Phantom of the Paradise - The Cinema Snob

It's the most requested movie since starting Musical March in September. The Cinema Snob reviews the 1974 Brian DePalma musical cult classic Phantom of the Paradise!
Writer/Creator: Brad Jones
Title Card: Shaun Millington
End Screen: Nick Michalak, www.ravensfilm.com
Theme: Devin LeTroy Powell, Rhymer-Man, check out the full song:
• Rhymer-Man - Snob Nigh...
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[@DocZFlux]

It's funny to think that not long after this movie came out, Paul Williams began his long career of writing cute Muppet songs.

[@victorhernandez8723]

He also wrote songs for Three a Dog Night, Helen Reddy, Barbra Streisand, and the Carpenters To name a few.

[@matthewkoch6937]

That and playing odd-looking heavies in crime dramas, he was the killer in an 1977 episode of "Police Woman" and the creepy flunkie in 1978's "the Cheap Detective.''

[@ItWILLbeWONDERFUL_THERE]

Who would play SWAN in the MUPPET version of Phantom of the Paradise? I'm thinking it would have to be a human actor. On the other hand, consider the question a joke. It wouldn't work. The Muppets don't do DePalma. Not the characters Paul wrote for at least. But anyway .... The cast of Phantom of the Paradise was in Winnipeg April 29, 2006 (PHANTOMPALOOZA) at the very theater that hosted the movie for nearly a year.

[@jadenova]

He also did 'The Love Boat' theme.

[@bibniebt]

He also voiced the Penguin in the animated Batman series. And he provided vocals for the Daft Punk song Touch. A fascinating career

[@jacquelinecallejas1390]

Paul Williams wo a Grammy for the album he did with Daft Punk. His acceptance speech started with "In my drinking days I used to see things. Then I got sober and 2 robots phoned me up and asked me to do an album with them." Considering that they've taken things that had nothing musical about them like Carrie and Heathers and made them into Broadway musicals, why is it that this hasn't been adapted as a Broadway musical?

[@MrBlueSkyof1607]

Why hasn't this become a Broadway musical, somebody please make this, it's gotta be better than Love Never Dies, that's for sure.

[@rhyspatterson679]

talk to paul williams it was his love project and he owns the rights to all the music, but i am with you on wanting to see it

[@weirdbird74]

TEN YEARS OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLD

[@servo90]

When it comes to this vs Rocky Horror, I always say, “Why settle for Meat Loaf when you can have Beef?”

[@ItWILLbeWONDERFUL_THERE]

Good point! Mind you, I like meat loaf sandwich.

[@GhostDog_PhD]

The true star of the movie

[@scarfguy5337]

Tbh I felt a lot of crossover between the two

[@impalaman9707]

Yet pairing them together in a double feature is like a double bill of two similar bands playing on the same show. The thought being--"well, if you like this band, you ought to love this other band as well!" Either that, or the thought was to kill two films with one stone!

[@TheRealNormanBates]

@@impalaman9707 or "watch two films while being stoned!"

[@paulinlongbeach]

I had the pleasure of working with Gerrit Graham on a play, while I was in college. 1987. He was such a nice gentleman, and a consummate professional. I've never forgotten his kindness to me as an 18 year old. He should be still working today.

[@jeffk3801]

Sadly, I believe he's had a few health problems in the past few years if not longer.

[@calebhernandez681]

Jessica Harper is kinda the unofficial Queen 👸 of Cult Musicals, isn’t she? She had lead roles in this, Shock Treatment, and Pennies From Heaven.

[@MrBlueSkyof1607]

Does Suspiria count? I guess it’s more a ballet than musical, but it’s still music.

[@1TwistedPoet]

Her Voice is phenomenal. For a much better review, search for "You've never seen Phantom of the Paradise".

[@dajerk7082]

My dad took me to a double feature at the local theater. It was gene wilder in " the world's greatest lover" and "phantom of the paradise", it was awesome. Thank you dad.

[@nicklager1666]

The plot twist is that after the events in the feature, Winslow/the Phantom continued his career as a piano player and singer under a new artist name Randy Newman.

[@MrBlueSkyof1607]

My god! That makes too much sense! He composed Toy Story with those vocals!

