2004 The Phantom Of The Opera

[mrmusicals]

As much as I loovveedd!! the FILM VERSION of "Phantom-2004" ,and have watched my DVD many times, the main problem with this movie is that the actor playing the lead (Gereld Butler) is to much of a HUNK.

At all eighteen screenings I attended, it never failed to amaze me that during the last scene of the movie, most people in the theatre would shout "Stay with the phantom-not whimp Raoul".

Butlers obvious good looks and sexuality are very powerful. In fact I think he is better looking then Raoul (Patrick Wilson).

Wilson played his role as to much of a "Twit" and a "whimp". On screen Christine picked the wrong man I think. Even with the Phantoms disfigured face he was even sexier. I'm sure that there will be many who will disagree with me but so far I've been right on the money, and echo many people who agree with most of the above.

As I stated, I LOVE this film as well as the stage version which I've seen 89 times so far. Although this movie was not a hit in theatres, it's gaining momentum on DVD with sales the last month or so soaring, and has gone on to be one of the most rented/purchased titles of all time. This is a great story and the music is SO BEAUTFUL. In 2006 Phantom will have played in London 20 years. Sexy or not, this movie is HOT!!!!!!

Michael:mask:

[cinty]

Glad to hear your opinion! I love the movie. I love both patrick and Gerard. Michael Crawford I love far more than Gerard though. And I consider Patrick just as hot as Gerard. Gerard is more rugged but Patrick is more smooth and gorgeous looking.
I do think Gerard is too good looking but he did play the role with much passion and beauty so I quite like him. No one quite like MC thoug!:)

[Countess Cain]

It turned me into one too. ^_^

I also agree with how 'manly' Patrick Wilson is in it... With the one-on-one fight, chasing after him all the time, etc. So he's braver in this that in, say, Leroux's novel, where all he really did-mainly-was go after her with the Persian at the end. ;T

I think he tried to be more 'innocent' and 'secure' in it, which is what Christine liked about him, instead of a murderer. D:

I wish I could see the stage version that much, by the way. Lucky duck! xD

[composer15]

I believe that the Phantom(Gerard Butler) is so much more attractive and sexy than Raoul(Partick Wilson) for the obvious reasons. I wouldn't go as far as calling Raoul a whimp but less sensitive and doesn't have an obsession which makes the Phantom all the more romantic :D I love Gerard Butlers voice but Micheal Crawfords vocals and range are so beautiful. I also agree that the Phantom may have been to handsom for the role but it fits well with the movie. This is just my opinion.

Much Love :mask:

[Wishing]

I also agree with how 'manly' Patrick Wilson is in it... With the one-on-one fight, chasing after him all the time, etc. So he's braver in this that in, say, Leroux's novel, where all he really did-mainly-was go after her with the Persian at the end. ;T

I agree. When you think of Raoul, you think of Patrick Wilson, not the cheesy pansy from the book. He does a really good job as Raoul. But of course, I love Gerard Butler. :D

I liked that they put in the swordfight, but the fireball thing could have been cool too. They should have put in the "Notes 2", but they kind of tied it in with "Why so silent?"

[Why So Silent]

I haven't seen the stage version (sadly) so I can't really compare, but I loved the movie. Gerry rocked ^_^ and the movie made me a Phan. After reading Leroux and Kay, I think Patrick Wilson did a good job as Raoul, and I agree he was much less of a fop than Leroux's Vicomte. And it always kinda hints in the books that the phantom had a strange sort of grace and sex appeal, so I think Gerard did a very good job.
Toodles
Why So Silent

[Luciana]

I love Gerard, and I think he did a great job, but he's just too darn sexy for his own good.

Raoul did show a bit of bravery in the movie, standing up and fighting with the swords. The fact that he never won makes the Phantom just that much more sexy though. Although he could have have won during 'Wishing...'.

Both men were driven by their love for Christine, causing them to take, and spare, other's lives.

[masquerade_dancer]

Haha I don't care if Raoul is a pansy or not, Gerry is just plain sexy in this movie! Okay, okay...I'll answer for real now. I really agree with mrmusicals. I didn't like Patrick Wilson's performance in this movie. Gerry did great. But I just feel like Patrick's role was missing something. *shrugs*

[czybg]

I agree, Gerry is a very sexy Phantom, but I alsways thought Raoul was a pansy. Even in the original novel! He just seemed do whimpy and shallow! I always wanted her to stay with the Phantom. I love the movie, play and all the books, and I think that Raoul is whimpy in every version! Granted, in the original version the Phantom wasn't as sexy as Gerry, but he was always more manly.

