Phantom of the Paradise (1974) – 50th Anniversary

Brian De Palma’s classic cult musical combines elements from The Phantom of the Opera, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and Faust. The film tells the story of a disfigured composer who sells his soul for the chance to have the woman he loves perform his music. However, he is betrayed by an evil record tycoon who steals his compositions to launch his rock palace.

Brian De Palma’s 1974 pastiche is a near-psychedelic experience built not on freaky visual effects but on pure passion and unadulterated artistry.

Washington City Paper

I watched with delight and surprise, never bored and increasingly amazed at the brilliance and originality of what I was seeing. I was very sorry when it was over and long to see it again.

Japan Times