Phantom of Death

Phantom of Death
File:Phantom of Death poster.jpg 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 dates	11 March 1988
Running time	90 min. 100 min. (France)
Country	Italy
Language	Italian

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.

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).

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..."

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.

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.

External links

• Phantom of Death at IMDb
• Phantom of Death at Rotten Tomatoes
• Phantom of Death at AllMovie