Well . . . Maybe the Second Best Movie Ever Made

Phantom of the Paradise.  1974 (I think).  Brian DePalma.   Paul Williams (yes, that Paul Williams). 

Oh, My, God.

This is an amazing film.  It blends the legend of Faust with Phantom of the Opera with the Manchurian Candidate and sets the whole thing to music.  Fabulous music written by Paul Williams -- say what you will, the man is a genius.  It is so much better written, so much more intelligent, so much better acted than, say, Rocky Horror Picture Show . . . how did it ever not kill them at the box office? 

The story is about Winslow Leach, a 'composer' who has written a cantata -- a pop/rock cantata.  He has a chance to perform it before the mysterious Swan (Paul Williams) -- a kind of Phil Spector figure:  a record producer, star maker who made a deal with the devil years earlier to remain young forever in exchange for his soul.

Swan likes Winslow's music and arranges to steal it, ala Phantom of the Opera.  Winslow, trying to assert himself into the flow of events emanating from his music, is framed and arrested for heroin possession and is sent to jail for life.  But he breaks out and breaks into the Death Records pressing plan intent on destroying the albums that are ready for shipping the next day.  A quirk of fate leaves Winslow mangled by a record press, his face squeezed between the two images of his own music.  He is horribly disfigured and loses his voice.

He goes to the Paradise, where Swan is preparing to premiere his music and wreaks havoc on the set, detonating a bomb and destroying the Juicy Fruits.  Swan finds him and persuades him to sign a contract turning his own soul over to Swan in exchange for a repaired voice, the ability to compose again and the chance to hear his cantata sung by the only singer he feels up to it:  Phoenix. 

You know, I could go on and on and on.  It's a complicated plot full of twists and turns.  What I'd much rather do is let  you rent the thing and watch it. 

The story is silly, camp and moving.  Paul Williams (yes, that Paul Williams) is magnificent as the evil Swan.  Jessica Harper, in her first screen role is stunning as Phoenix, and boy, can she sing.  Garrit Graham is hysterical as the fem metal rocker, Beef.  'Yer gonna hafta git a castrato to sing this shit . . . it was scored for a chick!'  'That's all right, Beef; you can sing it better than any bitch.'  'Damn straight I can!'  And William Finley is so bad as Winslow Leach/The Phantom that he's really quite funny. 

I love the opening of the Paradise scene, where the Juicy Fruits, transformed into a   black and white Clash-like group in frightening makeup, wield sabre tipped guitars at the audience, lopping off body parts that are being sewn together to build a new hero.  It's rock n roll Frankenstein. That's Harold Oblong singing lead. He's also responsible for the choreography.  I've tried to figure out who he is and what happened to him.  Seems that he did a movie or two and then . . . faded into oblivion.  Watch him in this farce, though:  the boy has talent.

Jessica Harper went on to do a number of movies, some quite well received.  But she never achieved the kind of stardom that others have.  Hearing her sing, I can't help but think maybe she'd have done better focusing on that part of her career than the movies.  She's got the clarity of Karen Carpenter, but her voice is deep, a little dark, mysterious and much more intriguing.  I looked her up on the web a few minutes ago and learned that she's gotten into writing children's books. 

But the movie belongs to Paul Williams.  He co-produced it, wrote and performed all the music and starred as Swan.  The more I remember him the more impressed I become.  Did you ever see 'The Loved One?'   He was good in that.  And his songs were outstanding:  all of those Carpenter hits. 

So, do yourself a favor:  rent Phantom of the Paradise and settle down with some warm popcorn and a nice drink.  You'll be delighted you did.

Comments

[Joanna Davis]

Hi:

I agree, at least in part, to your opinion of this movie. I grew up with it. But as far as your views on Bill Finley, we must part company. I had a crush on 'Swan' for the longest time, but I sympathized with Winslow because of Bill. For my money, he can act circles around the pretty boys (Brad Pitt) and it's ashamed Shallowwood is so so....well...shallow.

** Did actually get the chance to meet Mr. Finley at a reunion of the POTP cast, here in Winnipeg. Quite nice. I would have loved to opportunity to talk to him..everyone more, but him especially.

*Sigh* Then again, one of the hallmarks of a free society is the ability to disagree. Fair enough.

Joanna:

You know what? You're right. I re-read what I'd written and I was way too harsh with Bill Finley. He's not bad, he's way over the top camp. And that's what everyone in this flick is. It's Halloween and everyone you love is in costume. Fabulous! So I take it back. Winslow Leach is Marvelous! (Imagine that: Fabulous and Marvelous in the same paragraph!)

[Joanna]

All is forgiven. Don't know what it is about this movie but it's starting to catch on big! My guess is that, tragically, The enviroment is becoming very DEATH oriented over all and this movie seizes on that theme with a vengence!

ANywho, slow and steady won the race. Young Frankenstein, another CLASSIC, outdid phantom as far as $$$$, but now it Potp that is getting the airtime. Who'd have thunk it?

Jo..

p.s Have you seen Bill in Murder a la Mod? Ordered it. Will get it soon. Love him in SISTERS. But can't decide if he's evil or just HYPER over-protective. Bill (according to his Oct interview in Fangoria) thinks he's a villian. He gave Winnipeg high praise, despite being initially nervous about coming out. In truth, he was responsible for there being a phan-pal 2. At least as far as planting the idea in Gloria Dignazio's mind. A cast reunion became a reality a year later. All hail WINSLOW LEACH!