Flashback! #7

[Bartwald]

Here goes: an early Brian De Palma film that is almost a horror. Really, it's difficult say whether the director was aiming at making a parody or whatever else, but the core plot is still a crazy mix of Phantom Of The Opera, Faust, The Picture Of Dorian Gray, Rocky Horror Picture Show and what have you. It does contain some gore but is a very mildly violent movie all in all. De Palma's brilliance shines here and there (the scene when the main character is breaking out of prison is a riot!) but it's not yet Carrie. And in the comedy department - it's short of Greetings, too.

So, who saw it?







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[Fenril]

I just found this old thread digging around.

Well, I have seen this movie and I think it's one of De Palma's most clever movies (and that's saying something). I, too am not sure if this should be considered a black comedy, horror, parody, what --and I don't think it even matters, it's just a fun (and funny) pastiche of several genres and references, with some pretty cool musicals (I'm still humming "Somebody super like you") and even a few effective dramatic and violent moments.

I think this one of De Palma's most underrated and unfairly forgotten movies.

[Bartwald]

Fenril said:

I think this one of De Palma's most underrated and unfairly forgotten movies.

I totally agree with this! And after seeing Phantom Of The Paradise for the first time several years ago I could not stop wondering why this wasn't the movie to make De Palma famous. Then again, he didn't have to wait too long ago to be properly recognized, as Carrie came out soon after this.