Phantom of the Paradise: my ode to thee

I was re-watching the Brian DePalma film 'Phantom of the Paradise' and I've got to do a small piece on it because it worth that much.Released in 1974 and predating Rocky Horror Picture Show, all while trailing slightly behind Alice Cooper and their rising success, Phantom of the Paradise delivers entertainment through its Rock Opera narrative. It combines the influences Phantom of the Opera (obviously), The tale of Faust, and the 'Picture of Dorian Gray' in a wonderful glam-rock type musical with a hint of tragic-woe.

Here's a synopsis (via IMDB):

Rock opera version of The Phantom of the Opera which also serves as a dark satire of the music business. Notorious record tycoon Swan has sold his soul to the devil for eternal youth and success - 20 years ago. Swan's current scheme is to steal the music from meek composer Winslow Leach to celebrate the opening of his rock palace, The Paradise. While trying to stop Swan, Leach becomes the victim of a freak accident that leaves him horribly disfigured. He takes refuge in the cavernous Paradise, hiding his mangled face beneath an eerie mask and planning gruesome vengeance upon Swan - and everyone else who has hurt him.

Paul Williams plays SWAN, the main antagonist of the Phantom. He also wrote music and lyrics for all the songs in the movie. Jessica Harper (of Suspiria persuasion) stars as the films' (and Phantom's) love interest, and man she can belt out some folk too. I enjoy the entire homage to music that movie is, and I also see the inspiration for Alice Coopers' Stage shinanigans (I'm talking about the BEEF and the UNDEADS rock opera scene at the paradise). I may also be jumping to conclusions but notice the correlations between the Phantom's outfit and that of Darth Vader (which came out 3 years later, whom De Palma wrote the opening scroll for and was directed by a dear friend of his.... George Lucas)


The film is also shot in a very unconventional way (even for an indie 70's movie) and that is why I like it. There are a lot of long one shot sequences and a couple multi-angle montages (I'm talking to you BEACH BUMS) and overall I enjoy the less-than-mainstream camera work done by DOP Larry Pizer. By today's standards the film is VERY farfetched but if you can suspend disbelief and become enveloped in the fun than you should enjoy this under-rated masterpiece.

I can't even begin to give this film justice but I'd definitely recommend seeing it if you HAVEN'T!