[@johnbigboote8900]

I was 14 or so, living in Winnipeg, when this movie came out. It was very popular, and talked about in my school, but I also remember that it ran, in midnight showings, for something like 150 weeks. It wasn't until years later (i.e. just a decade ago), that I found out that this was purely a local phenomenon. Thanks, BTW, for just saying 'Winnipeg', and not adding 'Manitoba' or 'Canada'. I suddenly feel like we've made it to the big leagues. Take that Saskatoon!

[@impalaman9707]

Winnipeg--between Bachman Turner Overdrive and Phanton of the Paradise---you have TASTE!

[@RaphaelRemington6969]

As a Canadian from Northwestern Ontario I love this comment

[@nercohen]

Hello fellow Winnipegger! As a 12 yr old I was one of those kids at the Garrick theater in 1974-6. I don't recall midnite showings but I think there have been a couple since the first Phantompalooza 2005. The folks who organized that are already working on the 50th anniversary Phantompalooza in 2024 in Winnipeg. I'm trying talk someone into showing it on a big screen here in New Orleans. (didn't like this review - the guy sounded mocking and dismissive. Lacked the respect he should have shown his audience.

[@johnbigboote8900]

@@nercohen Greetings from The 'Peg (soon to reclaim its title of "Winterpeg."). I barely remember the Snob's review; I clicked on it because of the local connection. I'll be interested to see how Phantompalooza shapes up next year. Good luck with your own effort in New Orleans.

[@nercohen]

@@johnbigboote8900 🙏🎶❤️📽

[@beejay271]

I stumbled across this movie back in the 90's when I was home sick from school. I had a bad fever and had just woken up and noticed "little Enos" from the Smokey and the Bandit movies was on the screen. I remember I couldn't find the remote and was to sick to care so I was like "I guess I'm watching this now" and ended up becoming a big fan of the film! True story lol😅

[@blacknapalm2131]

Cool! I love it when a film or song gets tied to a memory and it stays with you always. It's a very unusual but very original film. thanks for sharing :)

[@johnjohn37371]

Did the exact same thing with "The Towering Inferno"...

[@JohannaLeigh]

FYI. David Geffen was on the list with George McGovern, Bette Middler and Dick Clark.

[@R.e.m.y.H.]

I saw this film in an independent cinema about a year ago in western Canada, and before the film began the host asked "How many of you folks in the audience are from Winnipeg?" and literally half the audience raised their hand lol

[@Tadicuslegion78]

“We were in the Paris Opera House on opening night when the drugs began to take hold. I remember saying something like "I feel a bit lightheaded...." And suddenly there was a terrible roar all around us and the sky was full of what looked like huge bats, all swooping and screeching and diving around the theater."

[@mst3kharris]

We can’t sing here! This is bat country!

[@darksideofthemoon488]

"Holy Jesus, what are these Goddamn animals?" "Did you sing something?"

[@Tadicuslegion78]

@@darksideofthemoon488 "Never mind. Your turn to sing! No point in mentioning these bats, I thought. Poor bastard will see them soon enough."

[@mindlessgonzo]

Let's get down to brass tacks here. How much for the singing ape?

[@ontologicallysteve7765]

No need to worry about those bats...you'll see em' soon enough.

[@AngelofMusic04]

11:48 - I wonder what next week's episode is gonna be. :whistles "Dentist" and decks nurse next to me:

[@Melvinshermen]

Will C Also he should do Non musical roger corman version

[@Schornforce]

That was my favorite musical until Avenue Q came out.

[@brianoconnell6459]

Ah dammit, he sold his soul for rock and roll? And I sold mine for a cinnamon roll.

[@DJtheBlack-RibbonedRose]

This comment deserves more attention. 😆

[@ItWILLbeWONDERFUL_THERE]

You were hungry!

[@patrickjohnson1649]

2nd Half of the Edgar Wright “Best Double Feature”, Along with Beyond the Valley of the Dolls.

[@karlkarlos3545]

Well, Paul Williams appeared in Baby Driver. The connection is there.

[@patrickjohnson1649]

Karl Karlos There’s actually a behind the scenes video where Edgar Wright gets Paul Williams to sing “The Hell of It” on the set of Baby Driver.

