Mar
The Phantom of the Opera
I’ve always been fascinated with The Phantom of the Opera. I think it started with the music (from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical of course). The story that I could gather just from the music was definitely to my liking. A poor, misunderstood (admittedly somewhat twisted) soul who wants love, but can’t find it. An innocent woman… An honorable man vying for her hand.
Then I probably saw a movie or two… or three. Ooh, and then came the day when I saw the original musical in London’s West End. I loved it. Every moment of every minute. Even while the Phantom is selfish and willing to do everything to get his Christine, I feel for him. He kills, and I still feel for him.
The book - as you might be aware - is much darker than the musical. I willingly admit that it’s the musical that I thoroughly love. So when they decided to make a movie version I was enthralled… and worried. What if they’d bungle it up?
They didn’t. The movie was absolutely wonderful. The singing was beautiful, even if they can’t measure up to the original West End production with Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford. But how could they, some of the actors aren’t trained singers. In any case, they do a great job and I must say that the musical made a great step onto the big screen.
For those who don’t know the story:
Christine is a promising new singer who has been getting lessons from a mysterious musical genious whom she has never seen. After an accident makes the current diva of the opera take off Christine gets her first opportunity to shine on the stage - and shine she does. An old childhood sweetheart of hers called Raoul is there to see her and falls in love with her all over again. However, his attention prompts the notorious opera ghost - who has been haunting the opera for many years - to finally come forth wanting to claim Christine for himself.
What takes place is a battle of sorts between the two men and an internal struggle for Christine to choose which of the men she wants. The Phantom appeals to her in many ways, his music and genious, but he wants her to come with him and live in the darkness underneath the opera house. Raoul represents the ‘normal’ world, and is probably the man she really wants to be with, but the Phantom is bewitching to her.
Personally, I always love the bad boys. I always want the Phantom to win the girl. So, he has some slight serial killer tendencies, the boy grew up as a freak.. cut him some slack. (I might add at this point - in case anyone is getting worried - that I wouldn’t forgive murder as freely in “the real world”) The Phantom is a tragic figure who throughout the movie goes from being lonely and selfish, wanting only what will make him happy… to realising that if Christine is happy, that’ll be enough for him. He sacrifices his own happiness for hers. (How can you not love him after this??)
Then, admittedly, it didn’t hurt that the Phantom was played by the very charmismatic and sexy Gerard Butler. (I swear, when I first saw him on the big screen… leading Christine through the hallway towards his dungeon… My toes curled… the man exuded such charisma and sexiness…)
What kind of person are you? Do you prefer the dark heroes, the slightly villaneous ones… Or do you want someone more honourable?
I think I like both, but I do have a soft spot for the evil men. Like… Riddick (Vin Diesel) in Pitch Black… the Sheriff of Nottingham (Alan Rickman) in Robin Hood, Sawyer (Josh Holloway) in LOST… There’s just something about them.
So tell me… Which do you prefer? Or do you like them all?
And… Do you like Phantom of the Opera? I know that there are different views about it. Personally (obviously) I absolutely loved it.
Do tell…
Yay! I really like the movie, Emmie and Gerard Butler *sigh*.
After seing him as Phantom, I cannot forget that man he so darn sexy! ((fan))
Umm, I’ll post the rest of my comment when I get home as well as respond to Haven’t blog.
Hugs,
March 30th, 2006 at 2:14 pmIsabel
I love Phantom Of The Opera in all it’s many ways. I’ve seen like four movies about it…all just a little different.
I so want to see it live on stage. The music always sends a chill down my spine and to get that from a the play…burrr.
As for dark heros I’ve always loved the vampires of Interview With A Vampire. (hey I write paranormal, of course I love vampires). Speaking of, the vampire in Dracula also has a spot in my heart. Along with Angel from Buffy(tv show), poor guy, with a soul, without a soul..don’t care he’s cute. I know they are the “bad guys” but sometimes when I watch those movies, I sometimes wish they would get the girl.
Great topic Emmie.
