Kill of the Month: Philip Anderson - Dream Warrior

“Sleep. Those little slices of Death. How I loathe them.” – Edgar Allan Poe.

The halls of Westin Hills Psychiatric Hospital are eerie. The wiring in this facility is questionable. Flickering lights, crossed telephone lines, haywire machines. The incessant screaming from the patients becomes the nights lullaby.

Speaking of lullaby, that last patient said something that I’ve been unable to get out of my head. What did he say? “1, 2, Freddy’s coming for you…”

NAME: Philip Anderson

KNOWN AS: Phil

BORN: Unknown

KNOWN RELATIVES: Unknown

POLICE REPORT

The deceased was found at the base of the Westin Hills tower. The deceased was known for sleepwalking and had been admitted due to his suicidal tendencies. All official documents have ruled the death as accident by sleepwalking, though officials are conflicted as to whether or not this was a suicide.

Eyewitnesses have disputed these claims, stating the deceased walked by them, acting as though he was being led through the facility by some invisible force.

Under the watchful eye of Dr. Neil Gordon, the deceased began to open up in group therapy, telling tales of a dream demon that was trying to kill him in his sleep. These delusions are shared by multiple patients at this facility.

The only question not answered in the initial report; How did the deceased get into the tower to commit suicide? The restricted doors were locked with a key, and there’s no record showing they were opened.

WHY IS THIS DEATH MEMORABLE?

Freddy Krueger is renowned for his creative kills, and Philip’s death is no exception. Philip was a creator of dolls, most notably puppets and marionettes. His work was impressive, keeping his mind occupied while he was a patient at Westin Hills.

Unfortunately, it was this hobby that became his downfall.

During the night, one of his marionettes that he created came to life, turning into a miniature version of Freddy Krueger. Once it was free from its strings, the doll appears at the end of his bed, transforming into a full-size version of Freddy.

Using his glove, he slices Philip’s skin on his arms and legs, revealing tendons which he then pulls out to use as marionette strings. This was witnessed by Joey, who attempted to alert hospital staff, but due to his muteness, was unable to raise the alarm.

It was only a matter of time before the others saw Philip, and called out to him, unaware of what was happening to him in the dream world. To them it appeared he was sleep walking, though his movements were strained.

Philip is lead by Freddy to the top of the tower. Freddy becomes a giant, looking down at the world, almost like a puppeteer would when performing a show with his dolls. Growing tired of toying with Philip, Freddy cuts him loose, tossing him to his death.

Robert Englund himself classes this kill as one of his favorites. And visually speaking, it is a stunning death sequence. It’s even been referenced in pop culture with Kenshi from Mortal Kombat X having a fatality that was loosely based on this death while YouTube channel WatchMojo ranked Philip’s demise as the number 1 Freddy Krueger kill.

Philip was portrayed by Bradley Gregg. Bradley is still active when it comes to acting, staring in films like Class of 1999, Madhouse, and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. More recently he can be seen in the TV series The Flowers as well as Welcome to Acapulco.

When it comes to slasher movie kills, Jason Voorhees may have the body count, but Freddy Krueger has the mental anguish and creativity. Using someone’s beloved hobby against them in a terrifying way is a stroke of genius. But turning them into their hobby while they’re fast asleep and moving them around a hospital before finally cutting the strings? That’s the work of a Dream Master…