New documentary looks at Winnipeg's curious love for Phantom of the Paradise
Film flopped everywhere in North America except in Winnipeg, and it's a mystery why
A Toronto-based director and producer is working on a documentary about Winnipeg fans of the musical horror film Phantom of the Paradise — a film that flopped everywhere in North America except in Winnipeg.
Phantom of the Paradise opened in 1974 and closed within a week across North America. In Winnipeg, the film ran for four straight months, and it still screens at special events today.
"It's a mystery for the ages," said Malcolm Ingram, the director of Phantom of Winnipeg. "Why this only happened in Winnipeg, I have no idea."
"It's just celebrating the fact that it actually did happen. It's this weird story that's really cool," said Ingram.
He started filming this past October at a Winnipeg screening of the film with a performance by Phantom of the Paradise tribute band Swanage. He's now raising money on Indiegogo to help fund a trip back to Winnipeg in February to film again.
"Everybody I've talked to has said that the biggest thing they loved about the Phantom was the music, so I think the music was definitely a part of the appreciation," said Ingram.
"The movie is really an awesome film. Its failure has nothing to do with the quality. I think people in Winnipeg had the good taste to appreciate something when it was there."
Phantom of the Paradise can be described as a glam horror comedy movie musical. It was directed by Brian De Palma, who went on to direct successful films such as Carrie and Mission: Impossible. Paul Williams, who created the music, is known for his songs in the children's classic The Muppet Movie, the music for Happy Days and the songs he wrote for The Carpenters and Barbra Streisand.
"Paul Williams ended up coming up to Winnipeg to perform a concert that was greeted like The Beatles," said Ingram.
Since he started the documentary, he has noticed more people across North America open up about their love for Phantom of the Paradise.
"Phantom freaks are coming out of the woodwork," he said. "It's just a lot of regular people who have this deep, dark secret — Phantom love. Then there's the outright people who wear their freak Phantom love proud."