[@karlkarlos3545]

@@patrickjohnson1649 That's cool.

[@Launchpad05]

Speaking of 'Batman', Paul Williams would later voice The Penguin in 'Batman:TAS'.

[@Franandlar]

And It's A Movie Like This Which Makes Me Understand Why Picked Him As The Penguin

[@ItWILLbeWONDERFUL_THERE]

Another 'Dirty Bird' . Annie Wilkes would not be kind to him.

[@chrisdooley6468]

I’m more shocked that Sissy Spacek did set design or whatever. Lol certainly a high point on her resume

[@DanJackson1977]

Why wouldn't she be proud of her work here just cause she had a bigger career after? Get of your hipster high horse.

[@disconnected22]

Story is she only worked for a day or two.

[@AshenDruid]

"It's a whole series of songs that tell the story of Faust" Kamelot: "Hold my beer"

[@Maniac536]

I’ve become a fan of paul Williams in the past year. Seriously this is the guy who wrote “rainbow connection”

[@victorhernandez8723]

He also collaborated with Daft Punk.

[@cheriblossom983]

There is an awesome documentary that covers a good part of his career called “ still alive Paul Williams”. He wrote so many wonderful songs ❤️

[@Maniac536]

cheriblossom983 did they show he has Kermit’s Banjo?

[@ItWILLbeWONDERFUL_THERE]

@@Maniac536 Really? Cool! Have you ever seen Emmett Otter's Jug Band Christmas? He wrote the songs for that, too. So, what's say we get the Muppets together, with their original managers (Frank Oz, Dave Goelz, Steve Whitmire, et ensemble.) They have a Halloween Sleep Over and one of the movies they watch is Phantom of the Paradise. Piggy, wearing a bathrobe, hair dissheveled. "Kermie, did he ...that is..... the crazy blonde guy who tried to kill that girl... did he happen to mention to Mr. Henson that he made a movie about being an insane music producer when he signed on to write the songs for our first movie? Kermit: Uh, no. I don't think so. Miss Piggy: Gee, I wonder why. Fozzie: I'll NEVER eat a Roast Beef sandwich again!

[@cheriblossom983]

Maniac536 no but they showed clips from the muppet movie and his appearance on the muppet show and others. It really is an awesome doc.

[@stillgotit9770]

Okay, that neon lighting bolt scene scared the shit out of me as a child, what was my mom doing taking me to see this? God bless her because this movie is one of the best to ever do it, musical horror. Extra props to Depalma and the whole cast, bravo!

[@TheWarmotor]

When are we gonna get a Snob/RLM crossover? This is one of their faves...

[@Melvinshermen]

TheWarmotor this would be awesome

[@TheWarmotor]

@@Melvinshermen We know there is already a direct line of communication. Jack did and guest spot on Lupa's show!

[@MrChaotic4]

This is the second De Palma film he's reviewed in 2 months. At this point, it's a matter of time till he reviews Mission: Impossible.

[@dreamlandnightmare]

Which is still the best film in the franchise, in my opinion.

[@tarlx902]

As a former resident of Winnipeg it feels good to have reviews that feel like they're just for me.

[@ItWILLbeWONDERFUL_THERE]

Thanks CINEMA SNOB!!!!! I'm from Winnipeg Canada. Phantom Central!!

[@FabricFool]

Just this morning, I posted the following question to a friend: “Phantom of the Paradise or Rocky Horror Picture Show? Discuss.” Then I come to KZbin and 36 minutes previous, Brad has posted his reply. Even tho I didn’t ask him. I’m starting to think Alexa reads minds as well as reporting our conversations... Thank you for this review. I’ve been in thrall to this film since its release, and I had to pay for a ticket every time. Plus popcorn. Memorized the (far superior) soundtrack, from a record I played until the grooves started to flatten. So just wow. Just, you know, thanx.

