Some of the best musical moments come from this magnificent production that does justice to the stage version.
Christine Daae, played by Emmy Rossum, steps out of the shadows of house diva Carlotta, played by Minnie Driver, by showcasing her vocal skills and out shining Carlotta. The opera house staff are shocked with the magnificent singing voice which Christine attributes to her teacher and angel of music, the phantom of the opera, played by Gerard Butler.
On Christine's opening night production Raoul, played by Patrick Wilson, is in the audience and remembers her fondly as a childhood friend. Raoul becomes enamored by Christine and seeks her out.
The phantom becomes enraged by Raoul. The phantom has fallen in love with Christine as her voice became his passion. The further Christine went into Raoul's arms the more enraged the phantom became.
The phantom terrorizes the opera house to bring Christine to the title roles she deserves and put Carlotta in the background. He, although a gentle and caring artistic genius, shows his vicious violent side killing anyone who gets in his way.
The music is grand and boost up the feeling of the film. Rossum commands attention with both her stunning costumes and the beauty of her voice. She sings marvelously and is able to match well throughout her duets.
The arrogant Raoul gets brought to life by Wilson who carries with him good vocals as well. "All I Ask of you," my favorite song of the film, gets done justice in the vocals. The song is well sung and both Wilson and Russom sing with what feels as an organic passion.
There is hardly any actor that can portray the phantom as Butler did. The fierceness and yet tender softness of the phantom get embodied magnificently well. His vocals were stunning and intense. Title track "The Phantom of the Opera," performed as a duet with Rossum, set the eerie tone for the entire interaction between Christine and the phantom. They matched up well and neither overpowered the other.
The adaptation takes a stage production and creates a new genuine feel.
The ending comes, although not my favorite ending, it satisfies with the compassion the stage production has.
I give this film a 5 out of 5 Popcorns. The music score is solid. The actors fit the roles well. The story gets told fantastically well. The film is over two hours long but there is never a dull moment. Russom is just breathe-taking in the film and Butler makes audiences feel sympathy for the phantom while seeing him as the villain. The sets are amazing and the musical numbers can be show stoppers.
"The Phantom of the Opera" on Blu-Ray and DVD now.
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