Lambie Reviews The Phantom of the Opera

Year: 1925 (Yes, the famous silent one)
Accolades: One of 1001 Films You must See Before You Die
Review on Letterboxd: 'The Phantom of the Opera' review by Avalanche


While many people think of the bright musical versions that have graced the screen and stage in modern memory, this is perhaps a much more faithful adaptation of the original novel by Gaston Leroux. In this film, as in the novel, the Phantom is a much more sinister and ultimately tragic character than in most modern portrayals. Unfortunately, this also means that many of the supporting characters just end up being annoying and forgettable more than anything else.

Lon Chaney does an admirable job portraying a character who mostly wears a face-covering mask in a silent film. Somehow we still manage to grasp every intention, thought, and emotion that is running through the characters head. That does mean going a little over the top at times, but that can be forgiven.

The film is well remembered for the lavish sets that were built for the production, and boy is it hard to not think of them as sets. They are appropriately extravagant for the setting, and populated by a huge cast of extras to give the whole thing the life that they need. The film is also remembered for the unmasking scene and the make-up that allegedly caused people to faint. While some people might find it a bit tame or laughable by today's standards, it is still pretty horrific.

While it's maybe not entirely fair to pin the faults of the plot on the film (they are common to the book and hence every screen and stage version), it does need to be said that there are some pretty big problems with it. Virtually the only character who actually does anything is the Phantom. Christine does nothing until she is kidnapped by the Phantom in the second act, and then does very little except talk to Raul when he lets her go again. Raul is virtually there just to be Christine's love interest and serves no further purpose.

It's a terrible mess that could have been far, far duller than it is. In fact, not a lot happens at all when you think about it. What save this particular retelling of the story, and what makes the film worth watching, are those truly wonderful visual aspects.