Phantom of the Paradise - The Art of Terror 2026

Phantom of the Paradise / 1976/ USA/ Dir: Brian DePalma/ 92 Min/ Current Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%

After record producer Swan (Paul Williams) steals the music of songwriter Winslow Leach (William Finley) and gives it to one of his bands, Leach sneaks into Swan's offices. Catching Leach, Swan frames him for dealing drugs, which lands him in prison. After Leach breaks out and again attempts to sabotage Swan's empire, an accident crushes his face. Leach then dons a costume and becomes the Phantom, intent on ruining Swan while saving singer Phoenix (Jessica Harper) from a terrible fate.

“Not just one of the flashiest, angriest musical films, but an enduring and damning kiss-off to America’s spiraling desperation for entertainment.” – Jacob Oller, The Film Stage

“A very good horror comedy-drama about a disfigured musician haunting a rock palace. Brian De Palma’s direction and script makes for one of the very rare ‘backstage’ rock story pix, catching the garishness of the glitter scene in its own time.” – Variety