The Phantom of the Opera Movie Review 2004

Andrew Lloyd Webber's London musical finally hit the big-screen in this extravagant version from director Schumacher. This umpteenth adaptation ramps up the romance over the hideousness of the title character. As played here by brawny Scottish actor Butler, the Phantom is positively swoon-worthy. Story is simple: Paris Opera engenue Christine (Rossum) gets her big chance when diva Carlotta (Driver) huffs off the stage. Christine is then torn between two would-be loves; well-mannered opera patron Vicompte Raoul de Chagny (Wilson) and that mystery man. Some changes are made from stage to screen but fans won't be unduly alarmed although the film's cheesy romanticism is unlikely to find new converts. Sets and costumes are eye-catching.

Distribution

Warner Home Video, Inc., 5775 Linder Canyon Rd., Westlake Village, CA 91362, URL: http://whv.warnerbros.com, Remarks: Does not handle retail queries from consumers; contact your local video distributor.

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 143 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Adapted from a Musical, Musical Drama, Opera, Paris, Period Piece, Period Piece: 19th Century

Screenplay

Joel Schumacher, Andrew Lloyd Webber

Cast

Gerard Butler, Emmy Rossum, Patrick Wilson, Miranda Richardson, Minnie Driver, Simon Callow, Ciaran Hinds, James Fleet, Kevin McNally, Murray Melvin, Victor McGuire, Jennifer Ellison

Cinematography

John Mathieson

Director

Joel Schumacher

Music

Andrew Lloyd Webber

Other

Tony Dawe, Andy Nelson, Anna Behlmer, Terry Rawlings, Paul Kirby, Alexandra Byrne, Anthony Pratt

Producer

Andrew Lloyd Webber, Scion Films, Warner Bros.