A fairly straightforward and faithful adaptation of the stage production, Schumacher does a commendable job of bringing the musical to film. Perhaps it says a lot about how atmospheric the stage version is already, with the only real advantage here being in the ability to expand locations beyond the stage. Schumacher does add to the backstory a little and the opening scene from the stage is expanded upon to form a framing device that cleverly breaks up the different acts of the film. The biggest failing is it rarely overcomes the theatrical feel and Schumacher's choice of shots and composition are a little flat and stale for a genre that really needs a sweeping cinematic visual style. Ultimately however, the film stands or falls on the music and much of your enjoyment will depend on both the songs themselves and the performances of the central trio of characters. It may be well over 25 years old, but the historical setting of the film means the music has aged well ( perhaps with the exception of the title song, but this still fits the Gothic darkness of the particular scene ). This is certainly one of Lloyd Webber's best covering sweeping romantic songs to comic interplay between the cast. The film production gets so much right, from fantastic costume and set design, beautiful lighting and cinematography. Both Gerard Butler and Patrick Wilson are surprisingly good as the male leads vying for the affections of a young opera singer thrust into the limelight, though Butler's voice does occasionally lack the presence such a role requires. And there is some great support work from Minnie Driver and Miranda Richardson. But it is in Emmy Rossum that the filmmakers have struck gold - the central role of Christine is one that makes or breaks the stage production and Rossum absolutely nails the part - her rendition of Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again is stunning and her performance itself makes this worth seeking out as an alternative to the stage version.

I loved this movie when I was still a child! So many years later I finally got to see the stage production live. It was an amazing experience that made me appreciate this movie even more! Emmy Rossum is incredible and Gerard Butler will always be my favourite Phantom!!!!

good music, but the story is very bad, so many holes, very annoying. stop filming through vaseline..

_The Phantom of the Opera_ is a cinematic triumph that fully realizes the vision of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical, as well as the spirit of the original Gaston Leroux novel. The story follows the mysterious Phantom of the Paris opera house who becomes infatuated with a young singer that he’s been secretly tutoring, and starts to terrorize the opera house when the new owns fail to meet his demands. Newcomer Emmy Rossum gives a stunning performance as Christine, capturing the character’s youth and innocence, and Gerard Butler’s depicting of the Phantom embodies the character’s tortured soul and disillusionment. Also, the sets and costumes are extraordinary; creating an immersive, fantastical world that’s breathtaking. Yet the stylistic tone never overwhelms the story, but instead services to heighten its romanticism and the themes of social alienation and artificial reality. Translating a musical to cinema is a difficult task, however not only does director Joel Schumacher succeed brilliantly, the visual style of _The Phantom of the Opera_ exceeds Webber’s stage production.

Nah, the phantom’s crashout was so valid. Imagine being there for someone for years and years and then finally professing your love to them, only to have them get with some other dude they met an hour ago. My heart genuinely broke for the phantom; he felt so betrayed and abandoned, and rightfully so… He deserved to be happy and loved! I mean, sure, Raoul was the safe and proper choice while the phantom certainly had his… issues, but Christine’s love with the phantom was simply epic; a love that spoke to the soul and transcended all logic or thought; it was a love that bound two into one… I’ll never actually get over her not choosing him… It genuinely drives me crazy and makes my heart hurt. P.S. I genuinely believe there is nothing hotter than Emmy Rossum and Gerard Butler singing a duet together.