[toxic fruit]

The first time I ever watched the movie I formed my own opinion and that was that Raoul was somewhat unattractive because of his hair, but that he was otherwise sweet and had a great voice. The second time around people kept saying how sexy the phantom was...and then I was like "Oh yeahhh I see it now." I was corrupted and turned over to the dark side!

Anyway, I guess I wasn't supposed to fall in love with the "fop" in the first place. I guess I'm a sucker for innocent love. But then, I haven't read the book so I don't know about the "wimpy" qualities Raoul is supposed to possess.

Anyway, the movie has turned me into a phan, and for that I am thankful. :)

As it's own work, standing alone, I love it!

[Phantompherak12]

I think that the Phantom is way hotter than Raoul. When the phantom has his mask on that is. But I love him because he is also very smart.

[Christine's Shadow]

Gerard(more commonly known as Gerry) Butler IMO was an amazing choice for the part. What he had naturally(as a singing talent) was a good start and i think he is way better looking than Raoul!! (sorry I'm a raoul basher!!)

[AAW0487]

I have to agree Gerard was a very great choice for the part of the Phantom. He is a very attractive person, and his voice is that of an "angel of music." After I saw both the play and the movie I still thought Christine should have chosen the Phantom. Raoul was attractive and gave Christine the security she needed, but in the end the Phantom needed her love more than Raoul did, but that's just my opinion.

[MystMoonstruck]

I've watched the film many times, but I'm disappointed in a number of things. For one: Why pick a "hunky" actor? If Erik looked that good with just a little mask, makeup and wig, shouldn't he be sweeping through society? Instead, he terrorizes the opera house in order to blackmail them for money. It he had been portrayed as a driving force of the opera, that would be understandable. If he didn't threaten/blackmail them, would Erik have had any money?

I was surprised when Gerard Butler was cast but thought that his voice might surprise me. But, I sat there, feeling as if I was straining with him to reach certain notes. Some of the power notes simply weren't there. Of course, Emmy quavered several times when the notes should have been purer and stronger. It's enjoyable, but it doesn't really give me chills as I think it should have. I wouldn't have fussed if they had decided to augment these weak spots.

Does Erik have to have his shirt open practically to his navel? Would a girl of that time period go trotting off with a very strange man clad in such miniscule clothing? At least close the robe! Cleavage for evening and festivities was one thing, otherwise...

I do not like the "Voguing" guy on the staircase at the Masquerade! He looks like someone out of Madonna's video! It's far too distracting to me though I'm sure he has his fans.

I do not like the "Carlotta stinks" bits in the background! If she had a screechy-Diva way of singing, that would be understandable. Actually, Christine doesn't sound like an opera singer--more like a pop-type, mainstream singer. But, everyone, including Erik, is supposed to think that she's a remarkable opera star.

I love watching the conductor, who does more with a single expression than some do with all of the words they spout.

I am going to support Patrick Wilson! I think he looked like a young, sweet, gallant, hotheaded gentleman. I think his voice complemented Emmy's, too. I don't believe that I've seen any of his other films, but I would catch a movie I know he appears in just to see what he's like in another role. Hey! He's braver than in Leroux's novel and less emotional!

Of course, you must remember the time period and the circumstances; Raoul in the novel has been rather pampered and sheltered. Melodramatic actions would be expected at a time when women carried smelling salts when they felt faint and gentlemen could weep and be in agony over the ladies they wished to woo. Don't judge him by today's standards!

I can't say I care for the shifts from present to past to present (the b&w stuff). But, the opera house coming back to life is a wonderful moment that DOES give me chills!

Whenever POTO is shown through On Demand (a free service), I watch it every night, sometimes twice while I'm sitting up and writing. I like the film in spite of the flaws. But, it could have been better.

