I saw Phantom of the Paradise when it was first released in theaters. Wow! What an ambitious, over the top blend of visual stimuli it is. This 1970's Rock Opera is almost too garishly stylistic for its own good. We have three familiar motifs being used here: The Faustian parable, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and, of course, The Phantom of the Opera which DePalma denies. That's clearly a lie, because there is absolutely no subtlety in this picture. This is too much allegory crammed into a 90 minute musical and the results are messy. But who else to helm such an Off-the-wall project other than the 1970's Brian DePalma.
Now I think the Multi-concept, although very crude, can work if handled properly. But here it simply doesn't, because they themes get lost in the song lyrics which are not always intelligible. The scenes and visual nuances are too absurd and often silly to be taken seriously. As we know the story is about this talented yet completely unappealing and unmarketable composer, Winslow Leach. A major music mogul-impresario, Swan (Paul Williams), steals his cantata and ideas and frames him for a drug crime. Leach escapes prison, but suffers a horrible accident which leaves his face disfigured and voice ruined. So, Winslow dons a Costume, looking like a space age Owl with a wild metallic helmet, cape and black leather jumpsuit. His goal now is to exact revenge on the man who framed him and stole his work. Swan prepares his Music empire, The Paradise, replete with state of the art show rooms, dressing rooms, recording studios and fancy offices. Winslow must sign a deal with Swan in order to connect with the new Singing soubrette, Phoenix, played by Jessica Harper. The rest of the movie is about The Phantom's zealous rage and thirst for revenge and a series of parodies mocking different music genres. Okay, I understand that's what DePalma is going for, but due to it's scatological screenplay, the movie is too bizarre looking to register as serious drama. It looks goofy and too psychedelic at times.
Now I know the three motifs being used are meant to serve as a morality tale, but there is no emotional impact for us as a result. Which is indicative of a misfire and huge miscalculation. The singing sensation, Phoenix, is no Jennifer Lopez, Madonna or Britney Spears. She doesn't possess the striking sex appeal required for a pop-sensation. Her singing is too melancholic and her voice is warbly. She sort of has the look and style of Linda Ronstadt and of that era. Most of the music is forgettable and uninspiring. But Winlow's obsession for her is what drives this tale forward. The acting is mediocre at best. There are some kitschy usages of split-screen graphics and clever set designs. albeit gaudy. We are given a showcase of 1970's theatrics from clothing, set design and style. This is a satire on the music industry no doubt, but the blend of satire and intentionally serious drama proves to be problematic here.
Phantom of the Paradise was a box office flop, but has achieved a somewhat loyal cult following. Brian DePalma tries very hard to indict the ugly business of the music industry. And what it does convey, in a very blatant manner, is that image, danger and subversion are more marketable to a young audience rather than raw talent. But the movie suffers from an unattractive protagonist who doesn't draw our attention in an intriguing way. Some of the songs are catchy like The Juicy Fruits opening scene, the Glam rock song performed by the androgynous, Beef, and the ballad performed by Phoenix. Paul Williams deserves major props for writing the soundtrack as well as giving a believable performance.
Now I think the Multi-concept, although very crude, can work if handled properly. But here it simply doesn't, because they themes get lost in the song lyrics which are not always intelligible. The scenes and visual nuances are too absurd and often silly to be taken seriously. As we know the story is about this talented yet completely unappealing and unmarketable composer, Winslow Leach. A major music mogul-impresario, Swan (Paul Williams), steals his cantata and ideas and frames him for a drug crime. Leach escapes prison, but suffers a horrible accident which leaves his face disfigured and voice ruined. So, Winslow dons a Costume, looking like a space age Owl with a wild metallic helmet, cape and black leather jumpsuit. His goal now is to exact revenge on the man who framed him and stole his work. Swan prepares his Music empire, The Paradise, replete with state of the art show rooms, dressing rooms, recording studios and fancy offices. Winslow must sign a deal with Swan in order to connect with the new Singing soubrette, Phoenix, played by Jessica Harper. The rest of the movie is about The Phantom's zealous rage and thirst for revenge and a series of parodies mocking different music genres. Okay, I understand that's what DePalma is going for, but due to it's scatological screenplay, the movie is too bizarre looking to register as serious drama. It looks goofy and too psychedelic at times.
Now I know the three motifs being used are meant to serve as a morality tale, but there is no emotional impact for us as a result. Which is indicative of a misfire and huge miscalculation. The singing sensation, Phoenix, is no Jennifer Lopez, Madonna or Britney Spears. She doesn't possess the striking sex appeal required for a pop-sensation. Her singing is too melancholic and her voice is warbly. She sort of has the look and style of Linda Ronstadt and of that era. Most of the music is forgettable and uninspiring. But Winlow's obsession for her is what drives this tale forward. The acting is mediocre at best. There are some kitschy usages of split-screen graphics and clever set designs. albeit gaudy. We are given a showcase of 1970's theatrics from clothing, set design and style. This is a satire on the music industry no doubt, but the blend of satire and intentionally serious drama proves to be problematic here.
Phantom of the Paradise was a box office flop, but has achieved a somewhat loyal cult following. Brian DePalma tries very hard to indict the ugly business of the music industry. And what it does convey, in a very blatant manner, is that image, danger and subversion are more marketable to a young audience rather than raw talent. But the movie suffers from an unattractive protagonist who doesn't draw our attention in an intriguing way. Some of the songs are catchy like The Juicy Fruits opening scene, the Glam rock song performed by the androgynous, Beef, and the ballad performed by Phoenix. Paul Williams deserves major props for writing the soundtrack as well as giving a believable performance.