M Camps, Phantom of the Opera Review

I had never seen Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'The Phantom of the Opera' on stage. And frankly, I don't feel the need to because I found the movie to be hauntingly tragic and deeply moving. Innocent chorus girl Christine Daae (Emmy Rossum) is thrust into the spotlight of the Opera Populaire's opening night when tempramental diva La Carlotta throws a hissy fit and walks out.

The Phantom (Gerard Butler) a disfigured musical genius who haunts the catacombs beneath the opera intends for her career to progress, and also falls obsessively in love with Christine. But Christine is courted by her childhood sweet heart, Raoul (Patrick Wilson) and this enrages the Phantom, who had hoped that Christine would one day be able to see past his terrible disfigurement and be his bride.

In a dramatic climax the chandelier crashes to the ground and sets the whole theatre alight, and Christine is forced to choose between a man who has been shown no love in his life, but is dark, mysterious and fatally in love with her, and a mild, wealthy man who will give her a peaceful life. I would encourage anyone to see this movie- it was fantastic.

The songs were brilliantly sung and Butler and Rossum displayed such emotion and feel. Truly a brilliant experience and I have no doubt in my mind that I would choose the Phantom!!!

Review Contributed by M.Camp