PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Phantom Of The Paradise turns 50 this year. I watched it for the first time and all I have to say is Phantom Of The Opera meets Rocky Horror Picture Show. Which fun fact Rocky Horror was released a year after Phantom Of The Paradise.
Synopsis
After record producer Swan(Paul Williams) steals the music of song writer and composer Winslow Leach (William Finley) and gives it to one of his bands, Leach tries to reach out only for his life to be turned upside down. This is a tale of love,lies, revenge, and murder.
Have a look at the trailer!
Looking Back
As someone who hadn’t seen Phantom Of The Paradise before I really enjoyed it. Now yes, I do compare it to The Rocky Horror Picture Show because I seen that film first. Though the two film are similar in style that 70’s grunge look where it’s very chaotic but fun. Phantom of The Paradise is inspired by many other stories beside the obvious one which is Phantom Of The Opera. It’s also inspired by Frankenstein, The Picture Of Dorian Gray, and The Cask Of Amontillado. Not only is this movie fun and absurd it also very has a very dark and realistic look on the music industry. Phantom Of The Paradise has something for everyone. It has romance, comedy, horror, hell it’s even a little bit of a musical.
William Finley does a fantastic job as our protagonist, Winslow he makes you feel truly sorry for his character. Having something you worked hard on only for it to be stolen and dragged through the mud. Jessica Harper is so sweet as the love interest Phoenix, not to mention how beautiful her voice is. You also have Paul Williams as the slimeball antagonist Swan. The supporting actors also do a wonderful job at tying the film together. All in all if you want to have a fun time Phantom Of The Paradise is definitely worth a watch.
A Few Fun Facts:
- This is Nicolas Cage’s favourite Brian De Palma film. He also directed Snake Eyes (1998) which stared Nicolas Cage.
- Sissy Spacek worked as a set dresser on Phantom Of The Paradise and later when to star as Carrie in Brian De Palma’s adaptation of the Stephen King novel.
3. The film was a box office flop the year it came out. Except for Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada where it played on screen for months.
4.The single edit for the bomb in the trunk of the car was a nod to Orson Welles’ Touch Of Evil (1958).
Phantom of the Paradise is streaming now on Amazon Prime Video. Check it out!
