I'm surprised we don't have a thread for this! Or if we do, why I haven't found it!

Anyway. I adore this movie, both the 1943 version and the 2004 version (though 2004 is by far superior) :3

What do you all think of this movie?

I don't really like the 1940's one.

Haven't seen the 2004 one.

I do love the book and the 1925 silent film.

Oooh, I'm in the process of reading the book now, and aye, it's very good. What did you like about the 1925 film? (other than the genius of Lon
Chaney )

I like the 1943 film. It doesn't explore the concept as thoroughly as it could have, but it's still fun, and a lot less clumsy than the book.

I found the book disappointing. It felt like the first draft of a brilliant story that needed to be thoroughly edited so it could reach its full potential.

Well, the copyright's expired... *hint hint*

I have only seen the 2004 movie and, after I was able to assess it without the accompaniment of a gaggle of swooning teen girls, I very much liked it. The music captures the different characters well, the songs play well with the plot and even bring subtle points of storytelling forward without spitting them out for all to see. Even though the characters fill very specific, and almost archetype roles, they have depth to them that makes them much more than a person to fill a space in the story.

Yessssssss. Even the reprises of songs show different character aspects. Not to mention the camera angle subtextual hints.

(Though in Music of the Night we can see the shadow of the camera... Oops.)

I wouldn't want to touch a classic, even if it does have problems.


I probably need to watch the 2004 version sometime...

Yes. I think you would really like it.

I'm watching the 1925 version right now, actually. It's a little disappointing. I feel like Christine is sort of vapid. **makes a face** I haven't finished it, though, maybe it will get better.

I love the book, however. What made you feel it wasn't as good as it could be, Jonathan?

The premise of the novel is great, and the Phantom himself was well-written, but the hero and heroine seemed to me like puppets who moved as was convenient for the story, never feeling like real people. They reminded me of characters in bad horror movies who do dumb things just so filmmakers can set up new scare scenes.

I do think the more recent movie handled that well. If you're looking for angst, they can seem rather good, but they aren't weak characters, I think.

I keep getting more curious about the 2004 movie.

It's glorious. Go watch it.

Then you can write a review on it.

Yes, I probably will, after I watch it.

Hurray! And then let me read it. :3

I watched the 2004 movie, and I enjoyed it. The music and songs add a lot. I even ended up not minding that the Phantom only has half of a mask.

I like how they throw a grammatical error into a song for the sake of a rhyme and immediately correct themselves.

Yesss. I love that.

This is one that I actually haven't seen, but I don't really feel drawn to watching it either for some reason. I do like musicals though, and I have heard one or two of the songs.

I did not know this thread existed, PotO is pretty awesome! I have not read the book but very much so enjoyed the movies (specifically the 2004 version) and live performances.


I recommend you give it a go at least... You never know, it could turn into a favorite.

WATCH IT ELANOR

WATCH IT NOW

Yessss 2004 is life so good.

I shall try and watch it this weekend. Happy? I do love musicals, so I may enjoy it, who knows. I hope it isn't sad, I hate sad films.

....you're gonna hate it.

.....I changed my mind again now then.

Ahem; if I watch it, I'll report back here and let you know what I think.

This is like my favorite thing. XD XD

I really like the 2004 movie, I haven't seen either of the two older ones, although I'm told the silent film is pretty entertaining.

I also am a huge fan of the dvd recording they made of a live performance at the Royal Albert Hall. Some of the performers I don't appreciate as much, but the whole production is beautiful and that particular Phantom is my favorite.

Raoul in the 2004 is so precious, though, like Christine you need to get your act together because this cinnamon roll is literally the best thing ever.

You have got to be kidding me...I am literally obsessed with this movie. (The 2004 one, I mean.) While I have not seen the others, I now own this movie on VHS, and I literally get chills every time I watch it.

I love every single casting choice EXCEPT the Phantom. He looks the part, but his voice kind of drives me insane. However, that scene with the cage literally had my mouth hanging open in horror, so shoutout to the creators on that one. I almost was beginning to think this as a light movie, despite it's dark elements. I loved it!!


(I collect VHS; it's a quirk of mine XD)

I know I’m late to the thread but I’m pretty new, so I think we can overlook that, right?
I’ve only seen the 2004 version but I absolutely LOVE it. I had the honor of doing Think of Me (although a version with slightly different lyrics in some spots, but the music was the same) at my last ever voice recital a few months ago. It was an amazing and incredibly challenging song, but I will forever feel a connection to the Phantom of the Opera because of it.
As someone who loves musicals and Broadway and everything, I think it may be one of the best ones ever made.
Also, the vocal ranges of everyone involved, particularly the phantom, are INSANE. In the main song, Christine’s actress covers about theee octaves, which is an INCREDIBLE range. The Phantom, in Music of the Night, goes higher than some females can. Given, he does so in falsetto, but it’s still amazing.