The Phantom Of The Opera

[Jailcrow_of_Mandos]

Recently, I went to see [i]The Phantom of the Opera[/i] in theatres. I had never seen the play performed or read any version of it, only knowing the story from the Broadway musical CD I ended up with somehow a few years ago, and considering the recent line up of terrible movies I have been suckered into, I frankly didn't know what to expect. I'll give an overview of my opinions but will try not to touch on the story for those who wish to see it.

The opening scene was a grainy black and white auction in the 'Opera Populaire.' With the well-known theme song jolting through the room, the opera house shot to brilliant color in the typical time warp fashion when the auctioneers hoisted up a repaired chandelier, all with beautiful seamless effects- reminding me rather of King Theoden's transformation after his possession in [i]The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers[/i]- with disappearing cobwebs, shimmering statues, and igniting stage lights.

The color scheme throughout the movie was so vibrant- powerful, even- that it had actually been the element which had drawn my host to the theatre! While it was not necessarily an important part of the film, which could have easily survived alone on its incredible acting and passionate story, the director used the colors to really drive our emotions home and make some scenes-- like the descent of the main character, Christine, into the Phantom's lair, so fantastical, that I could not tell if she was dreaming or (again, not knowing the story) he was truly some sort of specter.

Another important element was the music: Yes, of course, it is a musical! At times the words do not flow as well as I would have liked where they do decide to sing them, but there is also a lot of speaking without the sing-song style. I must admit that I was not overly astounded by the Phantom's voice and the length of some of the songs- the lack of movement they restrict the actors to, but I've heard plenty of arguments on the Phantom's behalf already, as well as keeping with the original spiel. Perhaps I'm simply more accustomed to softer singing now, and a tormented soul naturally wouldn't be chiming along like Josh Groban. Aside from that nit-pick, the music was terrifying, soothing, loving- it sent chills up my spine.

A perfectly blended scene, my personal favorite, was the masquerade ball, which was a stunning balance of golds, black, white, and a charming dance to a charming little tune, during which white flower petals begin to fall. The camera shots in this scene were fabulous, and the costumes were elaborate, strange, or lovely.

A welcome surprise, considering the movie's success so far, was that I only really recognized one or two of the actors, none in major roles. Why does this mean so much to me? Too many people went to see [i]Lord of the Rings[/i] for Orlando Bloom and now think they know everything about Tolkien's work. Too many stories have been ruined by actors who want to put too much of their modern style in the film, and I frankly think it's selfish. Luckily, this did not happen, though some may notice that Gibbs fellow from [i]Pirates of the Caribbean[/i].

Something I also did not expect was the fair share of humor in the form of a terrible Spanish opera singer, two new company owners trying to appease her, and the same two trying to deal with the Phantom and his note sending habit.

There is humor, love, mystery, fantasy, something for everyone! If you like zombies or violence, well... there aren't any zombies, but the Phantom comes close enough. This movie was truly a piece of art, all the way down to the closing scene: a bright red rose with a black bow resting before a grave, where the rest of the scene has returned to gray scale.

It may go against the grains as a die hard Tolkien fan, but I think this is the best movie I've ever seen. Like the LotR movies, I wouldn't have minded it being a little shorter, but it's well worth it. (Waits to be called a total nerd )

[Thirteen_Black_Roses]

Don't worry, Chelsea, we won't call you a nerd.

We'll call Akita a nerd instead! :lol:

Thanks for the review, I'm thrilled to hear that it's so good, it's one of my favorite muscials. It's sad but I used to have most of it memorized...still got most of it I think...

"Lot 666, then... A chandelier in pieces. Some of you may remember the strange affair of the Phantom of the Opera.......Perhaps we may frighten away the ghost of so many years ago with a little illumination, gentlemen!" Daaaa da da da da daaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!!

I just get a kick about the chandelier being Lot 666. Very appropriate I think, even though to me the Phantom is a very sympathic character.