PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE

It's not surprising in a way that PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE has continued to lurk like a black-clad avenger in the shadows and catacombs of "good" film canon. Though cinematically daring and virtuosic, it's pretty weird, and the themes of pervasive cultural death-worship may have cut a little deep at the time. So while it doesn't take its place on the high wall of honor with other '70s classics, some of us proudly display it in the trophy cases of our hearts. Brian De Palma plunders every era and style of cinema for his effects. It's a demented slapstick musical tragedy. The great Paul Williams (who also wrote the music) stars as Swan, a record producer and talent impresario. He's Mephistopheles by way of Phil Spector. De Palma favorite William Finley is tweaked perfection as Winslow Leach, a young composer who signs a contract with Swan - not in ink of course - and suffers the consequences. Lovely Jessica Harper (SUSPIRIA) is the romantic interest in this electronic-gothic masterpiece. The musical numbers set a new high water mark for tastelessness and excess. A confetti cannon loaded with disposable pop music, black magic, sex, love, loss and pain - don't miss it! (Lars)