Phantom of the Paradise (1974)

The Phantom of the Paradise to me is one of the most overlooked films.  While it does have a little cult following, it never really got as big as other similar films that audiences really discovered many years after their release.  Brian De Palma's Phantom was a big flop when it released unfortunately and never got enough respect I think.  Comparisons to the more successful phenomenon that is Rocky Horror Picture Show can be made, but I think Phantom totally stands on it's own as a great film.

That's one cool devil 

Phantom of the Paradise is a quirky multi-genre film.  It's a rock opera horror comedy musical that is a retelling of the story of Faust (which is also the plot within the film itself) as well Phantom of the Opera.  It's got great visual style that presents a colorful stage like production come to life with vivid colors and characters of the era.  It's a musical that doesn't over do it with musical numbers, as the music is more instrumental to the plot as the film is about the recording industry.  The story revolves around a talented musician named Winslow who comes under the notice of a powerful recording mogul named Swan, played by the great Paul Williams.  Winslow is betrayed and his life's ruined for his music by Swan.  In a series of tragic events caused by Swan, Winslow is disfigured and also has his career ruined.  Donning an outfit making him look like a character out of Death Race, the scarred and angry Winslow as the Phantom returns from the dead so to speak seeking revenge against Swan and his entertainment empire.

I'M BATMAN

The setting revolves around the recording industry so music is essential to the film, but unlike many musicals the characters don't randomly burst into song and dance.  Music is key to the movie and there is lot of great songs throughout the film, but don't expect the same big spectacle of something like Rocky Horror.  While I enjoyed the soundtrack I do think that the music overall lacks the same level of catchy tunes common to the big hit musicals that really stick with folks.  Only a few memorable songs, which really I think prevented this from growing into having a bigger following.  Now to be fair there is no bad music really here, it's a solid soundtrack with some stand out pieces for sure.  

Phantom really shines by the excellent performances of the actors.  Even the characters who are hamming it up do a great job here.  Paul Williams not only is a musical talent, but also plays a great bad guy, as Swan is essentially the devil.  He may not seem like the type, but Williams playing the suave evil record mogul who takes young talent and makes them sign contracts with the devil works so amazingly well.  He's central to the whole film since he takes talented musicians and corrupts them, showing how the music industry plays with what it takes in it's grasp.  The movie is not subtle at being a retelling of Faust, and it's literally what the character's are doing in the movie itself as they are creating and performing a musical number titled 'Faust'.  You also got Swan having people sign contracts in blood, nothing fishy there.  A movie of this style though is clearly not going for subtle themes.  It's loud visually and De Palma directs the film with a psychedelic like feel at times that works great for the drug filled rock n roll world presented here.  

 

EHHHhhhhhhh

Similar to Rocky Horror, don't go in expecting much actual horror out of this film.  While you got the Phantom getting his revenge and several deaths, you also have a central love story at it's heart with Swan and Winslow who are after the affection of new upcoming singer named Phoenix played by Jessica Harper of Suspiria fame.  The love story becomes a key to the duel between Swan and Winslow who have come to an agreement to produce their next musical masterpiece.  Winslow as well as Phoenix go down a dark path as they sell their souls for fame and we watch as their lives are twisted by Swan's record company.  Our main characters quickly learn of their mistakes and unravel the secrets of Swan's world of sex, drugs, and rock n roll.  Swan is not only corrupting the characters, but the music itself via glam rock band lead by an eccentric singer named Beef.  Yes that is the character's name and he is appropriately so over the top as he screams, hisses, and ruins music with this comedic take on the more flashy rock musicians of the era.  The betrayal and revelations all lead the Phantom to lash out in a rampage of revenge, blood, and rock.

 I love KISS

Phantom of Paradise never hits the same highs as other popular musicals.  There is a feeling that they kind of tried to mash too many things together when making this that it never reaches it's full potential.  You kind of have three different stories trying to meld together here and perhaps they could have focused more on the musical aspect or gone even bigger with the supernatural horror aspects it alludes to.  The final act for example kind of all just comes together with a whimper instead of what should have been some loud bombastic rock climax!  But still The Phantom is a great classic with good music, directing, and excellent performances.  If you never gave this slightly forgotten film a chance, then I really recommend you see it!