[@ItWILLbeWONDERFUL_THERE]

While Phantom and Rocky Horror are musicals, the approach is totally different. Phantom is more along the lines of 'concert' musical , whereas RH uses songs to further the story. There's also an 'other worldly' feel about them. It's the stories that set them apart. Not sure what inspired Richard O'Brien, but I've seen Rocky Horror and I've seen reviews of 'The Room. Rocky Horror was OSCAR BAIT compared to that unmitigated disaster! Phantom of the Paradise , on the other hand was inspired by an elevator ride where poor Brian was forced to listen to a muzaked version of a classic Beatles song. He was thoroughly p.o'd at the abuse that poor song endured and thought..."WHAT IF...." Worlds are turned on such thoughts.

[@jamesstewart3771]

The closing credit song “that’s the hell of it” is such a great song . Probably Paul Williams best ever .

[@stephyalysse]

"Dammit, Janet, It's Second Janet!!"

[@dailyflash]

This is generally agreed to be the best movie ever made.

[@TheAntiSanta]

I watched this movie like a year or two ago, just because of the little Trivia Fact about a Berserk character's armor being based on the Phantom from this movie. It has been living in my head, rent free, ever since.

[@voidbreather7405]

That would be Griffith/Femto!

[@ichimaru96]

THAT'S IT, BACK TO WINNAPEG!

[@patrickjohnson1649]

9:52 This scene drives me up a wall. When Winslow becomes the Phantom and starts singing, his voice is Paul Williams but distorted. So when I originally watched this scene, I thought, Swan just cleaned up his voice and he coincidentally sounds like Paul Williams. Although I think the original intention of this scene is “Swan uses filters to make Robot Winslow sound like Himself.” The obvious solution is to have Distorted Bill Finley Voice (which they already had a recording of) and use filters to make it sound like the Paul Williams Recording. I loves this movie, but this scene Drives me up a Wall, it’s such an easy fix.

[@justin100499]

That is the intention Is it really that big a deal tho? Seems like the smallest thing to get worked up over

[@camerondodge2070]

8:23 I thought he was going to make some joke about how the Beach Bums were clearly inspired by the Surfaris, but then he said Dick Dale and his Jan & Dean Band and I laughed harder than I have for about a year.

[@anthonykimball7463]

Is anybody else, besides me, reminded of a young warren zevon when watching that 1st scene showing leach (the late william finley, in a GREAT performance that should have rocketed him to stardom) performing one of his songs?

[@stefanfilipovits21]

I wasn’t at first but I can totally see that now that you mentioned it. It’s actually kind of uncanny.

[@camerondodge2070]

Incredibly so, yes. I had to hold out my copy of Excitable Boy for comparison.

[@yushi560]

Watched the film for the first time today, and I immediately thought of Warren Zevon when I got to that scene. Great film.

[@ItWILLbeWONDERFUL_THERE]

TOTALLY!!!! First time I ever saw a Warren Zevon album cover, Winslow / William was the FIRST person I thought of!

[@jongroskin729]

Is Paul Williams 14? He looks like Elton Johns mini me.

[@ItWILLbeWONDERFUL_THERE]

In 74 he was about in his mid 30's . Irony about Elton John. I don't think he's that tall either.

[@rolandofgilead43]

though he does look quite young here if i recall he's gonna be 80 this year so he was around 33 or 34 but looks vastly younger in this

[@Schornforce]

In an alternate future, Winslow became the dad from Coraline...

[@MasunaMasu]

wh no

[@ItWILLbeWONDERFUL_THERE]

The real dad or the 'Other' dad?

[@pontiusporcius8430]

Another neat part of its legacy is the fact that the primary villain of the fantasy manga berserk, Femto, is visually based on Winslow.

[@fattiger6957]

Am I the only one who thinks the mask looks like Griffith's helmet from Berserk?

[@hipsterelephant2660]

Its an intentional shout out to this

[@fattiger6957]

@@hipsterelephant2660 So the manga's writer was a fan of this obscure musical? What a weird connection.

[@funkyweapon1981]

@@fattiger6957 And Hellraiser.

[@victorhernandez8723]

That’s where Berserk got the inspiration for Griffith’s helmet.

[@Rickbane01]

When I see Griffith's mask I get the same thought.

[@MrJimmyTide]

I just watched this over the weekend right after The Apple in the same night, and lamented you hadn't done this yet. Big Brother is real!

[@stefanfilipovits21]

That’s a rad double feature, I’ve gotta tell u.

