As a lifelong horror enthusiast who’s spent countless Halloweens immersed in the darkest corners of cinema, I can confidently say that Don Coscarelli’s 1979 masterpiece, Phantasm, is my go-to Halloween viewing every year. This film doesn’t just capture the spirit of the season; it embodies it, weaving together nightmare imagery, a captivating plot, and an unforgettable soundtrack into a cinematic experience that’s as chilling as it is enjoyable.
During Halloween, some individuals uphold a custom of re-watching specific horror films each year, such as John Carpenter’s 1978 slasher “Halloween” or Michael Dougherty’s anthology film “Trick ‘r Treat.” As the season progresses, horror enthusiasts often find themselves revisiting popular seasonal titles like “Hocus Pocus,” “Halloweentown,” and “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” However, for me personally, it’s Don Coscarelli’s 1979 movie “Phantasm” that sets the Halloween vibe early in the season. Despite the film not being set on Halloween itself, I can’t resist the urge to watch it again. The unsettling visuals, haunting soundtrack, and enigmatic plot make “Phantasm” a perfect choice for this time of year.
In the very first scene of Phantasm, the audience instantly understands the movie’s unique nature as it sets out to subvert expectations. The protagonist, a young man named Tommy, unwittingly engages in a clandestine rendezvous in an eerie graveyard with a woman who subsequently stabs him. In a surprising twist, this mysterious woman is swiftly unmasked as the local mortician, known as The Tall Man, through clever editing by Coscarelli. This scene not only foreshadows the film’s unpredictable narrative but also underscores that the director has a firm grasp of his storytelling abilities, leaving viewers questioning what they see and anticipating the unexpected.
The events following Tommy’s demise serve as the foundation for the narrative of Phantasm. The story then unfolds around Mike Pearson, a boy who is left bewildered after the passing of his parents. His older brother Jody, more inclined towards personal pursuits than responsible guardianship, takes custody of him. Struggling to balance his own desires with his duty towards his younger brother, Jody contemplates sending him away for a freer life. The complex bond between them forms a significant part of one of the movie’s major themes: coping with mortality by leaning on others.
At the funeral, Jody and his friend Reggie, known for his ponytail and ice cream sales with a comical touch, are under observation. Mike, keeping an eye on his brother from afar, is hopeful that he might eventually decide to depart from town. While surveilling them, strange scenes play out around Mike in the cemetery, like diminutive figures in black cloaks moving between graves just beyond his sightline. The climax of this spectacle occurs when Mike witnesses an unusual event: The Tall Man, single-handedly lifting Tommy’s coffin and placing it in the hearse.
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Observing these events, Mike develops an intense fascination with understanding The Tall Man’s actions, leading him to conduct further investigations. Under the cover of darkness, he infiltrates a funeral home and its connected mausoleum, where he stumbles upon a chilling scene straight out of Phantasm: a small, gleaming metal sphere that hovers and bores into the skulls of anyone it collides with. Misfortune strikes a cemetery caretaker as this sphere crashes between his eyes, creating a gory new hole in his forehead and scattering blood across the area. This death is not only disturbing but also entirely distinctive.
In addition, it’s worth noting that JJ Abrams is such a fan of the film Phantasm that he played a significant role in its remastering several years ago. He even drew inspiration from it when creating the character Captain Phasma for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Now, I seem to recall, what did Captain Phasma look like?
While Phantasm’s flying sphere is undeniably its most recognized contribution to pop culture, it’s Angus Scrimm’s portrayal of The Tall Man that truly leaves an indelible mark as the quintessential nightmare fuel. Standing at 6’4″, Scrimm’s nuanced behaviors, long-strided gait, and deep, resonant delivery of the chilling “Booooooy!” are just a few aspects of his performance that breathe life into The Tall Man, making him both believable and unforgettable. In an era where slasher films were dominated by masked killers using everyday objects as their weapons, a distinguished older man whose main defining feature is simply his towering height already sets him apart. Add to this Scrimm’s dedication to the role, and you have one of the most underestimated movie villains ever, appearing in all five Phantasm movies.
As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I can’t help but draw a boundary when it comes to unveiling the thrilling mysteries that lie within “Phantasm”. To spill its most jaw-dropping secrets to a first-time viewer feels like a heinous crime. That’s why this film has earned its reputation as an annual delight, perfect for rewatching in October. It’s not just about the plot; it’s about the experience it offers.
Phantasm provides a wealth of material for contemplation, with its haunting imagery that seems to tap into our deepest, unconscious fears, as well as its distinct narrative structure and unique characters. However, it’s also a film that is simply a blast to watch. While you might not always understand Phantasm, when the characters are so engaging and authentic, it becomes easier to accept the supernatural events they encounter. So, grab your ticket and enjoy the ride!
You can watch Phantasm for free online over at FREEVEE; KANOPY; PLUTO; ROKU; or TUBI.
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2024-10-30 05:09