twist of fait accomplis

Phantasm, 1979
Directors: Georgi Kropachyov and Aleksandr Ptushko
Availability: Easy (on Special Edition DVD from MGM... super cheap, too!)

If you grew up in the 80s, there's no doubt you remember Phantasm airing as part of HBO's regular rotation. The Tall Man and the flying silver ball are classic 80's horror imagery, and with good right: Phantasm is actually a scary horror movie (if you can get past the dopey ass lead kid). With much of the action taking place in a surreal, bright white mausoleum, Phantasm's appeal lies in a fear of the unknown. Sure, there's death, but what about the creepy old man and his pet orb? That's horror.

Something else interesting about Phantasm that sets it apart from the slasher trend that was forming around the time of its release: at the end of the movie, there's an awful lot that's left unexplained. Who the Tall Man is, what the hell the orb is doing flying through the air, why there are rifts in time inside the mausoleum, where the heck they found the bizarre mop-top lead character, are all questions left unanswered. Sometimes it's nice not to have everything laid out on the table for you.

This is one of those great party movies that's even more fun with a group of friends. And the special edition DVD retails for a mere $10, so there's no reason not to check it out.