Susan Granger’s review of “The Phantom of the Opera” (Warner Bros.)
Since the late ’80s, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Phantom of the Opera” has been playing in London and on Broadway – and it’s now a dazzling, spectacular, unforgettable Oscar-contender. Set in 1870 at the Paris Opera House, the tragic love story revolves around a lonely, naive chorus girl, Christine Daae (Emmy Rossum), who steps into the spotlight when Carlotta (Minnie Driver), the temperamental diva, walks out in the middle of a rehearsal. For years, Christine has been tutored by a powerful, unseen mentor, a charismatic musical genius known as the Phantom (Gerard Butler), but now that she is a star, she’s being courted by the theater’s wealthy patron, the Vicompte Raoul de Chagny (Patrick Wilson), whom she knew as a child. The Phantom’s obsessive jealousy erupts and a deadly rivalry develops between Christine’s two ardent suitors. Director/screenwriter Joel Schumacher (“Batman Forever”) has faithfully translated the lavish stage production to the big screen, adding emotional depth and realism while preserving the soaring musical format. Purists may fume over the loss of Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman who created the roles but are no longer age-appropriate. Instead, Scottish actor Gerard Butler (“Tomb Raider: Cradle of Life”) dons the makeup, prosthetics and iconic mask while the lyric soprano of exquisite Emmy Rossum (“Mystic River”) embodies the heroine’s vulnerability. Minnie Driver richly deserves a Best Supporting Actress nomination. Patrick Wilson, Miranda Richardson, Simon Callow and Ciaran Hinds also perform admirably – and kudos all ’round for the sumptuous, awesome production elements. On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, “The Phantom of the Opera” is an enthralling, intoxicating 10, one of the best pictures of 2004.
