phantasm represent an apparition of a ghostly appear figure simply put phantasm be a visual nightmare transform into a person sketchy reality . the emphasis on sleep and dream be exactly the message it be get at . with a perfect score and a quintessentially frighteningly write horror villain the tall man the only downfall of phantasm be it lack of quality acting and script and pacing and cheap 1970 horror clichés . in fact the acting and character become so irritating it be the only element of phantasm that take it away from be consider a true horror classic by most horror buff ( or maybe it george lucas unauthorized use of jawa . ) . when one scan the horror elite those film have pretty atrocious act problem too and so why should phantasm fail so much . it shouldn not really because phantasm be just as good a the classic . one of the reason why phantasm be such a unique film be the well establish character unlike most horror film while whilst the acting be somewhat absent from the strongly write character it still enough to redeem the awkwardly deliver line and odd facial expression and comical snappy reaction . the film score be also perfect and mesmerize that fit well by fred myrow and it be in fact one of the most powerful element of the movie that really have me engage . the stunning visuals and the concept and imagery of the tall man ( wonderfully portray by angus scrimm ) be authentically creepy and like something one would encounter in a nightmare . ( in fact and i have a dream where i be in hell and i encounter a priest that have be shrink and dissect by a demon and this be before i saw phantasm ) i know i would be pretty hysterical if the tall man be stalk me . it these point of the film that for me make phantasm an atmospheric and creepy horror gem and in fact it bring me back to when i be a five year old child in a video store in the 90 and traumatize by the vhs cover for hellraiser and the blob only to eagerly await the day i be old enough to view them . another reason why phantasm atmosphere work so well be the use of white and brightness instead darkness phantasm surreal mortuary be a nightmarish treat of white marble wall line with drawer of the dead and gap large hallway and the tall man shoe trudge along the tile that make you feel he go to jump out of the television screen . from the fly silver ball to the void to another dimension and phantasm concept of a ghoulishly eerie tale about a soul keeper be wonderfully master and pull off . no matter how jam with 1970 horror clichés the use of the shoestring budget and surrealism incorporate into phantasm make it a pure horror gem . it seem all the love go to over rat film only because theyre so talk about and not actually analyse . this movie have creep me out more than any other horror classic ever could now and i be far from the age i be when i use to be scar those film . phantasm be highly recommend to surrealist and horror and cult fanatic .