Back in 1974, when rock and roll had just about hit the high water mark in terms of taking over the world, movie director Brian De Palma unleashed Phantom of the Paradise. A mash-up of Faust, Phantom of the Opera, and Picture of Dorian Gray, it managed to end up being as good as none of its source material, although it has achieved some small amount of cult status.  I’m not kidding around when I tell you that this movie is huge in Winnipeg, Canada for some reason…

It does have some kitsch value, if for no other reason than watching Paul Williams act, and seeing just how cool even the most nerdiest nerd can look in the right costume.

Paul WIlliams music is also pretty damn good, although I think that the Rocky Horror has survived the test of time slightly more intact.