The Phantom of the Opera (2004) Film Review

Plot Summary - In 1870 Paris, the Opera House is haunted by the infamous "Phantom" - a disfigured man who wears a mask covering half his face and lives in the underground sewers below the Opera. The Phantom loves from a distance a beautiful teenage singer named Christine - he gives demands to those who own the Opera company via letters to give Christine the lead. Christine's singing voice has been well coached, by the voice of the Phantom himself - - she believes he is the "Angel of Music", the spirit of her deceased father. The Phantom encounters her and brings her to visit his chambers via boat - - and meanwhile, Christine is romanced by her handsome childhood sweetheart who she still loves, sparking jealousy in the heart of poor Phantom. A real Gothic love triangle is basically what's at the heart of this story.

Review - Okay, yes, I am a fan of musical theater and of Andrew Lloyd Webber - I have seen this performed on the stage here in Los Angeles. I must say this film version of the stage musical is just terrific, the costumes lavish and colorful, the art and set direction spectacular - I absolutely loved this. Of course, the whole thing is helped along by featuring a wonderful music score and vocals, which fills the majority of the production. Emmy Rossum, who plays Christine, has a lovely singing voice - Gerard Butler makes a very attractive Phantom, I must say, even with his mask off you could still see his handsome features shining through - hmm, I half thought Christine should just go for him, so what about the scars! And by the way, this film looked stunningly gorgeous on Blu-ray. I just watched this and already feel like seeing it again! Rating - 10/10 stars