that anchors the film's menacing tone. | |
| Score | The haunting, atmospheric musical score effectively elevates the film's sense of dread and mystery. | |
| Production | The practical effects, including the iconic flying spheres and creative gore, are highly impressive for the film's limited budget. | |
| Screenplay | The surreal, dream-logic narrative is praised as highly original by some, while others find the plotting confusing and lacking in cohesion. | |
| Acting | The acting outside of the main antagonist is frequently criticized as wooden or unconvincing, especially regarding the younger cast. | |
| Direction | The low-budget, disjointed execution creates a divisive experience where some viewers find it charmingly nightmarish and others find it technically flawed. |