If you’re looking for a bizarre good time, Phantom of the Paradise is absolutely worth a look.
Every time I’d heard about Phantom of the Paradise, it was always referred to as a takeoff on the Phantom of the Opera. So, when I decided to watch it, I really wasn’t prepared for the film as it is. It is very reminiscent of Phantom of the Opera but it’s also part Faust and The Portrait of Dorian Gray with one foot firmly planted in a campy musical and the other in drug-fueled hedonism.
Beginning with — of all things — narration by The Twilight Zone‘s Rod Serling, Phantom of the Paradise launches into a quick history of music producer, Swan (Paul Williams.) Responsible for many different music crazes, Swan is about to open a theater named The Paradise and is looking for an act to christen it. He encounters Winslow Leach (William Finley,) a timid musical genius who has adapted Faust as a cantata.
Swan promises to contact Leach about his music but never does. So, Leach decides to approach Swan at his mansion, The Swanage, to inquire about working together. What he finds is that Swan is in the process of auditioning singers to perform in what was Leach’s cantata. Leach meets Phoenix (Jessica Harper,) an ingenue waiting to audition. Leach immediately falls for her and decides that she should be the one to sing all of his music. Swan, however, refuses to see him and has him framed for drug dealing while never giving him proper credit or recognition.
Leach is imprisoned, has all of his teeth replaced by metallic implants, and is disfigured in a freak accident. He escapes and is then believed to be dead. Swan continues using Leach’s music without fear of reprisal. Leach, however, is not dead. He enters the Paradise and raids the wardrobe department for a new identity. Donning a modified motorcycle helmet, black leather, and a cape, he becomes The Phantom of the Paradise and begins to wage war on Swan’s production.
From that description, it might sound like it’s a dour, depressing movie. Far from it. Directed by Brian De Palma (Carrie,) Phantom of the Paradise is a whirlwind of musical numbers, glammed out costumes, and high camp. The music, written by Paul Williams, is as gloriously bombastic as the production numbers in which they’re featured. Each scene is bursting with humorous references to other films, word play, and subtle visual gags.
The cast are all in and uniformly excellent, particularly William Finley, Jessica Harper and Paul Williams. Before seeing this movie, I’d have never imagined Paul Williams playing a deliciously deviant music producer with such relish, but here it is. Knowing that he created all of the music is a testament to his talent. The award for campiest performance in the film goes to Gerrit Graham as Beef, the male lead in Swan’s production.
This is the type of movie that is perfect for monthly midnight screenings at your local theater. I’m not sure why it doesn’t get the same level of respect as The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which treads on similar ground and came out a year later. I find Phantom of the Paradise much more enjoyable and well-worth repeated viewings.
If you’re looking for a bizarre good time, Phantom of the Paradise is absolutely worth a look.
4.5 out of 5.0 stars
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