March 30th, 2006 at 2:21 pmI liked Angel in Buffy too. But I must admit that Spike is the one that stole my heart. I just love his sardonic comments. I love him even more when he’s secretly in love with Buffy, I think that season is hilarious
When we’re talking Dracula.. Are we talking about Gary Oldman? He made a very charismatic Dracula, I agree
I wish there were more good vampire movies out there. Some of them are just plain tacky.
Isabel, I know.. Butler is at the top of my list of sexy men *lol* Have you seen Dear Frankie? He’s not in it so much, but it’s a wonderful movie. (Speaking of Dracula, he played that character in Wes Craven’s Dracula 2000 *lol* Not the best movie ever made…)
Haven, if you ever get the chance, you should definitely see Phantom live. It’s an amazing experience. I want to see it again sometime, it’s just that good. I own both the soundtrack from the movie and from the West End show *lol*
Emily
March 30th, 2006 at 3:03 pmI also own the movie Phantom soundtrack, and love it! “Music of the Night” SAY NO MORE! Oh, and don’t forget “Past the Point of no Return.” Sexiness personified! Wowwie! Hubba-hubba! Oh Gerry, my love! Take ME to your dark, and beautiful world underground! lol
I definately prefered Phantom to that 1800’s mullet head Raoul. Stupid, fopish pansie! hehehe.
I loved Gary Oldman as Dracula, a very good vampire movie. I also loved Gary in The Scarlet Letter, they even gave them their HEA in the film…I loved that!
I do like the “bad boys” but not sure if I’d want to marry one, I’d be afraid he would stray at the sight of any pretty girl, and forget little wifey at home.
I haven’s seen the musical on stage, maybe someday!
Michelle
March 30th, 2006 at 5:00 pmI forgot to add that I did sing Christine in choir back in high school. I love the song “think of me”
It’s been so long I actually forgot doing that role. I was maybe 14 or 15. We also did Aladdin that was fun.
In any case, vamp movies…I have a few favorites like the one with Winona Ryder. There is one vamp movie that I saw long ago but can’t remember the name of it. I only remember bits of it.
March 30th, 2006 at 5:34 pmThe music of Phantom is breathtaking. One of my favorite pieces is All I Ask of You (I’m pretty sure that’s the title) I know it’s a song between Raoul and Christine but the words, gosh they are so sweet:
“Then say you’ll share with
me one love, one lifetime
Iet me lead you from your solitude
Say you need me with you here, beside you . . .anywhere you go,
let me go too
Christine,
that’s all I ask
of you . . .”
But if I had to choose one song out of the whole soundtrack I’d choose the theme song The Phantom of the Opera:
Phantom:
In all your fantasies,you always knew that man and mystery . . .
Christine:
…Were both in you.
Isabel
March 30th, 2006 at 10:08 pmAbsolutely LOVE Phantom. We have a black PT Cruiser we take to rallies and car shows, and it is themed around Phantom of the Opera. I’ll have to show y’all pics sometime.
March 31st, 2006 at 12:33 amOh, and if you’re a Phantom fan, you need to read PHANTOM by Susan Kay. It’s an older book, but an EXCELLENT novel told from different points of view at why Eric is the way he is. It’s a great example of first person POV too. I wasn’t a fan of that until I read this book. It’s an older book, but some digging around should turn a copy up.
I really like the bad boy heroes.
Can’t help it.
BUT, I hated “Phantom” with Gerard Butler. I couldn’t watch past the first hour because I just was so disappointed.
JennaP
March 31st, 2006 at 8:53 amI actually bought this movie a few months ago, but didn’t watch it until a few weeks ago. It was good. I felt myself wishing that she had picked the Phantom. How can you resist Gerard Butler…*sigh*…
Andrea
March 31st, 2006 at 9:10 amJennaP, I guess Phantom isn’t to everyone’s taste. Like most things some people will like it and others not.
But if you didn’t like the movie, don’t see the stageplay; they’re practically identical *lol* It’s quite fun in a way, because except for the scene depth (visually) that you can’t get on stage and a couple of small scenes the movie is almost as if watching a miniature set of the stage
March 31st, 2006 at 2:57 pmEmily
I missed The Phantom of the Opera play when it was in town TWICE!
March 31st, 2006 at 9:38 pmI hope, really wish will all my heart to see it if it ever returns to my area.