The Phantom of the Opera (2004)

A young soprano becomes the obsession of a disfigured and murderous musical genius who lives beneath the Paris Opéra House.

Director:

Joel Schumacher

Writers:

Gaston Leroux (novel), Andrew Lloyd Webber (book)

Stars:

Gerard Butler, Emmy Rossum, Patrick Wilson

Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 7 wins & 39 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Gerard Butler	...	The Phantom
Emmy Rossum	...	Christine
Patrick Wilson	...	Raoul
Miranda Richardson	...	Madame Giry
Minnie Driver	...	Carlotta
Ciarán Hinds	...	Firmin
Simon Callow	...	Andre
Victor McGuire	...	Piangi
Jennifer Ellison	...	Meg Giry
Murray Melvin	...	Reyer
Kevin McNally	...	Buquet (as Kevin R. McNally)
James Fleet	...	Lefevre
Imogen Bain	...	Carlotta's Maid
Miles Western	...	Carlotta's Wigmaker
Judith Paris	...	Carlotta's Seamstress

Storyline

Begins when an opera ghost terrorizes the cast and crew of the French Opera House while tutoring a chorus girl. He finally drives the lead soprano crazy so she and her friend leave. The girl is able to sing lead one night but the soprano doesn't want her show stolen so she comes back. The ghost demands they keep giving his protégé lead roles. Meanwhile, His pupil falls in love with the Vicomte de Chagny, but the Phantom is in love with Christine, his student. The Phantom is outraged by their love and kidnaps Christine to be his eternal bride. Will Raoul, the Vicomte, be able to stop this dastardly plan?

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Plot Keywords:

opera | singer | mask | singing | disfigurement | 

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Taglines:

Listen to the Music of the Night

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Genres:

Drama | Musical | Romance | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for brief violent images

Details

Official Sites:

Central Partnership [Russia]

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English Italian

Release Date:

22 December 2004 (USA)

Also Known As:

Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera

Filming Locations:

London, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$70,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$4,001,890, 26 December 2004

Gross USA:

$51,268,815

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$154,648,887

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros., Odyssey Entertainment, Really Useful Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

143 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The music is played by a 105-piece orchestra.

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Goofs

While Meg is congratulating Christine after her "Think of Me" performance, she puts her hand on Christine's shoulder and then takes if off. When the camera cuts to face Meg, she is taking her hand off Christine's shoulder again.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Auctioneer: Sold. Your number, sir? Thank you. Lot 665, ladies and gentlemen: a papier-mâché musical box in the shape of a barrel organ.

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Connections

Referenced in Kath & Kimderella (2012)

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Soundtracks

Down Once More/Track Down This Murderer
Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Charles Hart, and Richard Stilgoe
Performed by Gerard Butler, Emmy Rossum, Patrick Wilson, Miranda Richardson, Mark Carroll, Terry Kelly, David Arneil, John Griffiths, Graham McDuff, Tricia Deighton, Mandy Holliday, Jackie Marks, Sophie-Louise Dann, Valerie Cutko, Julia Worsley, Margaret Preece, and Annalene Beechey
Produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Nigel Wright, Joel Schumacher, Simon Lee, and Guy de Villiers

User Reviews

Excellent!

I have had the good fortune to have seen the stage production 3 times (twice at the Alhambra in Bradford and again 2 months ago at Her majesty's theatre in London) and would rate it as the best experience I have ever had in the theatre. So along comes this movie and I was not sure what to expect, before going I said to friends that if it was half as good as the stage show then it would be marvelous, well it exceeded that - I would rate it at about 80% myself.

My wife and I saw the movie last night and were enthralled all the way through, the costumes and scenery were superb, and we both thought the performances were excellent. My only minor detraction was with Gerard Butler, I just had this gut feeling that his voice just didn't quite have the power to portray the Phantom to the full extent; but what do I know? I have no knowledge or training or background in theatre or singing, as I said it was just a feeling that I had myself.

I would recommend this movie to anyone who may enjoy musicals - if you don't, then I rather think you would hate it (but then you are unlikely to be reading this are you?)

All in all a wonderful night at the cinema, which I shall be repeating, and I will be buying the DVD when it comes out.

9/10