Phantom of the Paradise (1974)

Release date: 1974-11-01
Country: USA
Language: English
Director: Brian De Palma
Production Co: Harbor Productions
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Music, Musical, Romance, Thriller
Rating: 7.4/10
Length: 1h 31min

Storyline

Evil 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 composer Winslow Leach to celebrate the opening of his rock palace, The Paradise. While trying to stop Swan, Leach was framed and convicted for drug dealing, and 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. However, Leach signs a contract with Swan to complete his rock opera based on the legend of Faust for an aspiring singer - Phoenix.

Plot Keywords

black comedy, independent film, deal with the devil, rock star, masked man, rock 'n' roll, cult favorite, mansion, reporter, ticket, telephone, african american, radio, truck, falling into water, innocence, cincinnati ohio, candle, american flag, surveillance camera

Short Review

A very good horror comedy-drama about a disfigured musician haunting a rock palace. Brian De Palma's direction and script makes for one of the very rare 'backstage' rock story pix, catching the garishness of the glitter scene in its own time.