The Phantom of the Opera (1998)

Gory remake of the Gaston Leroux classic story, only this time, the phantom is not disfigured, but a man who was raised by rats deep under the Paris Opera House.

Director:

Dario Argento

Writers:

Gaston Leroux (novel), Gérard Brach

Stars:

Julian Sands, Asia Argento, Andrea Di Stefano

2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Julian Sands	...	The Phantom
Asia Argento	...	Christine Daaé
Andrea Di Stefano	...	Baron Raoul De Chagny
Nadia Rinaldi	...	Carlotta Altieri
Coralina Cataldi-Tassoni	...	Honorine
István Bubik	...	Ignace, the rat-catcher
Lucia Guzzardi	...	Madame Giry
Aldo Massasso	...	Pourdieu
Zoltan Barabas	...	Poligny
Gianni Franco	...	Montluc
David D'Ingeo	...	Alfred
Kitty Kéri	...	Paulette
John Pedeferri	...	Dr. Princard
Leonardo Treviglio	...	Jerome De Chagny
Massimo Sarchielli	...	Joseph Buquet

Storyline

Standard story of the Phantom does have one major variation - The phantom is not a disfigured individual, but rather is an unwashed orphan abandoned in the sewers under the Paris Opera & raised by rats. The Phantom invokes death upon anyone who dares harm his beloved rats. In fact, The Phantom's nemesis is the chief exterminator who develops a rat-catching machine.

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Plot Keywords:

long hair | male rear nudity | lust | sex scene | opera | 

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Genres:

Horror

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence/gore and sexuality

Did You Know?

Trivia

Cinematographer Ronnie Taylor has worked on three other adaptations of Gaston Leroux's novel "The Phantom of the Opera". He was cinematographer in Dario Argento's previous Opera (1987), as well as camera operator in Brian DePalma's Phantom of the Paradise (1974). He also did the cinematography for Popcorn (1991), which is considered to have been inspired by the novel.

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Quotes

Christine Daae: I beg you pardon?
The Phantom: For what?
Christine Daae: I thought you said something
The Phantom: I said nothing. But I caught myself thinking about you. Thoughts that surprise me. And I'm not easily surprised.
Christine Daae: Thinking about me? Why?
The Phantom: I wanted to tell you, your voice fills my heart with divine light. Shhhhs. Listening too you is sublime, wonderful. This must be our secret. Tell nobody, then no one will know we'll meet again.
Christine Daae: How?
The Phantom: When you hear my thoughts, you'll know where to go

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Alternate Versions

The DVD release is the unrated director's cut while the VHS version is the R-rated cut.

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Connections

Referenced in Suspiria: Interview with Dario Argento (2004)

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Soundtracks

Lakmé: Air des clochettes
Music by Léo Delibes
Lyrics by Philippe Gille and Edmond Gondinet

User Reviews

Dario Argento still kicks-ass!

'Suspiria' was scary. 'Tenebrae' was good. 'Trauma' was silly but all of Argentos movies were good. This film still proves that point. The actual plot for the movie is a lot like the book. Julian Sands is great as the Phantom and the other characters are creative. There are people who get killed which really deserve it. A paedophile. A thief. This movie is a lot better than your average slasher movie. 'Scream' was rubbish! A must see for Argento fans. 8 out of 10.

Details

Country:

Italy Hungary

Language:

Italian French

Release Date:

20 November 1998 (Italy)

Also Known As:

Phantom of the Opera

Filming Locations:

Pertosa Caves - Pertosa, Salerno, Campania, Italy

Box Office

Budget:

$10,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Medusa Film, Cine 2000

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min 106 min (director's cut)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1