Visually enchanting. Emotionally vacant.
"The Phantom
of the Opera" has within it an Oscar nominated
song called "Learn to be Lonely." This was
particularly appropriate this evening as I was
the sole viewer of this film thanks to a free
ticket I received that had been won by a radio
contest participant.
Now, I must confess that I have never fancied
myself a Lloyd Webber fan...and I am not a huge
fan of "Phantom" either. Quite honestly, I find
it boring, poorly paced and I find the music to
be histrionic. This is not a film I'd have ever
paid to see, and even at the price of zilch I
found myself hesitant. This could have been an
Oscar nominee for "Best Picture" and I doubt I'd
have rated it above the "B" range...it's just
not my cup of tea.
That said...even with low expectations, I found
myself incredible disappointed with this film
and absolutely appalled that Emmy Rossum
received any talk at all for an Oscar
nomination, even though she probably was the
highlight of the film.
While I don't quite have the rampant anti-Joel
Schumacher feelings that many have, I can't deny
that he has ruined many films AND I can't help
but feel he was an incredibly poor choice to
direct this film. Truly, what were the producers
thinking?
I wanted to leave this film. In fact, I got up
to leave twice. I tried desperately to leave. In
fact, I even worked through my "I have to stay
so I can rate it feelings." I became so
irritated by this film that I didn't even care
about rating it anymore...I just wanted the pain
to end.
Why so painful? First, and foremost, "The
Phantom." Gerard Butler was, in my estimation,
an idiotic choice for this complex and
challenging lead. I am not kidding when I say
that I spent more time staring at the dimple on
his chin than listening to his expressions.
Butler is an average singer, at best, and simply
couldn't add the depth and emotion necessary to
develop this role. At no point in this film did
I care about him, feel for him or bond with him
on any level. In essence, he became more a
"phantom menace."
On the other hand, Rossum's "Christine" had
considerable appeal and ultimately fit the mood
and affect necessary for the role. Yet, once
again, I found myself wanting so much more
variation and characterization...Rossum was
good, but Christine deserved even better.
In supporting roles, Patrick Wilson and Miranda
Richardson were serviceable but really offered
nothing special. My true fondness was reserved
for Jennifer Ellison in the role of Meg...and,
quite honestly, this had more to do with pure
and simple lust than it did a fondness for her
performance. Finally, Minnie Driver as Carlotta?
Sometimes, only one word is needed...in this
case the word I choose is "Ick."
"Phantom" received 3 Oscar nominations including
the aforementioned song along with art direction
and cinematography. Indeed, it certainly was
visually appealing in quite a few places and I
would give kudos to the art direction team.
I admire, on a certain level, Schumacher's
desire to add some uniqueness to the film
version of "Phantom of the Opera." It's a lofty,
but admirable vision. Unfortunately, it is a
vision that is best left to a director
experienced in musical theatre...a director NOT
named Joel Schumacher.
As I was sitting in the auditorium ALONE
watching this film I kept looking around hoping
there was a chandelier above me getting ready to
plummet to the ground to end my misery. Sadly, a
LONG nearly two and a half hours later my misery
ended...and even with my free ticket I found
myself feeling ripped off and regretting how I
had just spent my precious evening.
©
Written by Richard
Propes
TC Candler's Comment
I was swept
away by the gorgeous visuals and the angelic
voice of Emmy Rossum, whose performance is
nothing short of magnificent. I have no
doubt that she is a silver-screen legend in the
making. Butler is a little miscast here
and some of the scenes drag a little. I
felt that Minnie Driver overplayed the
eccentricity of her role, but that the rest of
the supporting cast were all wonderful.
Pay close attention to Jennifer Ellison in the
future. Miranda Richardson is typically
wonderful here too. This "Phantom"
incarnation has a lot going for it... but the
shiniest jewel in its crown is Rossum. She
is a bright new star!
Jacob
Hall's Comment
N/A
