Brian De Palma’s Phantom of the Paradise: A Deceptively Cynical Musical Masterpiece
Introduction
With the US release of his rock opera Phantom of the Paradise on October 31, 1974, two months after Richard Nixon’s resignation in the wake of the Watergate scandal, Brian De Palma brought the first part of his career to a close. In eight films, the director had chronicled the upheavals of a decade like no other, from the assassination of Kennedy to the election of Nixon, not to mention the US involvement in Vietnam.
Phantom of the Paradise, De Palma’s sole musical comedy, is a story of disillusionment. Born out of the 34-year-old director’s recognition of the commodification of rock music in the late 1960s, the film depicts the co-optation of a once-rebellious genre by corporate music conglomerates. The inspiration for the film’s plot, in fact, came to De Palma when he stumbled upon a muzak rendition of the Beatles’ "Yesterday" in a department store.
Plot Synopsis
Winslow (William Finley), an extraordinarily talented but physically unprepossessing young composer, has his music stolen and distorted for commercial gain by renowned producer Swan (Paul Williams, who also composed the film’s soundtrack). De Palma weaves together the narratives of Gaston Leroux’s The Phantom of the Opera (1910), the Faust myth, and Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890), to create a scathingly satirical tale.
De Palma’s Pessimism and Cinematic Bravura
With remarkable energy and melancholy, the young director unleashes his pessimism while taking impish delight in filming his story. The character of Swan, a music producer emblematic of the excesses of the era, was inspired by Phil Spector, whom De Palma described as "a little power-mad Napoleon." Swan is a distant cousin of the titular character in Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane, a film that served as both a touchstone and an insurmountable competitor for the New Hollywood filmmakers.
One scene in particular is especially striking: when the hero hears his voice electronically manipulated and distorted by Swan’s machinations, one cannot help but recall the simultaneously resonant and wheezing timbre of Darth Vader, a character that George Lucas would unleash upon the world just three years later in Star Wars.
Legacy and Impact
Although Phantom of the Paradise failed to find an audience upon its initial release (with the exception of France and, curiously, Winnipeg, Canada), its legacy is undeniable. Daft Punk has cited the film as an inspiration, with the duo’s signature featureless helmets sharing a striking resemblance to the mask worn by Winslow in De Palma’s film. Phantom of the Paradise remains a testament to De Palma’s cinematic prowess and his razor-sharp critique of the music industry.
Detailed Analysis
Swan: The Corrupter of Music
Swan is a fascinatingly complex character, embodying the worst excesses of the music industry. Driven by greed and a lust for power, he shamelessly exploits Winslow’s talent, distorting his music into a soulless commodity. De Palma paints a vivid portrait of Swan’s narcissism, his obsession with his own image, and his ruthless determination to succeed at any cost.
Winslow: The Tragic Artist
In contrast to Swan, Winslow is a sympathetic figure, representing the idealism and vulnerability of true artists. His physical disfigurement, caused by an accident orchestrated by Swan, mirrors the mutilation of his music. Winslow’s struggle to reclaim his identity and his art becomes a metaphor for the larger battle against the forces of commercialization.
Themes of Identity and Corruption
Phantom of the Paradise explores the themes of identity and corruption in a variety of ways. Swan’s obsession with his public image leads him to alter his appearance through plastic surgery, reflecting the larger trend toward superficiality and conformity in society. Winslow, on the other hand, struggles to maintain his sense of self amidst the constant pressure to adapt to industry standards. The film also delves into the idea of artistic corruption, as Swan’s manipulation of Winslow’s music represents the commodification and betrayal of true artistic vision.
Conclusion
Phantom of the Paradise is a brilliant and subversive film that remains relevant today, offering a sharp critique of the music industry and the commodification of art. De Palma’s cynicism is tempered by his love of cinema and his uncanny ability to craft visually stunning and emotionally resonant moments. Despite its initial commercial failure, Phantom of the Paradise has garnered a cult following and is now recognized as a masterpiece of American cinema.
