Phantom of the Paradise (1974)

Croce praises the film as a delirious, visually restless triumph that fuses rock spectacle with gothic and cinematic allusions. He especially singles out De Palma’s electrifying camerawork and the climactic collision of spectacle, creator, and audience.

The critic calls it arguably De Palma’s finest film, despite a musical misstep. They praise its highly inventive updating of the Phantom of the Opera story.

Variety finds the film very good, praising its direction and script for capturing the garishness of the glitter-rock scene. It also singles out the principal performances, especially Jessica Harper and Paul Williams.

Jones calls it an exceptionally strong musical comedy fantasy and a savvy satire of the rock industry. He praises Gerrit Graham’s performance and the film’s witty send-up of Psycho’s shower scene.

French presents the film as an inventive cult thriller that was initially misunderstood and later found an audience. He praises its energy, wit and inventiveness, along with its garish, squalid sets.

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Knipfel praises the film as a uniquely vivid, dark, and intelligent satire that rewards repeat viewings. He especially singles out its layered references and variations on the songs, while confessing he still prefers the Juicy Fruits to Winslow.

The critic finds the film an inventive, influential delight that remains impressive decades later. They particularly praise its singular musical blend and the echoes of its imagery and ideas in later works.