‘THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA’: A STUNNING MUSICAL PERIOD DRAMA


A feature film adaptation of the novel, written back in the 1900s, and later adapted as a stage production, The Phantom of the Opera is a story I never thought I liked

The Phantom of the Opera (2004) Film Review

Talented but without family or anyone truly looking out for her, Christine (Emmy Rossum) is a talented chorus girl at a opera house. The place has just been bought by new owners who shakes up the routine. When their leading lady (Minnie Driver) quits, it leaves the opera down a soprano. This places Christine center stage where she becomes an instant hit. What she doesn’t fully realize is the mysterious Phantom (Gerard Butler), a man who seems to haunt the opera house and let’s nothing he doesn’t approve of happen, is really behind her success. 

Believing that this man is the “Angel of Music” her dying father promised would appear to protect her, she falls under his spell. Then she reunites with Roul (Patrick Wilson), a wealthy titled man who was once her sweetheart. In love with Christine, Roul isn’t willing to easily give her up, and soon this dual of hearts becomes dangerous. 

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‘THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA’: A STUNNING MUSICAL PERIOD DRAMA. #EmmyRossum and #GerardButler co-star in 2004 romance musical. #Romance #PeriodDrama Share on X
‘THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA’: A STUNNING MUSICAL PERIOD DRAMA. Review of the 2004 period drama with Emmy Rossum.
– Photo: Warner Bros. | Cinematic / Alamy –

It’s been years since I saw The Phantom of the Opera, and in fact is a musical period drama I’ve probably only seen once. My memory of that viewing is that the film was fine, but it wasn’t something I fell head over heels in love with. It’s considered a well-loved story of the stage and has award-winning music. As it celebrates its twentieth anniversary (in 2024), I decided to add a review to my archives and naturally had to rewatch the film. 

The production, while the only I’ve seen of this story, is actually very good. It’s got a dark romanticism that not everyone will like and a production quality that’s quite unique. The introductory transitions are seamless and there’s a lot of shading with curtains and drapery. The colors and “lushness” of the film is also beautiful. This applies to the costuming as well which again, yes, is stunning. From Christine’s debut gown to the rest of the film, everything stands out. 

Then there is the music, which is, of course, a character all to itself. I tend to like musicals that allow for plenty of normal conversation, but in this case, the songs actually tell the story, which I respect. Though I still would like less “singing” of the story and more about simple emotion of conversation. Irrespective of this, I can admit the film is lovely. The cast is very good and the story has a kind of mythic quality that leans heavily into fairy tale influence. 

If you like musical films, you’d likely enjoy The Phantom of the Opera. If you like Beauty and the Beast, you’re likely to appreciate the drama. There’s mystery and intrigue, romance and sorrow ensuring that you’ll go through a rollercoaster of emotions. 

You can digitally purchase or rent The Phantom of the Opera on places like Prime Video or Apple. 

Photos: Cinematic Collection / Alamy Stock Photo

Content: There is a scene of a man holding a woman close and “feeling up” her clothed body. There are some other suggestions of sexual desire and lust, too. The film is PG-13. 

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‘THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA’: A STUNNING MUSICAL PERIOD DRAMA. Review of the 2004 period drama with Emmy Rossum.

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

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