PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, GERARD BUTLER

Movie Rating: A++++++++

Well, I'm home and I must say I'm still stunned by this movie. Simply stunned. I have seen the play locally. I have loved the music always. However, movies seldom make me cry. Truly. They might make me think, or make me sad but seldom will I sit in a movie theatre with tears running down my face.

First things first. I was skeptical that my darling Gerard would be able to pull off the vocals for this film. I knew that he could sing, however singing opera is something totally different than regular singing. It takes tremendous control and power. I even went so far as to read the reviews on Amazon. I loved Michael Crawford's version of the music, but I will confess that Gerard brought so much more to this role.

In one word: Emotion

He became the Phantom. Every note he sang seemed to come from the soul. I felt every flinch, every grimace, every heart wrenching note. He is a baritone coming close to a bass but it gave the music so much more angst. When he came on stage dressed as Don Juan, I almost slid totally out of my seat. That is my favorite scene in the entire movie..."Puddle moment"

Raul seemed so pat after the Phantom. I found myself wondering if only Christine could have loved him. She might have saved him. Her angel of music. Instead she chose to stay with Raul.

Spoiler if you haven't seen the film...
The opening scene is heart wrenching. The beginning is totally in black and white...and then when the chandelier is lifted...Everything goes to color. It is breath taking. Splendid cinematography. Somebody should get an Oscar for that. It added so much depth and vision.

I cannot recommend this movie highly enough. It is the best film I've seen in years. Years, and years, and years. (With the exception of the Lord of the Rings) However, for me this is quite on par...So that should tell you something.

Spectacular film. I'm going to go see it again, because I know that I have missed some things in the first showing. Gerard Butler truly reached the stars with this film. I believe he'll be able to write his own ticket now.
Hugs,
Michelle