Phantom of the Opera - movie

[carefreegorgeo…]

Just thought that I would get in early with some reading of Phantom of the Opera and realised that as a late teen I watched the 1990 movie/tele series. I just have a vague collection that it was over a couple of nights. I absolutely loved it and since starting to read the novel, scenes or faces from the movie appear to popping up for the characters.

Has anyone else seen this novel in the movie form or even as a theatre production and what did they think?

Kylie

(I'm joining the group from Australia. As I speak the early spring weather has been delightful and the days are warming up with beautiful sunshine)

[willowy]

I had completely forgotten about the miniseries! As soon as I read your post I remembered watching it with my sister when I was a little kid. I think you are right, it was shown over a few nights, it's been a long time since I've seen it but I remember really enjoying it.

I've seen the musical on stage a couple of times too and I loved it.

I did see the recent movie that came out (2004 I think) but I didn't really care for it all that much.

[dulcinea3]

I have seen three movie adaptations of Phantom of the Opera, years ago.  There's the silent one with Lon Chaney, Sr. as the Phantom, from 1925 - the moment where his face is revealed is quite a shock!  Then there is one starring Claude Rains from 1943, and another with Herbert Lom from 1962.  In one of these, the shots of the bloodshot eye staring through the mask as the Phantom watches the girl was extremely creepy and scary to me, but I am not sure which version that was.  There was also a TV movie called The Phantom of Hollywood, starring Jack Cassidy, from 1974, that I recall seeing.

I've never seen the musical or the recent movie of it.  I think that I probably saw the miniseries that you are talking about, with Charles Dance and Jane Seymour.

[crzynwrd4lf]

I've seen the newest movie version of Phantom for sure. I remember seeing a part of, what I thought was a TV show, that reminded me of Phantom of the Opera when I was younger. I'd love to see a play version of it. Actually, I think I just want to go see a play in general.

[Gnomadic]

I have seen the stage production and was in awe of the music, the storyline, and how well the sets change from one scene to another.  Very awesome stuff indeed.

I have seen most of the movie versions including...

Phantom of the Opera 

This one was pretty good for the horror lovers out there.  I thought it was well written for the most part.

Phantom of the Paradise  

Very satirical and amusing.  It is an acquired taste but for B-rate movie lovers out there it is a must!

[Lmfwhite]

I have seen the theatrical production and the newest movie of Phantom.  I enjoyed both of them but it was very difficult to feel scared or creepy when I knew that Gerard Butler was the phantom!  I have never read the book and am looking forward to reading it with all of you.

[liisa22]

I saw a play 15 years or so ago, and have seen an old movie version-- loved them both.  I did see the newest version, but I didn't like it as much.  

[foxycat]

I love the silent version the best. It became less spooky as the years went on.

[Sharon18]

I saw only the movie with Gerald Butler as the phantom. I thought it was excellent but then I have nothing to compare it to. I love the music in the movie and have the tape. I wish I could go see a play of the phantom live on stage. I also would like to see other versions of the phantom, any suggestions where I might be able to see these versions other than the local library?

Sharon

[Peppermill]

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Sharon18 wrote:

I saw only the movie with Gerald Butler as the phantom. I thought it was excellent but then I have nothing to compare it to. I love the music in the movie and have the tape. I wish I could go see a play of the phantom live on stage. I also would like to see other versions of the phantom, any suggestions where I might be able to see these versions other than the local library?

Sharon

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Sharon -- do you use Netflex?  I don't know what it offers, but people say it is wonderful for the unusual, and usual, movie.

I will see what Blockbuster offers.  My local store will check availability and have a film sent to me if available.  They usually qualify for my one "free" film a month, too.

Hope you do get to see the play.  We sat in the noisebleed section of the theatre and still found it wonderful.

Pepper

[TiggerBear]

Ok well I do have Netflix. There are 8 versions available, 3 of which are comming soon, 2 others of which are up on free stream for members.

That's the 2004 Gerard Butler version up for rent, the 1943 Claude Rains up for rent, the 1925 Lon Chaney up for rent or stream, the Italian 1998 up for rent or steam, the1990 TV version comming soon, the 1989 Leroux comming soon, the switchblade symphoney 1925 comming soon, and the Hammer Films 1962 in a double feature with Paranoic up for rent.

You can also rent Phantom of the Paradise.

[CasperAZ]

foxycat, I like the silent version best also.