Phantom of the Paradise is a 1974 movie directed by Brian De Palma.
WHAT HAPPENS?
A disfigured composer trades his soul to an evil record producer to have his music heard.
ONE LINE REVIEW
Phantom of the Paradise is an eclectic, campy, bizarre, brilliant and beautiful work of art.
THE ACTORS
Paul Williams stars as the enigmatic record producer Swan, who is searching to find “a new sound” to open his rock theatre, The Paradise. Williams is a smarmy, manipulative creation – an ode to rock n’ roll Machiavellian power brokers. He easily discards as human collateral the pop sensations he creates. Yet, there’s a goofy vulnerability underlying his character – Williams lustfully grins as the Phantom’s murderous rampage causes a ratings sensation.
William Finley plays the Phantom, largely to comic effect. It’s a campy, physically ludicrous character in a movie that never takes itself too seriously. Finley contorts his awkward body into cramped, dystopian hallways and fires comic-shaped lightning bolts from among the rafters of Swan’s theatre.
Jessica Harper is the equally awkward Phoenix, who emerges as the Phantom’s obsession. Harper approaches the role with a kid-like wonder – representative of her first movie experience. She’s both wonderfully natural and clumsy – but her soulful, soaring voice is a surprising highlight.
While the lead actors are effective and memorable, it is the supporting cast that shines. George Memmoli takes a slimy turn as Swan’s brutish, cynical fixer Philbin. Memmoli and Gerrit Graham’s cartoonishly fey and jaded glam rocker Beef share the movie’s most entertaining exchanges. There’s a not so subtle sexual tension between the characters that is continually exploited.
THE DIRECTOR
Phantom of the Paradise is the joyful conglomerate of a visionary, vibrant director honoring his influences. DePalma’s creation is packed with camp, macabre, physical comedy and horror but it’s also a biting satire of the music industry’s most vile characteristics – the drugs, sex and disposable nature of a cold business. In doing so, DePalma pays homage to his cinematic heroes – Hitchcock, Lang and Godard.
The sensory experience is dense – the movie is visually stunning and its sounds are extraordinary. DePalma uses a variety of panning and distorted POV shots to frame his characters’ desperation, largesse and paranoia. While the technology now looks dated, the multiple cameras and monitors tracking the characters is visually impressive – it builds to a brilliantly edited, manic climax.
DePalma’s use of sound is equally superb. We don’t see the freshly injured Winslow, but rather hear him gasp and whimper en route to his transformation into the Phantom. His modulated voice is a wild, congested growl cast against the chorus of tryout singers’ off-key, howling echoes.
THE BEST – The Songs
It could be easy to dismiss Paul Williams’ album of songs as jokes – after all, most of the creations are either spoofing the music industry or serving as a backdrop for rampant schlocky horror. However, the songs are simply incredible – the dense narrative vocals and irresistible choruses create experiences that stick in your head for weeks.
THE BEST Part 2 – The Bands
Archie Hahn, Jeffrey Comanor and Peter Elbling comprise the Juicy Fruits, The Beach Bums and The Undead – three bands that represent the evolution of the new sound Swan is seeking. Again under the guise of parody, their contribution may seem less than what it is – three truly distinct, spectacular and dynamic performances.
THE BEST Part 3 – That Ending
Phantom of the Paradise features one of the coolest final acts you’ll find. As Swan and Phoenix take their wedding vows, Winslow causes chaos which electrifies an already manic and lustful Paradise crowd. The frenzy is perfectly synchronized with the pulsing music and expert editing – Winslow crawls on the stage floor while a group of fans cheer him on, smearing his blood – it’s such a brilliant end to an amazing movie.
THE BEST Part 4 – The Swanage
I don’t know why but the cops calling Swan’s mansion “The Swanage” gets me every time. One of the movie’s best lines comes as Winslow is busted with planted drugs. “Smack, Jack.”
THE BEST Part 5 – Young Swan
Paul Williams takes a fun turn as we see him make his original pact with the Devil. Underneath the evil 70s producer disguise, he looks like he’s 12 years old. It’s a fun comic moment as lies in a bubble bath – “I am stoned. You’re not real.”
THE BEST Part 6 – Phoenix Becomes Phoenix
After Phoenix is pushed onto stage and performs the beautiful “All Souls” song, she instantly turns diva. Her demand: “just give me that crowd again” is predictably hilarious.
THE BEST Part 7 – Philbin Does a Lot of Jobs
Swan’s right-hand man is essentially a stage manager, drug supplier, ticket taker, talent procurer and finally, a Pope.
THE BEST Part 8 – Philbin and Beef
There’s an odd sexual tension between Philbin and Beef as they spar throughout the movie. Some of the best:
“You can sing it better than any bitch.” “You don’t know the half of it, Goliath.”
“Dry up, tubbo.”
“OK Ironman, take a shower and cool off.” “My pleasure…..Bones.”
THE WORST – Swan’s Video Security
It’s a little too easy for Winslow as he continually breaks into Swan’s property – especially when he destroys Swan’s video contracts, which ultimately leads to his demise.
IN THE WEEDS – Some of My Favorite Moments
The Eyeblack on the Roadies
“You’re Not Just Doing This to Be Nice, Are You?”
Winslow’s Gross Teeth (Before the Accident)
The David Bowie Fan Lookalike During the Wedding
The Phantom Operating Stage Lights
The Mic Syringe
Phoenix’s Chicken Dance
“That’s a Transportation Clause.”
“Tasty, Winslow. Tasty.”
Beef’s Perm
“Dry up, tubbo.”
Beef Snorting Coke
Crew Member Casually Sitting After Beef’s Death
Harper’s Article on Her Mirror
Rolling Stone: “Beef, Death at Last”
Philbin’s Pope Hat
FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 5/5
Phantom of the Paradise is pure, blissful joy.