[@That_AMC_Guy]

Interesting tidbit: the country-flavoured fellow who auditions for Swan was none other than Keith Allison from Paul Revere & The Raiders!

[@danielvandersall6756]

Should also note that this was Jessica Harper's very first performance--what a talent.

[@KalleVilenius]

That's it! Back to Winnipeg!

[@BlueGeen]

God, I love this movie.

[@yourstrulyjohnnydollar8775]

I saw this movie 14 hours into a 24 horror movie marathon at an old theater. The movie should be more memorable, but I mostly remember a drunk guy bellowing "Suspiria!" the first time Jessica Harper was on screen. He almost unintentionally yodeled.

[@Franandlar]

I Read About This Movie In A Book About The Phantom Of The Opera Because I Like The Musical And They Talked About The Various Adaptations (Some Of Which I Have Seen)... But One Night It Was On IFC Channel And I Decided To Watch It, I Figured "Updated 70s Version Of Phantom, What Could It Hurt?" By The End Of The Night, My Mouth Was Wide Open And I Thought "What The Hell Did I Just Watch?"

[@derekdotson1207]

I love phantom of the paradise

[@ItWILLbeWONDERFUL_THERE]

Re: Gerrit Graham and Tim Curry. On the eve of Phantompalooza (Apirl 2005) Gerrit mentioned something about working with Tim, can't recall the exact context, but he said, "No one in their right mind would try to follow Tim Curry."

[@1TwistedPoet]

Yet LaVerne Cox did a creditable job in the Tribute "Rocky Horror: Lets Do The Timewarp Again".

[@jadenova]

Suggestions for next year "Tommy", "Magical Mystery Tour", and "Head".

[@Writer10389]

This might be one of my favorite Snob episodes ever - I think I laughed the entire time

[@ItWILLbeWONDERFUL_THERE]

Did you notice. ...he didn't drop the F bomb once! I'm impressed. But then, he usually only does that when he's mad about something. He enjoyed this review.

[@DarthArachnious]

Dr. Cuvier from Batman Beyond: Splicers. Was modeled after Vincent Price. But he turns into a creature who's beak is modeled after Winslow's helmet. The director was so specific about this I had to watch the movie. Broke my brain to realize the music was by the guy who wrote Rainbow Connection.

[@1TwistedPoet]

I have long said that I want The Hell Of It played at my wake. Good for nothin' Bad in bed Nobody liked you And you're better off dead Goodbye. We've all come to say Goodbye

[@ChrisOnStage2]

I gotta admit, I really LOVE this movie! I bought the soundtrack, the blu-ray, and I'm hoping for a Broadway musical rebooting some day!

[@wrachilles8482]

"The only place it was successful was Winnipeg." Huh, that threw me for a loop. I never hear about my city really anywhere.

[@iHeartsNostalgiaPit]

Oh it's been mentioned in pop culture related content, A Desperate Housewives here, and Office business trip there, an actual show up on the Simpsons, and hey let's not forget where Winnie the Pooh got it's name

[@johnbigboote8900]

@@iHeartsNostalgiaPit There was a time when it seemed "Hep" to mention the city. The Simpsons did it two or three times, Mad About You once, and that Fountain Tire ad guy - his name escapes me. Of course, like all Canadians I am desperate for the validation that comes from having my country, or any of our lesser cities, mentioned in any non-Canadian production. I remember each and every one.

[@iHeartsNostalgiaPit]

@@johnbigboote8900 would the fountain tire guy happen to be named Stephen Colbert? (yeah I kind of forgotten he kinda dissed Winnipeg until you brought him up) I had no idea Mad About You brought it up

[@johnbigboote8900]

@@iHeartsNostalgiaPit The Fountain Tire ad actor is Thom Sharp. I don't know if Mr. Colbert has ever referred to the city (thought he is a comedian, and it is still slightly humourous to mention us (like a Family Guy news item in which Karen Black helps get an airplane to land safely in a crisis)).

[@iHeartsNostalgiaPit]

@@johnbigboote8900 oh wait I think I mistook fountaintire for Mr goodwrench

[@danielvandersall6756]

Interesting to note that there was a legendary theater in Chicago called The Paradise--This led to Styx's 1981 album "Paradise Theatre," their most successful album.

