Movie Review: Phantom of the Opera

Phantom of the Opera, the musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, has been made into what I think is a wonderful film. Let me be clear if you are not a fan of the musical this isn’t for you, but I have seen the Broadway version twice and it is one of my favorites. That might make me a candidate to not like the film version. The cast is younger and some might argue not as vocally talented as the stage renditions. The story is still an old fashioned one, a variation on a love triangle. I hate retelling the story in a review so I won’t bother with more.

The cinematic adaptation has the advantage of doing some things possible only in film. The use of black and white at the beginning, end, and elsewhere provides an interesting frame to the story. Director Joel Schumacher assembles a fresh cast. No big time names here which I think was a good idea. Gerard Butler plays the phantom. It took me a while to adjust to his voice. Michael Crawford is in his 60’s so he wouldn’t do Phantom fans. Emmy Rossum did a real nice job as Christine. I’ve heard criticism of her performance. Her first night as soprano instead of Diva Carlotta is low key. It may not match the enthusiasm the opera performers, but I think it was intentional. Patrick Wilson as the love interest, Roaul, was good. I’ve seen Wilson in three recent films (Angels in America, The Alamo, and Phantom of the Opera) and have enjoyed all three of his performances. Minnie Driver plays Carlotta and has some fun with the part.

If you are a fan of musicals (and I am) you’ll find this film most entertaining. The grade for you: B plus

If you’re waiting on the next Vin Diesel movie, don’t bother.