Not So Trash Reviews - Essay #7 - Phantom of the Paradise and High Camp (feat. Liam Banks of Superfreak Media)

Not So Trash Reviews is back from the dead!

After a long hiatus, Johann Chipol returns with a resurrected lost episode, originally recorded almost three years ago! And what better film to make our comeback with than Brian De Palma’s genre-bending rock opera cult classic, Phantom of the Paradise?

Johann is joined by friend of the show and horror filmmaker Liam Banks of Superfreak Media as they explore the film’s glam excess, high camp energy, and enduring legacy. From masked composers and soul-selling producers to the unforgettable brilliance of Beef, this episode dives into what makes Phantom of the Paradise a prime example of high camp cinema.

We’ll unpack the meaning of “camp” itself and explore how De Palma’s film mirrors larger ideas about fame, style, and the price of artistic ambition.

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Catch Phantom of the Paradise on the big screen! It’s screening as part of the Cult Film Club and Paracinema Film Festival on May 3rd at QUAD in Derby—don’t miss your chance to witness the madness live! Book your tickets here - https://www.derbyquad.co.uk/events/phantomoftheparadise/

Music Credits:

• Original Music by Karl Casey @ ⁠White Bat Audio⁠ – 'Hackers' and 'Arcadia'
• Music from Phantom of the Paradise composed by Paul Williams
• “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin used briefly under fair use for commentary purposes

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