Customer Reviews

The Phantom of the Opera (TV Miniseries)

5 star:		(57)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

This two-part televison version of "The Phantom of the Opera" is a mixed bag to be sure, but it does have its moments. Clearly this is a post-Lloyd Webber version of "Phantom," highlighting the romance between the title character (Charles Dance) and Christine (Terri Polo) even more than the Broadway show. For once, the love triangle between teacher, pupil and Philippe (Adam Stroke), the Count de Chagny, is realistic; which is to say, Christine really has a choice between the two men who command her affection. Of course, the paradox is that the more romantic a figure the Phantom becomes, the less he can be seen as a deadly maniac roaming at will through the Paris Opera House. The result is that when this Phantom kills intruders into his subterranean realm, I found it hard to believe because it went against Erik's character (cf. the 1989 film version with Robert Englund of Freddy Krueger fame).

One of the strengths of the film is the use it makes of the opera part of the title. There is a wonderful scene early when Christine has come to the big city and has joined the chorus of the Opera. One evening she is signing at a local tavern and the managers of the Opera House convince Carlotta (Andréa Ferréol), the egotistical diva, to go up and sign with the girl. However, it does not take long for Christine to blow Carlotta away, and when the diva flees from the stage we have clear proof as to who has more talent. The finale of the mini-series involves a production of Charles Gounod's "Faust," which is one of the best uses of an opera in a film since a production of "La Traviata" popped up in "Pretty Woman." The choice of "Faust" is a masterstroke, not just because the opera is actually sung in French, but because there are some strong parallels between the story of Faust and that of the Phantom. This allows for a rather surprising and haunting use of the opera's climatic aria.

I know there will be strong disagreement on this score, but I also appreciated this version's approach to the Phantom's disfigurement. There is a pivotal scene early on when Christine actually tries to persuade Erik to remove his mask, maintaining that she can look at whatever is beneath it with eyes of love. When the mask is removed the focus is not on his face but rather on Christine's as she bases from shock to horror to senselessness. It is that look, along with Erik's cry of anguish, that carries the scene. More importantly, it sets up an even better scene at the end of the film. That first scene is clearly influenced by the Broadway version, where the audience never sees the Phantom's face at that point, just Christine, rather than the immortal scene where Mary Philbin unmasked Lon Chaney in the classic silent version. Meanwhile, the film's conclusion actually harkens back to Gaston Leroux's original novel with regards to how Christine conquers Erik.

Editing this film down a bit would certainly be helpful; the four-hour mini-series loses about an hour once you take out the commercials, but could benefit from losing another half-hour or so. The performances are competent, with Dance evincing charm as the Phantom without a real undercurrent of menace. Polo is a tad too emotional at time and has a lot of lip-synching to do with all the opera singing, but there is an earnestness that matches the character. Stroke has the unenviable tasks of trying to convince both Christine and the audience that she should pick his character instead of the Phantom. Most of the supporting cast are assigned various roles of comic relief with French accents, while Burt Lancaster gets to bring some dignity to the proceedings as the former manager of the Paris Opera House who knows more about the Phantom than anyone knows.

The key thing is that this 1990 version of "The Phantom of the Opera" is not going to be the first one you view. You have to see Lon Chaney's silent version and at least listen to the Broadway musical (paying copious attention to the libretto so you know exactly what is happening). The 1943 Claude Reins film involving acid being thrown and music being stolen is optional. But the more you are familiar with the various tellings of this tale, the more you can enjoy what writer Arthur L. Kopit and director Tony Richardson ("Tom Jones").

I'm a little sad to say that this is the reason why I got a DVD player - buying the movie on DVD -before I had any way of watching it. Why you might ask, because ... I saw the movie on TV way back in 95 or 94 (?)and fell in love. Just fell in love with the story, the movie everything. Then I became slightly obsessed, but <ahem> that's not the point - back to the movie. The acting is good, the singing incredible, the scenery great. There is nothing wrong with this movie, nothing at all, in fact - it's the best out there on the Phantom. (on a sidenote - if you are looking for a good book to read on this, read Susan Kay's Phantom) anyway again, back to the movie, you won't be sorry buying it. Just buy it - and watch it, and fall in love.

There are so many things about this movie that made it so utterly beautiful. I bought a DVD player just for this movie. The scenes are enrapturing, the characterizations perfect, the singing expertly dubbed. The first time I saw this movie was with a friend; who, as a fellow Phantom Phan, told me that this was a must view. I sat down with an open mind, and not only laughed, cried, and gasped...but I was completely taken into this magnificent and so deliberately intricate plot.

Never have I sympathized with so many characters, understood them so much as I did for these. Charles Dance potrays a romantic, even sensual phantom, a very rare find in the horror movie retells of this old classic story. You never see the Phantom's face, but you don't need to. Many times as he's starting to take off the mask I thought there would be a glimpse...but there was always nothing. That is what makes a good movie. A movie where we can always wonder, and not be only dumbstruck at makeup and special effects.

The fact that this is filmed at the real Paris Opera House simply left me in awe. The few scenes where you see actual corridors and staircases from the monument give it a sense of reality...something no other Phantom movie has ever given me. This is perfect. Five stars. It would be so much more if possible. There is no flaw in this movie. It's simply a must.

