Phantom of the Paradise (1974)
Paul Williams: Swan
Photos
Quotes
-
Swan : Saturday, November 19, 1953. Today, I have decided to kill myself. And being the greatest showman of my time, I'm recording live for the Swan archives. Why? It's simple, I'm getting old. I can't bear it. To see this beautiful face ravaged by the forces of time. If I can't be young forever, I'd rather end it all - now!
-
Swan : Here's the contract. Everything I've said and more is in it.
The Phantom : I'll read it.
Swan : At your leisure.
The Phantom : "The party of the first part gives the party of the second part and his associates full power to do with him at their pleasure. To rule, to send, to fetch, or carry him or his, be it either body, soul, flesh, blood or goods." What does that mean?
Swan : That's a transportation clause.
-
The Phantom : "All art..."
[Swan has moved to the other side of the Phantom]
The Phantom : "All articles which have been excluded shall be deemed included." What does that mean?
Swan : That's a clause to protect you, Winslow. Anyway, what difference does it make? What choice do you have?
The Phantom : [after reading the contract] I'll rewrite my cantata. But you best play what I write.
[Swan pokes the Phantom's finger with his pen, drawing blood]
Swan : Ink isn't worth anything to me, Winslow. Now sign.
[the Phantom signs his real name: Winslow Leach]
Swan : Excellent.
[Swan draws blood and uses a rubber stamp to sign his name]
Swan : And now we're in business. Together... forever.
-
Swan : [to an assassin, ragged voice] Remember, she must be hit just as Philbin says "till death do you part."
Arnold Philbin : Now, what a minute. This may be none of my business or anything. But if you're gonna kill her, why do it here tonight?
Swan : An assassination live on television coast to coast? That's entertainment!
-
Swan : [to the Phantom] Winslow, what a foolish thing to do. Didn't you read you contract closely? See where it says "terms of agreement", can you read what it says? "This contract terminates with Swan." No more suicides, Winslow. You gave up your right to rest in peace when you signed this contract. What if you do find a loophole? Is that what you're thinking? Forget it. That stays sealed only as long as I have the power to bind you. If I am destroyed, that gaping wound opens. You might say we terminate together.
-
[Crowd chants Beef's name as his corpse is carried away in a body bag]
Swan : Philbin, have you ever seen such a crowd?
Arnold Philbin : No, and I never want to see another one.
Swan : Look at them, they've really been entertained. They never want the show to stop. The Paradise is more magnificent that I ever dreamed.
Arnold Philbin : Sure, how often is a rock star fried on stage?
Swan : Quite an attraction.
-
Swan : This picture will age in your place. And you must watch it every day just to see how lucky you are. And the tape from which the picture comes must be guarded at all costs. When it goes, you go.
-
Swan : [holding a contract] It's all here. Read it carefully, and then sign at the bottom in blood. Messy, I know. But it's the only way I can bind you. Tradition. What do you have to lose?
-
Swan : Philbin, it was genius making the end of the opera a wedding.
Arnold Philbin : You mean Faust, instead of burning in hell, he gets the girl?
Swan : Yes. And you, Philbin, will be the priest.
Arnold Philbin : I ain't never been a priest before. That's terrific.
-
Swan : [to Phoenix] Your voice, remember? You promised me your voice! Our contract, remember?