[masquerading rose]

I loved it. They were all talented. I think Gerard Butler sings the part of the Phantom with so much passion, a lot more than the other Phantom's have (espescially Steve Harly). Emmy has a wonderful, pure, innocent voice that I think is ideal for Christine. Patrick did wonderfully.... No words can really discribe that. Minnie did a wonderful juob at playing such a difficult part. She was humorus and was really a ham, but not to much, that it was poor acting. Jennifer Ellison did good as well. Her voice sounded very sweet and somewhat child-like, but not to much that it was immature. Miranda Richardson did a wonderful French accent. I didn't know she could sing before I saw it. Everybody was very well cast.

[Queen of the Unknown]

For the most part, I love this movie (it introduced to PotO--how could I not?), but I did have a few problems with it.

I thought Gerard's acting was very passionate. He got Erik and his emotions very well. I loved him! His MOTN didn't exactly make me melt, the way Crawford's did, but it was still wonderful! And he succeeded fully in making me sad in the final lair scene. His singing may not have been great or anywhyre near Michael's, let alone the real Erik's, but it was pretty darn good. Normally, I prefer my phantoms tenor, but Gerry's an exception.

I also thought Patrick Wilson made a wonderful Raoul. He wasn't a fop at all and I have no idea where that even comes from; he was very sweet and brave and loving and had an awesome voice! I could see why Christine chose him. (Pleasedon'tpunjabme!)

Even Emmy Rossum, who is a bit lacking in facial expressions (understatement of the year!) didn't do that bad a job. I liked how she had that "young for her age" quality that I love in Christines at the beginning, how she seemed to always be in her own little world whenever Erik sang to her. She was good.

That said, I do have a lot of complaints. Gerry's singing, like I said, was pretty good, but I couldn't really imagine it having that hypnotic effect. I also disliked his deformity--he looked pretty bad, but not horrendous. More like he went to the beach and forgot to put on sunscreen. Emmy's singing wasn't bad, but it was...okay. Just okay. And I really have no idea what Patrick's hair stylist was even thinking! I love his acting and singing, like I said, but he looked female! Well, except in Masquerade. When his hair was tied back, he looked great.

But for the most part, the movie was awesome!

[IamErik771]

Normally, I prefer my phantoms baritone, but Gerry's an exception.

That part had me a bit confused . . . Gerry is a baritone, whereas Michael Crawford is a tenor. Other than that, very good points.

I loved the film despite its flaws, as well. If I had been directing, there are many, many things I would have done differently -- mostly in terms of cinematography and careful editing, but also possibly casting. Still, I thought it was a darn good film, and I'm of the opinion that if the film had been a whole lot better or closer to the stage version, it might have actually hurt the stage show. After all, the film versions of RENT and The Producers were pretty much exact duplicates of the stage versions (except for maybe one or two things that couldn't have been done onstage). I'm convinced that that was one of the biggest reasons why RENT is about to close on Broadway, while The Producers already did -- why shell out $100+ for a theatre ticket when you could get a DVD from Netflix that's practically the same and has most of the original cast, for a much lower cost?

By contrast, the various stage productions of POTO have seen more customers after the film version came out. The movie was enough to whet people's appetite for the original, and has helped to ensure its continued success.

[Queen of the Unknown]

Ooops...I got mixed up on the whole baritone/tenor thing. I meant it the other way around. Thank you for pointing that out.

[tiannangel]

I really liked the movie too, since it was the first edition of PotO i had ever seen before. So it gave me the strongest impression.
The casting was relatively good, I adored Emmy and Gerry's singing, they sounded really good together. And Patrick Wilson was a really good Raoul, I must say I was impressed too.
A lot of people complain that the actor's voices were...lacking, but I don't find that much of a problem. After all, this is a film. Film and musicals aren''t supposed to feel the same, and I reckon these actors voices suited for film.

[The Countess]

I suppose that I like it, but mainly because it kicked off my obsession. But, my MystMoonstruck pretty much summed it up for me. It wasn't the best movies ever, but it was fairly passable. I do wish that they would re-do it.

[tiannangel]

Hmm...re-editions of films annoy me somehow...like the new Hulk that's comming out in Aus soon. It bugs me cos the fact that it's already been done, and the film is pretty much exactly the same, except with different actors. I don't see much point in wasting so much money on these.

On another note, can you believe some people's ignorance?!
On youtube, on of the comments said: Gaston Leroux is fake!!! ALW is the writer for Poto!!!! Wikipedia is wrong!!

