Phantom of the Paradise - BE@RBRICK
Phantom of the Paradise is one of many off-beat, experimental films of the 1970s with a cult following today. The film's genre-defying storyline, outrageous gothic motifs, and distinct 70s aesthetic make it popular as modern ironic cinema. Though the story is equal parts horror and comedy, the film's titular protagonist boasts a memorable and creepy design. The Phantom's full glory is on display in the "BE@RBRICK Phantom of the Paradise Phantom 400%" figure from Medicom Toy's horror series.
Phantom of the Paradise and BE@RBRICK Collaboration Background
The titular Phantom is the only character in the film to appear in the BE@BRICK line. Instead, his appearance is part of a longer tradition of including horror-related pop culture references in figure form.
Collaboration Planning and Launch
Medicom Toy began producing horror-themed BE@RBRICK designs in the company's first series launch in 200. The series launch is a biannual product release that includes a featured set of figures sold in "blind box" style. Due to the prominence of other themes, such as patterns and artist collaborations, the odds of getting a horror figure is 9.37%. The Phantom from Phantom of the Paradise was the selected horror figure design in 2017's season 34. The figure was released for regular sale the following year.
BE@RBRICK Phantom of the Paradise Phantom 400%
The Phantom's terrifying form is on display in this figure from Medicom Toy's BE@RBRICK line. He wears his owl-shaped, silver helmet. The feather-like protrusions extend up the figure's whited-out bear ears to create the design's silhouette. His missing right eye is blacked out while the remaining eye has been painted to convey his sense of desperate mania. A notable detail is the bright red scar peeking out from under his mask, referencing his disfigured face underneath. The black lipsticked smile reveals his shiny silver teeth, traded for his real teeth during his time in prison. His all-black outfit is adorned with the bulky, rectangular voice box on the front.
- Product Name: BE@RBRICK Phantom of the Paradise Phantom 400%
- Series: Phantom of the Paradise
- Manufacturer: Medicom Toy Corporation
- Specifications: Painted & articulated plastic figure
- Height (Approx.): 280mm | 11"
About Phantom of the Paradise
Phantom of the Paradise is a 1974 American musical film with dark humor and camp elements. The story draws information from works such as Phantom of the Opera, The Picture of Dorian Grey, and Faust. Upon its release, the film was considered a critical and commercial failure. However, the original soundtrack was nominated for an Academy Award. Recently, the film has enjoyed newfound popularity as a cult film. It is considered director Brian de Palma's strangest work and a bizarre combination of horror, comedy, and rock opera elements.
The story follows a disfigured composer who sells his soul in exchange for the woman he loves to perform his music. He is betrayed by an evil record producer who uses his music to open a rock palace, "The Paradise."
About the Phantom
The Phantom, Winslow Leach, is the film's central character and functions as a reference to the Phantom of the Opera. At the start of the film, Leach is a struggling musician and songwriter. He is working on a rock opera adaptation of the legend Faust. He makes a deal with the record producer Swan, but Swan betrays him, steals his music, and gets Leach thrown in prison. After six months, Leach escapes from prison and tries to get his revenge on Swan. He's injured in the process, leading him to don a metalling owl-themed disguise and a new identity as "The Phantom."
As the Phantom, he discovers that Swan has turned the profits from his stolen music into a lavish theater. Upon discovering his return, Swan offers the Phantom a deal to finish his beloved Faust rock opera, which the Phantom accepts. He then falls in love with the aspiring singer Phoenix after hearing her perform at auditions. The Phantom dedicates himself to bringing down Swan and protecting Phoenix from his influence.
Other Important Phantom of the Paradise Characters
The characters in Phantom of the Paradise contain references to characters in gothic fiction. Their actions throughout the film serve as a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the commercialization of the music industry.
Swan
Swan is the villain of the film and a reference to Dorian Grey as well as 1970s music producer Phil Specter. He is controlling, narcissistic, and manipulative, driving the plot's action as well as The Phantom's descent to madness. His likeness to Dorian Grey is shown through his youth and immortality achieved through record contracts. He will allow and even plan the deaths of acts he produces in order to achieve good publicity.
Phoenix
Phoenix is the only female member of the main cast and serves as the Phantom's one-sided love interest. The Phantom deems her the only one worthy of singing his music while Swan considers her "too perfect." During auditions, The Phantom went as far as to kill anyone who could stand in the way of Phoenix's career. Her main personality trait is her desire to perform and earn the audience's applause. Of the main characters, Phoenix is the only one to survive the end of the film.
Beef
Beef is a flamboyant glam rock singer initially cast by Swan instead of Phoenix in the Faust musical. He is loud, boisterous, and possesses an off-putting low speaking voice when compared to his high singing voice. His first appearance in the film is a reference to Frankenstein's monster as he's "put together" during a performance. As an obstacle to Phoenix, Beef is killed by the Phantom by electrocution during his final song.
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BE@RBRICK Phantom of the Paradise Phantom 400%
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