Why did his face melt?
I was a bit confused
also as to why this dykey looking dude was considered hot (but oh well)
http://www.youtube.com/chaztr0n
Swan's face melted as part of the plot's reference to The Portrait of Dorian Gray.
Swan had signed a contract with the Devil that allowed him to appear forever young while his video image (portrait) aged in his place. This was why he prevented anyone from photographing him, as he would have appeared as he really was.
The Devil had warned Swan to protect the original video of the contract because, as he said, "when it goes, you go."
After discovering this secret, Winslow burns the video tape. As the tape burns, Swan's face burns, ages, melts, etc.
The melting could also be a further reference to Dorian Gray as in that story, the portrait not only ages but becomes more and more hideous as Dorian Gray continues to live a depraved life.
Very eloquently put, Yheoadl.
It's a pleasure to see someone else catch the Dorian Gray references. I had the privilege to see a play based on him last year, and I instantly thought of Swan's predicament.
Shouldn't his face have been older in the video though?
Oooooh... Its good Im Scottish. I'm Scottish. I am Scottish. I can complain about things.
The video was more or less a time capsule, preserving his youth as he was making his deal with the Devil. So technically, no.
Our songs will all be silenced, but what of it? Go on singing. -- Orson Welles