Horror Movie Reviews
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Title: Phantom of the Opera (2005) |
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Review of Phantom of the Opera
- This spectacular retelling of Gaston Leroux's immortal horror tale stars Claude Rains as the masked phantom of the Paris opera house - a crazed composer who schemes to make a beautiful young soprano (Susanna Foster) the star of the opera company and wreak revenge on those who stole his music. Nelson Eddy, the heroic baritone, tries to win the affections of Foster as he tracks down the disfigured "monster" who has begun murdering those who resist his mad demands. This lavish production remains a masterpiece not only of the genre, but for all time.
Description
- This 1943 version of the horror story is more Technicolor musical than scare piece. Claude Rains plays the unfortunate, masked anti-hero, but he doesn't get the room to showcase a promising and sympathetic performance. Susanna Foster and Nelson Eddy, on the other hand, get plenty of screen time to warble. Well worth a visit just for the look of the film, which won an Oscar for cinematography. --Tom Keogh
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Comments for Phantom of the Opera
- Posted on 2008-08-02
A sad, menacing, sympathetic performance by Claude Raines, plus nice screaming by Susanna Foster
The 1943 version of Phantom of the Opera has always had, for me, an endearing quality of good-hearted wholesomeness, even with face-destroying acid, deranged obsession, and love so strong it corrupts. On the other hand, the obvious wholesomeness -- Nelson Eddy's game attempt at light romantic comedy and Susanna Foster's peaches-and-cream singing and acting -- are quickly cloying. However, for the sheer comforting pleasure of this great old story of a murderous, misunderstood madman at the Paris Opera, I prefer this version, as weak as it sometimes is, to the grand guignol of Lon Chaney's silent movie or the florid pomposity of Lloyd-Webber's turgid musical. Why? Because it is satisfying fun without uber-drama or much meaning. Does anyone not know the story? Probably not, so we'll pass that by.
What other pleasures does this movie hold besides a great romantic and melodramatic story and the most threatening chandelier in Paris? There's that lush Technicolor look that shows off with rich color the sets, the costumes and the complexions of the actors. Claude Raines as Enrique Claudin gives a touchingly mad performance as a humble violinist who wrote a great concerto and who fell hopelessly in love with Christine Dubois (Susanna Foster), a beautiful young soprano for whom he beggared himself secretly paying for her vocal lessons. Eddy, as Anatole Garron, the star baritone at the Opera, and Edgar Barrier as Raoul D'Aubert, a senior officer with the Surete, are amusing as the Mutt and Jeff competitors for Susanna Foster's favors. The ornate and gilded stage set of the interior of the Opera gives movie "quality" a new meaning. And the dark, dank, damp catacombs beneath the Opera, reached by slimy stone steps and lit only by guttering candles in hand-held lanterns, are just part of the shivers in store for those foolish enough to follow the Phantom to his lair. There is also the deep, black lake of despair and the music, drifting down from another world. Or, as Claudin describes it to Christine, "You'll love it here when you get used to the dark. And you'll love the dark, too. It's friendly and peaceful. It brings rest and relief from pain. It's right under the Opera. The music comes down and the darkness distills it, cleanses it of the suffering that made it. Then it's all beauty. And life here is like a resurrection." Raines was such a fine actor he could make Claudin a tragically sympathetic character. I'm sure Christine would have been persuaded if she'd only stopped screaming.
The DVD transfer is first-rate, lush and full of color. There are several extras including a commentary track.
Score: 4
- Posted on 2008-07-27
Phantom of the Opera (1943)
I liked this movie. The dvd is great too. It has been transferred to DVD with great care. Great color and sound.
This is basically a romance with an element of horror. Claude Rains and Suzanna Foster are good as well as Nelson Eddy.
The dvd has some great extras
Score: 5
- Posted on 2008-05-21
Okay Version of a CLassic Story
I love the story of the Phantom of the Opera. This version was just okay however. It's not a bad story, but if you are a true lover of the play or classic film, this won't do it for you.
Score: 4 - Posted on 2008-05-12
A good POTO movie to have
I am one of many thousands of avid POTO fans and I found this movie to be a nice, original adaption of Gaston Leroux's novel. The music is good, the acting well done, and the cast was great. I also appreciate the occasional humor that was thrown in--it provided some much needed comic relief! :)If you at all a phan of Phantom of the Opera, I would recommend adding this little gem to your collection. :)
Score: 4 - Posted on 2008-04-25
phanton of the opera 1943 now dvd
DVD REALLY EXCELLENT. SOUNG WAS GREAT AND VIDEO SUPER. NEED MORE OF NELSON EDDY AND DO EDDY AND JEANNETTE MACDONALD ON DVD/
Score: 5
