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The Phantom of the Opera | Year: 1991 Classification: Performing Arts - Theater Directed: - Darwin Knight As Close to the Original As I've Seen I watched the VHS version of this, and while I didn't find the music too impressive, I was still moved by the performances that Staller and Walsh gave. I would have liked to see Walsh perform Christine in the Lloyd-Webber version. Staller's version of the phantom was poignant, and I loved the fact that, as in Leroux's book, there was more of an attraction between Christine and Phantom in this version than in Lloyd-Webbers. Additionally, Christine is portrayed as being more, well...intelligent in this version. Her character is less of a wilting violet ready to run to the arms of the nearest man for safety. At one point she even engages the Phantom in a sort of philosophical debate while in his lair! <BR>For pitchfork wielding purists, this version is as close to the original novel as I've seen. The character of the Persian is included, and many of the smaller details excluded in the Lloyd-Webber version are included here(i.e. the phantom appearing at the ball, Don Juan Triumphant never actually having been performed, the relationship between the Persian and the Phantom). <BR>Missing was the chandelier scene, and the ending is a rather blatant departure from the novel, but given the fact that it appears they were working with a limited scenery budget, the fact that they couldn't design a mirrored room and use live scorpions is understandable.<BR>As for the other characters, I enjoyed the humor incorporated into Carlotta's character, a sort of comic relief that is just that- a relief from the dark themes of the story. However, I was thoroughly disappointed in Raoul's performance; one was inclined to think he was suffering from strained vocal cords-he sounded like a dying cat! <BR>All in all, I feel it has great potential, and is a must see for Phantom Phans. Interesting... I have to say that Erik's character was wonderful. He had all of the arrogance and sense of humor that he should have. david Staller's laugh is exactly what I would imagine Erik's to sound like. His make-up job was superb. For that reason alone any phan should at least watch this movie. It takes a moment to put aside the sets and poor music, but it's not a bad movie. the opening scene is very...interesting...but don't let it make you press "stop". madame giry's forehead may frighten you. One great thing about this version is the Persian!! yay daroga!! It was great to finally have that character after ALW got rid of him! Unfortunatley, the scene in which Christine chooses between Erik and Raoul is highly emotionless. ALW makes you cry, but not this. And the hand holding in place of a a kiss is highly unsatisfying. I, personaly, am not a huge fan of OW (other woman) stories, so I didn't care all that much for the ending. Overall, the movie is good enough. It won't scar you for life or anything, and the unmasking scene is moving. I'd say definitley watch it, but maybe you should rent it before buying. a nice try I am a big Phantom fan, and not just of the Weber version, so I was excited about this. The actors were good and the costumes and sets were very well done, and be aware this is a stage production and not a movie, so it is a little different. Alas, the music was very disappointing. It seemed that everything was professional, but the music was community theatre at best. Maybe even high school (not to diminish either). But like I said the actors are very good. It is a pity they didn't have more to work with. Don't let this be the only phantom you see. I really like the Robert Englund movie. Yes it is violent and gory at times, but it has the music that this one should have had. Also don't forget Weber. His music also fulfills in ways this cannot. Buy The Phantom Of The Opera at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on The Phantom Of The Opera Search with the Priority Search Engine on The Phantom Of The Opera This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
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