[@jadenova]

Weird observation just now. Rod Serling is the narrator in the beginning. He wrote the first Planet of the Apes movie. Paul Williams is in this movie and was in Battle for the Planet of the Apes.

[@crucaderd]

The Phantom looks like he should be the rival in a Gundam anime!

[@RedSpade37]

Truly! I agree! Would be pretty on par for those series, honestly, haha

[@mikekram2199]

I was only just reading about this in Peter Grant's (manager of Led Zeppelin) biography and the Snob puts this up 19 hour before hand. What a coincidence.

[@adrienfourniercom]

at least, this producer didn't have the time to kill Lana Clarkson

[@cjstrikercbr3013]

12:47 They did get bricks of Cocaine for this, just it ALL went to the producers & editing crews instead. 😉

[@lopenash]

I'm going to say what I say every time this movie comes up: "Oh Christ, _this_ movie!" and "Paul Williams?"

[@patthetech]

"only successful in Winnipeg" Well have you ever been to Winnipeg in the 70s? What else were they going to do?

[@iHeartsNostalgiaPit]

gee I don't know go to a Jets game?

[@entertainmentpowerfuchs5744]

Wood Rocket have a Musical. It calls Hamiltoe

[@BulletTooth504]

Sounds like something they would do.

[@HereComesPopoBawa]

That _is_ a brilliant name. But I'd fear that's the most creative thing about the production.

[@PapaTaurean]

I love this movie. I am so glad I got to see it before this review!!

[@EpicLebaneseNerd]

saw this when i was so little , maybe 7 or 8, the movie scared the living shit out of me, thanks for reviewing it, now u reviewed this and another channel reviewed the wizard of speed and time, i still wonder when someone will review FLIGHT OF THE NAVIGATOR or ROMANCING THE STONE series....

[@travismcdowell8352]

I remember watching this a while ago on AMC early in the morning. They showed alot of weird movies on week days early in the morning 😂

[@MackGeddon]

I love this movie so, so, so much!!

[@austinmorrison6953]

I first learned about this movie when I went to a movie theater called Alamo Drafthouse. The hallways were decorated with posters for these old movies I’ve never heard of and this was one of them.

[@thedorkone1516]

You can hear Garret's actual singing voice in the shower scene.

[@littlebugp]

Huh. First time he's reviewed a movie I've pretty much memorized.

[@bruceandt]

For a kid like me growing up in the 70’s in Winnipeg. This movie gained serious appreciation. The story is more along the lines of a comic book. The music is unparalleled for its time completely written by Paul Williams. I have never watched the Rocky Horror Picture Show from beginning to end. As a ten year old kid watching this movie for the first time? 1977. That was the first time I got to watch it. It read like a comic book with music. I will always consider this tiny movie in its place in time to be that perfect fusion of the seventies, my age, over the top visual magic.

[@TheBadGuy235]

OOOOHHHOOOO TY TY TY TY! I was hoping you'd do this! One of my absolute favorite movies!

[@megandismuke5124]

RHPS, Repo!, and now PotP!?!?! You really are spoiling me waaay too much, Snob. LOL

[@shallendor]

One of the best horror musicals!

[@alcheman12]

I just watched this for the first time recently and loved it

[@ItWILLbeWONDERFUL_THERE]

Been sharing this review around to other Phantom phans! Thanks again, Brad! A bit of musical irony; while WINSLOW loathed the Juicy Fruits, William Finley put together two of the three members of the group (Archie Hahn and Harold Oblong/ Peter Elbling) with Paul Williams suggesting Jeffrey Comanor. Another irony is that William Finley could sing better than the voice he gave Winslow. I found out watching an earlier DePalma movie "Murder a la Mod".

[@Snakedude4life]

0:11 Is... is that Rich from Red Letter Media? Huh. 🎩 🐍 no step on SNEK! 🇺🇸🇭🇰

[@weeds526]

One of these days I wanna see the Snob do Francis Ford Coppola's One From the Heart

[@Melvinshermen]

Robert Wieder or Dementia 13 which is in pubic domain and also the remake from 2017

[@joey4589]

I remember catching this great movie on tv when I was kid stayed up until 3 am , been a big fan ever since

[@EqualOpportunityDestoroya]

Now I realize my late father was the one who sent me down the conspiracy rabbit hole with this movie. I am starting to remember that not a lot of people didn't like Phil Specter around the eighties and no one wanted to hang out with him.

