Phantom of Death
Phantom of Death (Italian: Un delitto poco comune (An Uncommon Crime) is a 1988 Italian giallo film directed by Ruggero Deodato. It was also distributed under the title Off Balance.
| Phantom of Death | |
|---|---|
 Italian theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Ruggero Deodato |
| Produced by | Gianfranco Clerici Pietro Innocenzi Vincenzo Mannino |
| Screenplay by | Gianfranco Clerici Vincenzo Mannino Gigliola Battaglini |
| Story by | Gianfranco Clerici Vincenzo Mannino |
| Starring | Michael York Edwige Fenech Donald Pleasence Mapi Galán Fabio Sartor Antonella Ponziani |
| Music by | Pino Donaggio |
| Cinematography | Giorgio Di Battista |
| Edited by | Daniele Alabiso |
Production company | DMV Distribuzione Globe Films Tandem Cinematografica Reteitalia |
Release date | 11 March 1988 |
Running time | 90 min. 100 min. (France) |
| Country | Italy |
| Language | Italian |
Plot
Robert Dominici (Michael York) 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 (Donald Pleasence) sets off to catch him. Meanwhile, Dominici targets the Inspector's daughter, Gloria (Antonella Ponziani).
Cast
- Michael York - Robert Dominici
- Donald Pleasence - Inspector Datti
- Edwige Fenech - Helene Martell
- Mapi Galan - Susanna
- Fabio Sortar - Davide
- Renato Cortesi - Agent Marchi
- Antonella Ponziani - Gloria Datti
- Carola Stagnaro - Dr. Carla Pesenti
- Daniele Brado - Dr. Vanni
- Caterina Boratto - 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."[1]
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 also said that Edwige Fenech was miscast, and only included because the producer wanted her in the film.[1]
DVD release
Phantom of Death was released on DVD in the UK by Shameless Screen Entertainment. It was also released in some countries as Off Balance.
References
- 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.
External links