“The Phantom of the Opera” (Warner Brothers)
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s mega-successful musical, “The Phantom of the Opera,” has finally reached the screen. It is a lavish production that features a melodramatic plot mixed with beautiful music. There are no “stars” in the lead roles but all who are cast have acting ability and beautiful voices. The overall effect is a screen version of the musical that should make Webber proud.
By now everyone knows the plot, but for the poor soul that has not been exposed to the stage production here is a brief outline. At the Opera House the diva (Minnie Driver) is being temperamental. In a fit of pique she quits which leaves the ingenue Christine (Emmy Rossum) to take over her role for the night.
Christine has a mysterious vocal teacher who speaks to her without being seen. This “phantom” of the opera (Gerard Butler) is a man who has hidden in the theater for years. He is obsessed by Christine and becomes enraged when she becomes involved with one of the Opera’s investors, Raoul (Patrick Wilson).
Eventually this threesome clashes and Christine is torn between the musical madman and the handsome investor. Tragedy ensues and the chandelier crashes from the ceiling setting off a fire and mass panic.
Both Antonio Banderas and John Travolta were rumored to be considered for the part of the Phantom but the role went to Gerard Butler. He is good in the role but a little overall star power in the movie would not have hurt.
The real find in the film is Rossum. Her Christine combines ingenue qualities with a flirtatious romantic. Only sixteen when the movie was filmed she is the perfect love object for the Phantom and soulmate for Raoul. Rossum’s voice is exquisite and her beauty is remarkable.
Wilson is the third member of the love triangle and he is fine in the part. He combines some swashbuckler abilities with his musical gifts and makes Raoul a more dynamic character than he usually appears to be.
The movie is rated PG-13 for mild profanity, brief nudity and violence.
Music lovers have been waiting for this movie with fear and trepidation. Many thought without Michael Crawford, the original “Phantom,” the movie could not be successful. But it is. The glitter and the spectacle, the acting and the singing, the drama and the comedy (provided mostly by Driver’s Diva); and the sights and the sounds make this “Phantom” a film to remember.
I scored “The Phantom of the Opera” a bravo 8 out of 10.
