The movie felt like a kids’ movie to me, yet I don’t feel like it is appropriate for kids. I think my biggest quibble was the script and directing. Patrick Wilson was a Broadway performer, and it shows-the caliber of his singing is way above Butler’s. He’s supposed to be Erik’s opposite, and he is: calm, constant, and chivalrous, just a bit heavy-handed at times. Raoul, played by Patrick Wilson, was well cast. Her character fits the Victorian archetype of “damsel in distress,” and they didn’t change that in the movie, which is just as well because the whole story would fall apart if she wasn’t naive. She played the combination of young, entranced, and scared very well.

Ramin Karimloo, who starred in the 25th Anniversary Broadway production, at least had a strong voice and amped up Erik’s maniacal side to great effect.Įmmy Rossum was surprisingly good as Christine, both acting and singing. This probably sounds harsh, but that is honestly how I felt, probably due to the director and script more than his actual acting. His portrayal reminded me of a stereotypical incel. I didn’t feel like he had much in the way of looks or charisma, and his voice was nothing near operatic, barely Broadway if we’re being honest. I agree with those who didn’t love Gerard Butler as the Phantom. It’s bad enough he’s posing as her dad, but this is a whole new level of CREEPY and it isn’t in the musical.

This was mentioned one or two times and solidified by a line changed from “I thought it best that she went home” to “I thought it best she was alone.” What this means is that the Phantom, an older guy, has been watching Christine since she was a minor.

In the movie, Christine has lived at the opera house since she was a little girl. There was one change made that really boiled my biscuits. The movie is a direct adaptation of the musical, and as such it is pretty faithful. The movie, by contrast, puts the romance front and center, and Raoul is on his own, poor chap. The romance is there, but from what I recall, it’s rather understated compared to Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights. There is even an unofficial investigator-type character, called The Persian, who helps Raoul out.

The book is written more as a Victorian mystery-think Sherlock Holmes. Though I haven’t read the book in forever, I remember how little it felt like the musical (and likewise, the movie).

Phantom of the opera movie 2004 cast