The Phantom of the Opera Movie (2004): A Review of Style Over Substance

Joel Schumacher is known for his flashy and stylish direction, but even his fans would agree that his movies often lack substance when it comes to character development. His adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera is no exception. Despite its opulent sets and costumes, the film feels empty without a strong emotional connection to the characters.

As a longtime Batman fan, I still haven't forgiven Schumacher for his missteps in that franchise. So, it was jarring to see him take on another beloved property like The Phantom of the Opera. Why not cast Gerard Butler as the Phantom instead? It's a baffling decision, especially considering Butler's lack of singing experience.

The real tragedy is the wasted potential of Ramin Karimloo, arguably the best actor to have played the Phantom on Broadway. Instead of starring in the title role, he was relegated to playing Christine Daae's songless father. The choice to cast unknowns was puzzling, especially since there were talented singers who could have fit the roles better.

In the end, Emmy Rossum's Christine Daae feels like a missed opportunity. While she can certainly sing, her voice lacks the power and range required for the role. It's also worth noting that Christine is supposed to be a diamond in the rough, but Rossum's lack of experience and training make it difficult to believe.

Overall, The Phantom of the Opera (2004) is a visually stunning film that ultimately falls flat due to its poor character development and questionable casting choices. Despite its flaws, the movie remains a guilty pleasure for fans of the musical.

Phantom of the opera movie 2004 full