Comedy,Fantasy,Horror,Music,Thriller
United States of America
The film was directed by Brian De Palma and released in 1974. It stars William Finley as Winslow Leach/The Phantom, Paul Williams as Swan, and Jessica Harper as Phoenix.
The story is set in the 1970s and features music heavily influenced by rock and roll, and glam rock. The film's soundtrack was composed by Paul Williams, who also stars as the villain, Swan. The soundtrack features songs such as "Faust", "Upholstery", and "The Phantom's Theme".
After his disfigurement, Winslow Leach escapes prison and breaks into The Paradise to sabotage Swan's opening night performance. During the chaos, he kidnaps Phoenix and takes her to his underground lair, where he forces her to sing his music. However, Swan discovers their whereabouts and arrives to make a deal with Leach - he will produce and release Leach's music in exchange for Phoenix's freedom.
But when Swan double-crosses Leach once again, the Phantom exacts his final revenge by setting off explosives at The Paradise, killing both Swan and himself. In the end, Phoenix discovers Leach's body and sings his music as a tribute to the Phantom.
Phantom of the Paradise was not a commercial success upon its original release, but has since gained a cult following and has been praised for its unique blend of horror, comedy, and musical elements.
