‘Phantom’ brings musical magic to the masses
Grade: A-
After watching this musical masterpiece, there’s really only one thing to say:
Play it again, Sam.
For 16 years running “The Phantom of the Opera,” a melodic portrayal of love turned obsession and genius turned madness, has thrilled and inspired audiences with its music of the night. Now for the first time ever, economics and culture meet as “Phantom” finds its way to the silver screen.
If for no other reason, fans of the production should be excited for the simple fact that now they don’t have to shell out 60 bucks for a chance to experience this gothic love story and its sensual, captivating and inspiring music.
Based on the same-titled novel by French author Gaston Leroux, the musical adaptation with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber (“Cats,” “Jesus Christ, Superstar”) and lyrics by Charles Hart (“Aspects of Love”) first hit Broadway in 1988, garnering seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The original Broadway cast recording, starring Michael Crawford as the Phantom and Sara Brightman as Christine, has been a mainstay of musical lovers ever since.
The film adaptation, directed by Joel Schumacher (“Batman Forever,” “Phonebooth”), includes a cast of young, good-looking and relatively unknown talents who beautifully balance each other. Gerard Butler (“Timeline,” “Reign of Fire”) stars in the title role bringing a dark and sensual voice to represent the Phantom’s mania. Though far different than Crawford’s voice, Butler excels in his ability to capture the emotion and power of the Phantom while complementing the mesmerizing talents of Emmy Rossum (“Mystic River,” “The Day After Tomorrow”), who plays the charming Christine. With the exception of Minnie Driver, who plays the delightfully eccentric Prima Dona Carlotta, all of the cast sing their own parts.
Though well-known songs such as “Think of Me,” “The Music of the Night,” “All I Ask of You,” “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” and “The Point of No Return” remain relatively unchanged (some lyrics have been altered to reflect minor changes in plot), the movie version includes added sequences of spoken dialogue with varying levels of execution.
By and far the only real disappointment of the show was the often-bland spoken dialogue of Patrick Wilson (“The Alamo,” “Angels in America”), who plays Christine’s once and future lover Raoul. But the distraction is minimal because Wilson’s musical talent makes up for this, at times, lackluster verbal performance.
The set is spectacular and the costume design is at times breathtaking. The Masquerade sequence alone would make up for the $7 ticket price. Overall, the whole film is just as captivating as its Broadway counterpart, but a lot more economical (and perfect for a second date).
Though it has already opened in select cities across the country, currently the closest theater screening the movie at the Cineplex Odeon, behind the Layton Hills Mall. The film is slated for its national opening on Jan. 21.
“The Phantom of the Opera” is rated PG-13 for brief violent images.
Matt Wright is a senior majoring in English and reviews movies for the Utah Statesman. Comments may be sent to mattgo@cc.usu.edu