The TV series was an excellent adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera. It is a little more scenic and dramatic than some other plays and movies but the story is compelling and original. Charles Dance (The Phantom) does an excellent performance with his slow and methodical movements. Every time he approaches Christine he shows how intense his feelings are towards her and leaves you feeling breathless. Raul's character does not appear as much in this story as I would like but his presence is always felt. It was an interesting twist with the Phantoms father and the real life story behind how the phantom was created and his mother. All of these seperate stories are really never told in other plays and Movies.

Some of the other reveiws are to analytical about The Phantom movies and TV shows. They dont actually sit down and enjoy them for what they are; which is "excellent entertainment". I highly reccommend this one to any one whom wants a more romantic veiw of the story. This particular one is long but it leaves a sense of wonder at the end, Is he alive? or dead?

Oh my goodness, Charles Dance as Erik!!! The Phantom of the Opera's metamorphosis from an object of horror to a romantic hero can probably be credited to two extraordinary actors: Michael Crawford and Charles Dance. In this non-musical (unless you count that gorgeous duet from 'Faust') made-for-TV version, Dance's Erik has been reconfigured so that the beauty of his artist's soul encompasses his whole being, his disfigurement concealed behind a series of elegant masks. Tall and elegant, with a cat-like walk and a wry sense of humor, Dance does some of his most effective acting with his wonderfully expressive eyes. Moving effortlessly from swashbuckling action and urbane wit to heartbreaking vulnerability, his Erik is so magnetic that it seems incomprehensible that Terri Polo's brave and charming Christine would choose her childish, petulant boyfriend Raoul over him. Polo has some lovely and heartfelt scenes, especially her tearful farewell to Erik, and Burt Lancaster plays his father with a sad and gentle world-weariness that conveys his impending sense of doom. The production is opulent and, more than any other I've seen, brings the viewer inside the world of the great Paris Opera. But Dance is the soul of this production and he will steal your heart in scene after scene before he finally gets around to breaking it.

I've seen the Webber production on stage in Chicago, I've seen the movie just released in theaters, I've read Leroux's book that the story is based on. You know what? I loved all 4 versions, probably because I take each version for what it is and don't agonize over trying to compare them. This TV miniseries is one of my favorites of all time - so glad it's on DVD since over the last 10 years we've worn out our VHS copy we taped from TV when it originally aired! The story is good, the Phantom is great, and the singing toward the end is emotional and touching. If you want a good story based on the Phantom story, you won't be disappointed with this show. It's a made-for-TV-movie so of course it's not going to be comparable to a musical stage production,which is OK. It's a very good show!!!

I just wanted to add some more info about this version of the movie. Although it is highly inaccurate (comparing to Leroux's novel) concerning Erik's past before his life as the Phantom, it is the first Phantom movie I have scene that chronicles Christine's past and her lifelong relationship/friendship with her lover with amazing faithfulness to the novel. Well, at least they do this up until she begins her life as an employee at the Paris Opera house. Oh, well. Can't win them all.

Also wanted to add that La Carlotta and her husband are hysterically funny, as is Erik a few times, in this movie. Leroux's Erik has a sense of humor and a beautiful singing voice, two charming qualities that had been continually overlooked in the other movies. (I know, the silent movie with Lon Chaney discusses his lovely voice, but it's a silent movie...bummer. He also wasn't too funny in that one. That one focuses almost solely on the sinister.)

I also like when Christine kisses a maskless Erik on the forehead just like in the novel. That too is a first in the movie versions.

Words can't even describe how much I love this Phantom Of The Opera film! When my mother borrowed it from the library back in 2003, I was a bit skeptical to watch it because before watching this one, the only other one I saw which was in the 90's, was some horror version which I think was Dario Argento's version and it was so boring and the main storyline bored me. I hated it so I wasn't jumping for joy when I saw that my mom had borrowed this 1990 version. I know if I started with the Lon Chaney version, I would have been more excited because even though the Lon Chaney version isn't my favorite, it's a good film and I do like it but at least I've seen it since this 1990 one and that's all that matters. I then just decided and took a chance and watched it and man did I totally fall in love with it!! As a matter of fact, my mom had it for a couple of weeks and I saw it at least once a day until she had to return it. It became this daily thing and then right after she took it back, I ordered my own copy and have now seen it over 100 times and never get bored of it. This is the most romantic, passionate and emotional Phantom Of The Opera I've ever seen!!! Why, this is the most romantic, passionate and emotional movie I've ever seen!! I've seen many other versions since this and no other Phantom or any movie for that matter, could even hold a candle to this masterpiece!!!

