The Background
Released back in 2004, The Phantom of the Opera is a beautiful adaption of the famous musical of the same name by Andrew Lloyd Webber, which is a loose adaptation of the book of the same name by Gaston Leroux. With an incredible cast, with Gerard Butler as The Phantom and Emmy Rossum as Christine, this film has amazing performances and vocals.
The Phantom of the Opera has had mixed reception over the years; the big divide coming between critics and general audiences. Broadway critics disliked the film for not been similar enough to the musical and for not having Broadway style singers acting in it. In contrast, general audiences typically adored the film, making it a musical must watch. I was one of those people that was exposed to this film before the Broadway Musical and became an instant fan, going on to become a Broadway fan afterward.
You can watch The Phantom of the Opera in the following places: Youtube, iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime, and in physical copies.
The Story
The general story of The Phantom of the Opera revolves around a young up and coming singer/dancer called Christine, and the mysterious entity haunting the opera house that has taken a keen interest in her. Ever since the death of her virtuoso father, Christine has been alone except for the company of the angel of music, sent to her by her deceased father from Heaven. He has been her only true company, and he has taught her how to sing with the voice of an angel.
The Opera House in which Christine preforms at as a background dancer is haunted, and this being controls much of the goings on, takes a stipend from the owners of the Opera House, and has special seating set aside for it for every performance. One day, the being demands from the new owners of the opera house that Christine becomes the lead in the next show; which does not go over well, but when a mysterious series of accidents occur, the Prima Donna quits, leaving the position open for Christine.
At the same time Christine's childhood love returns to her life, excited to have found her again. Danger, romance and mystery ensues.
The Aesthetics
Simply put, everything in The Phantom of the Opera is stunning: the sets, the costuming, the music, the cinematography, the lighting, the story, the tension and the people.
Although among the critics’ circle there is some debate as to if the vocals are as good as the Broadway versions, but I personally think they are incredible. To this day, the movie's soundtrack is the definitive way to listen to The Phantom of the Opera music. I have attached the most iconic of the songs from the movie/play from the official sound track so you can get a taste as to how beautiful the music in this movie is, the song is aptly named The Phantom of the Opera. Thevoices are haunting, the orchestra is majestic, and it is an understatement to say I am a fan.
On top of the music, the visuals of this movie are iconic and incredible. Every costume and set piece are so highly detailed and opulent, it is a treat for the eyes. This movie is really made for the fan of romantic gothic Victorian architecture and clothing. It has so much atmosphere.
Now do take note this film is from 2004, so it is not the highest resolution, but it more than makes up for that, and there are HD versions for purchase and viewing.
My Final Rating and Recommendation
The Phantom of the Opera, is not a perfect movie, and does have some seriously creepy vibes at points, but it a classic for a reason. I wouldn't recommend it to young children due to some of its themes, but it is more than appropriate for teens and up. It is an opulent gothic story and is the best in its genre. I have a love of this movie and recommend it to the appropriate age groups with the rating of FOUR AND A HALF OUT OF FIVE STARS!!!
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