Phantom of the Paradise

Lore & Background

The film's plot centers on Winslow Leach, a singer-songwriter whose original composition is stolen by producer Swan. After being framed for drug dealing and imprisoned, Winslow escapes, is disfigured in a record press, and becomes the Phantom. He terrorizes Swan's concert hall, The Paradise, demanding his music be performed by his adored singer, Phoenix. The Phantom signs a blood contract with Swan but is betrayed, leading to a series of violent confrontations.

Reader's Guide

Phantom of the Paradise was a box-office failure and received mixed-to-negative reviews contemporaneously, though it earned praise for its music and received Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations. Over the years, the film has received much more positive reviews and has become a cult classic. Its soundtrack album, featuring all songs by Paul Williams, is a platinum album (over one million sold). The film's production was independently financed, with Brian De Palma drawing inspiration from hearing a Beatles song as muzak and an idea about a Phantom of the Fillmore.

Did You Know?

• The record press that disfigured Winslow Leach was a real injection-molding press at Pressman Toys, and actor William Finley was nearly injured when it kept closing despite safety chocks.
• The electronic room where Winslow composes his cantata is the real-life recording studio The Record Plant, and the walls covered with knobs are an oversize custom-built electronic synthesizer dubbed TONTO.
• Sissy Spacek was the film's set dresser, assisting production designer Jack Fisk, whom she later married; she later starred in De Palma's Carrie in 1976.
• The film was financed independently, and producer Edward R. Pressman sold it to 20th Century Fox for $2 million plus a percentage.