Sort of a Film Review | The Phantom of the Opera (2004)

I've heard of the Phantom and his famous half-face mask and thought, "Hey, he's just a boy who's a little too obsessed and tense with a girl. What's wrong with that?" And also, to be completely honest, the entire enigma surrounding our masked friend made me want to be like him – or at least dress like him when our high school held its annual English Festival program. But alas, our class picked the film Tangled as the movie to be reenacted. Though I still got to dress up as Flynn Ryder; not so bad at all. But that's a whole other story. Anyway, it was then suggested to me to watch the film version (which I thought never existed) of the acclaimed musical and after devouring the movie, well, I still wanted to dress up like O.G. (Opera Ghost), but who would want to be like him? He’s possessive, manipulative, and downright dark. Sure, what a sweetheart.

18-year old Emmy Rossum starred as Christine Daaé, a soprano who became the obsession of O.G. But before we go to the other stars, let me just say that Rossum's performance as the sometimes damsel in distress, most of the time love-struck girl, but all-around amazing operatic singer was stunning. And I'm not even talking about her beauty yet. She looks incredibly breath-taking, especially in the aria part with the diamond starbursts on her hair and that glimmering gown. It seems like she stole every scene of the show with her sweet voice and even sweeter acting prowess. But Gerard Butler's portrayal of the titular role could also be described as compelling. Though, his booming, deep voice couldn't ascend the character from more than just an asocial orphaned boy who had a crush.

Perhaps, the fault was not on Butler's part, but on the writing. The script was too light and superficial that by the middle of the film, one couldn't help but think that maybe, the 2004 adaptation was a musical-comedy. Especially considering that the characters of Simon Callow and Ciarán Hinds as the new managers of the Opéra were a little too caricatured. But to say that the film hadn't been able to at least capture the darkness of the Phantom would be unfair as it successfully did, somehow. In hindsight, perhaps, the fault really was on the writing.

Ah, Andrew Lloyd Webber. What I would do to thank you for the amazing music featured on the movie. After watching the adaptation, I couldn't help but listen repeatedly to the aria Think of Me, performed by Rossum and the duet All I Ask Of You sang by Rossum and Patrick Wilson who portrayed Raoul, Christine's – Little Lottie's – childhood sweetheart. Also as remarkable and memorable was Rossum and Butler's The Phantom of the Opera and Butler's solo The Music of the Night wherein he tried to persuade Christine to give in to the dark night. (Stray thought: If Darth Vader sang that to his son, would Luke actually join the Dark Side? Hmmm.)

Another point to be commended was the overall design of the whole film. The iconic chandelier was one of a kind – and it really was, as it was made of 20 000 full cut crystal pendants provided by Swarovski. Talk about some ad placement, huh?  Also, the whole architectural and interior designs of the featured Opéra were deeply astounding. And the ball gowns and the suits were, as well, remarkable. I believe that an aesthetic obsessed person would cry as he watched the film.

In the end, The Phantom of the Opera could be so much more. It could be so much better. But it's not a complete flop as it was saved by Rossum's and the other cast actor's wondrous performances, and by Webber's unforgettable music.

Overall Rating: 7/10