Charles Dance, who is now my favorite actor of all time because of this movie, is the best Phantom ever!! Forget Lon Chaney, which I've seen, forget Claude Rains who've I've also seen, forget Michael Crawford (who've I've heard from the cast recording and seen a whole bunch of videos of him from Phantom since 2003 which I know isn't a whole lot but just from what I've heard and seen, I still love Charles the most), Robert Englund and even Gerard Butler who've I've seen too because Charles Dance is the most romantic, passionate, sweetest Phantom ever and no one and I mean NO ONE could ever do a better job than Charles!!! Don't get me wrong, I like all the Phantoms I listed above, I'm just emphasizing how much I really love Charles!!! I didn't even know about Charles Dance until 2003 when I saw this magnificent film!!! The most romantic scene is between Erik and Christine who is played by Teri Polo (Meet The Parents/Fockers) on this picnic and I love everything he says and does and I can't stop watching that scene over and over again. I totally love the clothes he wore during that picnic scene and really impresses me! Why can't there be men out there today that dresses like that? There is also a couple really sad scenes with The Phantom/Charles which I won't give away but I start to cry every time I see them. If I didn't know better, I would say Charles Dance/The Phantom is really in love with Teri Polo/Christine because Charles makes it look like he really loves her especially this one sad part where he's crying that actually makes me cry too, he really makes me feel and see his pain. I just have totally fallin' in love with this movie and Charles Dance as an actor and it's because of this movie and of course Charles' sexy British accent which I totally love, that I've bought other Charles Dance movies that I never saw until I got them.

The Phantom's father Gerard Carriere who is played by Burt Lancaster (Field Of Dreams) is really good also. Just last year, I found out that Burt Lancaster had passed away over 10 years ago from a heart attack and I still feel sad about it because he did a wonderful job as Erik's father and in other movies like Field Of Dreams and it's just so sad knowing that he's not even alive anymore! And in this film, Christines' love is not Raoul but Phillipe who is played by Adam Storke (The Stand). I will say this: If I were Christine, I would have picked Erik because Charles Dance makes him so romantic and passionate and even with the mask on, he is so handsome and the most important parts are his mouth and eyes so I would have definitely picked Charles Dance/The Phantom. Carlotta is very funny is this film also, especially in the Opera scenes, it's so hilarious!

I love the music and the dialog and the singing and even though the singing parts were dubbed, it's amazing. Michèle Lagrange, who did the singing for Christine/Teri Polo has one of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard.

In this film, the following Operas/excerpts were featured:

GOUNOD: Faust
VERDI: La Traviata
BELLINI: Norma

There is this one scene where Christine sings at the Bistro and the Opera piece that Christine sings is called "Par le rang et par l'opulence" from "La Fille du Regiment" (the daughter of the regiment) by DONIZETTI. Hearing these Operas have made me start really getting into Opera and has made me buy real Operas on CD and soon, will have all the Operas on CD that were featured in this film. The Operas sound incredible!

But what really gets me every time in this film is Charles Dance's performance as The Phantom Of The Opera!! I am completely taken by Charles as an actor and there will never be a better Phantom than Charles!! Never!!!

This Phantom film is my all time fav along with the 2004 one but if I had to choose between the two, it's so obvious which one I would ultimately pick: Charles Dance!!! If only I could find a man who dresses the way that Charles/The Phantom dressed during that picnic scene and was as romantic, I would be in heaven!!!

One more thing: This film version actually was filmed in The Paris Opera House in France!

And no one and I mean NO ONE could ever love Charles Dance/The Phantom or wish that they were Christine as much as I do!!! Never!!!

This particular version of Phantom of the Opera ranks as my second favorite... right under the ALW musical of the same name. Given that it was a made for TV miniseries and not a big screen motion picture with a massive budget, that's saying a lot.

While it does have some irksome bits... namely the replacing of Raoul with his elder brother from the original novel, Phillipe, as Christine's love interest (no mention of Raoul is even made, poor guy), and the slightly corny "picnic in the forest scene" in the Phantom's layer... overall it is a wonderful telling of the story.

The cast is masterful, and the musical score truely fitting. The final scene on the roof of the opera house is especially noteworthy in it's depiction of sacrifice and emotion. You won't go wrong with this DVD. It portrays the Phantom as being very human at heart, and has some exceptionally touching moments.

As far as the DVD itself, the only complaint I can make is about the lack of extras (in fact the only extra on the disc is a "trailer" that looks more like a soundtrack-less scene compilation than anything else). But given that it was a TV miniseries that was made well before DVDs, I suppose it should come as no real surprise that there are no cast and crew interviews or gag reels.

All in all, if you are a Phantom fan, buy this. It is a lovely piece of work that I can honestly say (as I myself saw it on TV the first time when I was around 10 years old, and was astounded when I found that it had been released on DVD) you will never forget.

I was a little skeptical when I first got this because everyone had said it was too mushy. However, I am the sappy queen and I fell in love with this movie! I mean, any movie that can actually portray Erik as a good guy is okay by me and this movie did it in spades! It tells about his infancy, his childhood, his life. Plus, you really learn to hate the Raoul type character! He's a player in it! I mean you sit through it just begging for Erik and Christine to get together (or at least I was). Burt Lancaster added an interesting twist as Erik's friend/father. I loved Charles Dance as Erik and even though the lip syncing was pretty bad (all thanks to the flea scene with Carlotta) the singers who did sing were wonderful. Interesting thought though: was it just me or did Erik's voice sound different from when he was singing her to sleep and then when he was singing in his box with her?