205 - Phantom of the Paradise (1974) & Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008) →
CW: Sexual Assault, Suicide
It’s Musical Horror Week on Pod Sematary! Chris & Kelsey sign contracts in blood and get much-needed organ makeovers!
Read our afterthoughts for this episode here!
The Classic Film: Phantom of the Paradise (1974)
"A disfigured composer sells his soul for the woman he loves so that she will perform his music. However, an evil record tycoon betrays him and steals his music to open his rock palace, The Paradise” (IMDb.com). Brian DePalma and Paul Williams' musical tragedy cribs its story from several all-time greats, including Phantom of the Opera (of course), Faust, and The Picture of Dorian Gray, couching it all in some glam rock style that's not much like Rocky Horror Picture Show at all.
The Modern Film: Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008)
"A worldwide epidemic encourages a biotech company to launch an organ-financing program similar in nature to a standard car loan. The repossession clause is a killer, however” (IMDb.com). Repo! is a goth opera that's probably more style than substance, but maybe that's what you're into. We're a little into it.
Audio Sources:
"All the Duke's Men" (The Critic S02E06) produced by Gracie Films & Columbia Pictures Television
"Atlanta" (from "Nice Try, The Devil") written and performed by Pete Holmes
"I Smell Like Beef Original Extended Version #beefbaby - Katie Ryan" from Katie Ryan via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eZyspecXJE
"Léon: The Professional" produced by Columbia Pictures, et al.
"Pet Sematary" written by Dee Dee Ramone & Daniel Rey and performed by The Ramones
"Phantom of the Paradise" produced by Harbor Productions & Pressman-Williams Enterprises
"Repo! The Genetic Opera" produced by Twisted Pictures & Burg/Koules Productions
"Scarface, Amnesia, and One Hundred Million Dollars" (from "The Top Part") written and performed by John Mulaney
"Secret of NIMH" produced by Don Bluth Productions, et al.
"Stars Are Blind" written by Fernando Garibay, et al., and performed by Paris Hilton