I was looking at that comment, thinking :Oh my god, some people are just so...ignorant!

[IamErik771]

Oy . . . *facepalm* Someone needs to get those folks a copy of the novel.

Also, the new Hulk film is apparently a completely different take on the character with a new storyline. I happen to like the 2003 film, but most fans of the comics say the new one is far better . . . Guess I'll have to wait and see when I get back to the States.

A remake of the ALW film . . . Much as I'd like an improved version of the 2004 version, I'd rather not have it be done that way -- it would feel like a bit of a cheap shot, even given the fact that I'm not a fan of Joel Schumacher.

[angelgirl]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this movie! :mask:It's my all-time fave non-Disney movie. Gerard was wonderful as the Phantom.
(And I mean wonderful. He is the only man I have ever known of that can put me to sleep by singing MOTN. Micheal Crawford never did that. And I'm not kidding. I will actually fall asleep to his version of that song. Not a really deep sleep, but still, sleep.)
Emmy was really great, especially for only being 16 when she played Christine.:cd1:
I liked Patrick Wilson's portrayal of Raoul. I still don't like the character, but I actually really liked the movie version.
Minnie Driver was hilarious as Carlotta. (Her singing sucked, but she was still hilarious.)
Jennifer Ellison and Miranda Richardson did a great job as Meg and Madame Giry.
The Overture and the title song were just 2 of my favorite parts.
Ok, I'll stop so I don't keep going on and on about how awesome this movie is.
A.G.
(P.S. This movie was also my introduction to POTO. I saw it about 2 years ago in my Vocal class one day and have liked it ever since.)

[xXphantomaddictedXx]

The '04 movie is okay, but nothing to write home about, in my opinion. For one thing, Erik is supposed to have an enchanting, sexy voice, and Gerry Butler does not. Moreover, Christine seemed a bit more...naive than she does in the ALW stage musical. I can deal with a little bit of naivety, but Emmy Rossum was over the top. There were just a lot of little things like that which made me dislike the '04 movie. I am not saying people should not watch it, but rather that everyone is entitled to their opinion. :mask:

[ChristineJ16]

The '04 movie is okay, but nothing to write home about, in my opinion. For one thing, Erik is supposed to have an enchanting, sexy voice, and Gerry Butler does not. Moreover, Christine seemed a bit more...naive than she does in the ALW stage musical. I can deal with a little bit of naivety, but Emmy Rossum was over the top. There were just a lot of little things like that which made me dislike the '04 movie. I am not saying people should not watch it, but rather that everyone is entitled to their opinion. :mask:

It's been awhile since I last saw this all the way through. It came on tonight on the Oxygen channel. I thought, "eh, I'll just leave it on." As I sat through it my attention would wander during the singing, Gerard's voice just makes me cringe. I like him as an actor, but he's no Phantom. Emmy's voice is just little and weak, nothing spectacular. Her facial expressions stay the same practically through-out the movie, I'd find myself giggling. The deformity make-up is a joke! Someone on this board had mentioned that the first time he's unmasked during POTN it's shown at it's worst and then, as the movie goes on, it appears only as a sunburn. This is so true and again I found myself laughing. I could see why I watched this movie only once all the way through before. Visually, it's beautiful to look at, the sets, the costumes and such, but that's about it. Now, if the singing was done better for the Phantom and Christine, the deformity make-up was better, if he wore the classic fedora hat and his Red Death was more like from the stage show then it would have been a better movie. Oh, well.....:rolleyes:

[The Countess]

To start off, I'm stating now that I was in the largest of Phantom rutts for the past few months so that may have affected my current opinion of this movie.

I thikn that in the past I've judged this film too harshly. Perhaps I'm saying this because I only recently saw the movie again for the first time in about a year, but all the same, I'm thinking better of it now. I'm not so much a crazy, full-fledged purist anymore and am taking this movie and the musical back into my life.

Anyway, I still think that the singing is iffy, but not as horriable as I've said before. Note, I still do NOT like Gerry's Phantom and I don't think I ever really will again but I do find him and the overall movie tolerable now.

[Wandering_Child]

My first Phantom experience. This, the Charles Dance mini serie and the 1925 movie are my favorites.