[@DTD110865]

Even when I saw the trailers for this movie on TV at the tender age of 8, I knew this was based on "Phantom of the Opera."

[@tskmaster3837]

I first came across this movie in a book about Cult Films by Peary anddecided that I had to see it but since this was before the Internet, I had no idea how to get around doing that. My first experience with the movie proper was when it as aired on Starz in the 90s. I caught it right from the beginning with the opening narration over the spinning logo and without a single idea of what it actually is but with some anticipation of something great, I grabbed a blank VHS, jammed it in my VCR and pressed "record".... just in time for the main titles "Phantom of the Paradise." Since then I've had it on VHS, DVD and BD but the SLP version is the one I remember best.

[@princeeverlove]

The delishus sass, the mixture of a cocktail of sharp wit and jaded statements simmer to a heated cuisine of Cinematic Delight📽️🍷

[@philmasecar8542]

Oh My God it's Griffith!!! Quick give him nothing but solo's to prevent the summoning of the God Hand!!

[@victorhernandez8723]

“I submit!”

[@brianoconnell6459]

Anyone notice that Williams looks like an insane grown up Cousin Oliver from The Brady Bunch?

[@ItWILLbeWONDERFUL_THERE]

Every time I saw him ( Oliver) on the Brady Bunch, Paul Williams was the first name that came to mind.

[@DeniseFaraday]

Thank you, Brad, for reviewing one of my favorite Brian DePalma films. Did Laura and Lloyd enjoy the film as well?

[@austindrake3493]

I bet Lloyd was too busy watching 9-1-1 Lone Star.

[@katthefantastic]

Phoenix! Phoenix!

[@frenchabortion]

Yeah Winnipeg LOVES Phantom... I never got it...

[@zeldamaniac14]

Yes! I've been waiting for this!

[@LucasBradleylpbproductions6]

YES! I've been wanting you to talk about this movie for so long! Thank you, Brad!

[@Schornforce]

BUT IS BIM ON THE WAY???

[@TheWorldLuvsABastard]

You have been reviewing every guilty pleasure movie that I love. What are the odds?? Are you looking through my DVDs?!?!

[@RedSpade37]

He sent Lloyd to spy on you for market research. Keep an eye out... (haha)

[@MikePhalin]

This reminds me, I've got to make sure that my A&E contract includes the clause "all payments must be made in bricks of cocaine."

[@thEannoyingE]

I’d pay good money for a Dr. Caligari themed band.

[@camerondodge2070]

Which Dr. Caligari, 20s or 60s?

[@HereComesPopoBawa]

The Rinse Dream version!

[@thEannoyingE]

Cameron Dodge 20s, of course.

[@camerondodge2070]

@@thEannoyingE Sorry, just want to make sure it was the good one. On a second note, never watch the 60s one. Generic murder mystery with nothing to do with Caligari that slaps on the twist of the original movie at the end.

[@MrBlueSkyof1607]

@@camerondodge2070 there was one from 2005, with Doug Jones as Cesare.

[@SewerTapes]

Thanks for letting me know this exists.

[@hostofwords]

Dude in the coffin reveal reminds me of Mike Nelson as Morrissey. "Did I mention that I cried?"

[@theukekook7992]

Gotta love the Jerseyville, IL reference!

[@cheriblossom983]

Fair to say this has been the best musical March in September...and next week it gets even better!!!!!!!!!!

[@BlackAdam1231]

My oldest sister and her hippie friends all loved this movie at the drive inn

[@sheepheadsez2229]

I wonder how much of this is Paul Williams story, the main character looks, acts, and later on sings like him and oh yeah Paul is actually in the movie.

[@devanmoran]

I love this movie

[@jacksonwayneputnam1599]

one of my favorite films

[@radiof00le]

saw this at the drive-in, in 74, was 5 years old. you dont forget a death like beefs'. good review