The Phantom Of The Opera

Movies Forum

My favorite musical show, one of the most beloved of all time and the second longest running show on Broadway (second only to "Cats") is coming to the big screen on December 22.

I didn't waste any time getting my copy of the soundtrack, released a few days ago, and it exceeds my expectations. Andrew Lloyd Webber is a genius. Joel Schumacher produced the film and it is expected to grab numerous awards.

I have seen the live show production five times, have tickets to see it once more next June, and expect to see the movie at least twice this month.

You can see the trailers, some images from the film and hear portions of the soundtrack at http://phantomthemovie.warnerbros.com/

I admit to being a "Phantom Phreak". I've always been a sucker for Broadway musicals, but this one has a certain magic that has no peer. If there are any other "Phreaks" out there, I'd love to discuss with you.

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I liked the POTO, not as much as Cats, but it was good. Who is in the movie?

I like it a lot more than Cats will definitely see this.

Cast:
Gerard Butler .... The Phantom
Emmy Rossum .... Christine
Patrick Wilson .... Raoul
Miranda Richardson .... Madame Giry
Minnie Driver .... Carlotta
Ciarán Hinds .... Firmin
Simon Callow .... Andre
Victor McGuire .... Piangi
Jennifer Ellison .... Meg Giry

hahaha, I didn't even notice Minnie Driver in the list. I guess what AZ said must be true, but I just read she actually has a CD coming out sometime soon..... if it's not already out

Miming Minnie is a Phantom singer

For an actress, Minnie Driver packs a powerful soprano in the new movie version of Phantom of the Opera. But now the secret is out. It's not her voice.

Despite having launched a second career as a singer just three months ago, she mimes throughout the film in her role as the overthetop Latin prima donna, Carlotta.

And as Miss Driver lapped up the plaudits at the premiere earlier this week, the woman who provided the soaring tones that make her sound so impressive was suffering from a severe case of out of sight, out of mind.

Solihull singing teacher Margaret Preece was snubbed for Monday's lavish night out at London's Leicester Square.

"I wasn't invited," she said yesterday. "I was really disappointed. It would have been lovely to be there. I would have adored to walk down the red carpet. I'd even bought a dress. But sadly not. I suppose I'll have to pay to see it in my local cinema."

Mrs Preece, 43, played the part of Carlotta in the West End stage production of Phantom for four years and was delighted to be asked to do the voiceover for the £55million film's soundtrack.

"I couldn't believe it," said Mrs Preece, who also had a walk-on part in the film. "When I was playing Carlotta in the stage show a few years ago there was talk of a film then. I joked about giving my back teeth to be in it but never thought it would happen. Doing the voiceover was the next best thing though - I was like a child in a sweet shop.

"I had a wonderful time. It was great fun working with Minnie. She is launching a solo career as a folk singer but she is not an opera singer and doesn't pretend to be."

Miss Driver embarked on her music career in September after winning a £ 1million deal with EMI. Her album, Everything I've Got In My Pocket, reached number 44 in the charts. She is planning a nationwide tour next year.

A spokesman for the film said: "Because her character is a real diva we needed an opera singer to sing those parts. Minnie is a talented singer but the part called for an operatic voice."

Miss Driver, who based her interpretation of the role on Maria Callas, said of the musical demands: "I could only fake it to a point. I could sing the low stuff, but the high? Forget about it.

"It was like glass breaking and dogs start howling when you are singing up there."

Filmgoers interested in hearing what she really sounds like should not leave the cinema too quickly. She is heard singing as the credits roll.

- Daily Mail

Colm Wilkinson would've been a good choice for the Phantom also. He did the Toronto play. I'm really excited about this movie. The trailers look strong, and I've always loved the music. Can't wait til DVD. I definitely won't be seeing it in the theatres, though. I've already gone out to see the play. It'll make a great addition to the DVD collection.

Colm Wilkinson most definitely would have been a better choice!

I can't wait to see the movie.

Nothing can compare to Michael Crawford's Phantom. Saw it in NY and have the Cd. Good Gracious his voice is the sweetest sound this side of Heaven

IMO I think I wil go put the Cd on now.

Oh I can't wait for the Movie, hope we are not disappointed.
So many times they screw up the movie, fingers crossed XXXX

D

Michael Crawford does have the sweetest voice!

I hope they don't mess the movie up. So many have attempted to make musicals into movies, but I'm usually disappointed that they use screen actors rather than actual musical theater performers. I heard a while ago that they didn't want to go with Broadway legends, such as Crawford, Wilkinson or Sarah Brightman because they've aged. I think most fans would be willing to overlook their maturity just to see them on film in the roles they originated on Broadway or London's west end.

I was very sad to see The Phantom close in Toronto. It had a good, long run.

Aged? Michael; Crawford? I wouldn't care if they had to wheel him in from the nursing home so long as the voice was there. No one IMO can takeover for him.

I may not go and see the show, Now I am depressed. Michael; Crawford Old? WHA!!!WHA!!!!1

D

Michael Crawford is the same guy who used to star in a british comedy where his tagline was, "I'm waiting, for Betty...", isn't he?

I think the show was called, Some Mothers Do 'ave 'Em.

I found this and he did star in that Brit Show Sierra. Lets figure his age and remember I am real senaitve about him and Rod Stewart. Hee Hee

Emerging onto the British show-business scene as a boy soprano, Michael Crawford sang in the choir of St. Paul's Cathedral. Though he made a fleeting film appearance in 1950, Crawford would not become a full-fledged professional until dropping out of high school at age 15. His first important film assignment was the 1958 kiddie-matinee programmer Soap Box Derby. He enjoyed a flurry of film activity in the mid- to late '60s, playing such singing roles as Hero in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1966) and Cornelius Hackel in Hello, Dolly! (1969). The best of his non-musical film appearances during this period was as the fatally ineffectual Goodman in How I Won the War (1967). His British TV-series assignments have included Sir Francis Drake (1962), Some Mothers Do Have 'Em (1974-1979), and Chalk and Cheese (1979). A familiar presence in West End theatrical productions from 1965, Crawford made his musical comedy bow as star of the London production of Barnum!. In 1988, he won a Tony award for his portrayal of the title character in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera. Michael Crawford has since performed the score of Phantom, along with selections from other Lloyd Webber hits, as a solo concert artist. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

D. If he made a fleeting appearance in 1950 and he was a "child " that would make him around 57. tHATS OK. But if he was grown up Uh UH.
Last I saw he was singing The Musiiic of The NIght and he wears a mask. so what difference does it make? We never get to see him really unless he is made up withthe sacrs.

Ilove the music so much.maybe I coul dkeep my eyes shut.
D

It makes no difference to me! Some men become better looking with age. Michael Crawford is one of them!

And his voice is ageless!

To me his voice will always be making the statement, "I'm waiting, for Betty..." Can't help it. The very mention of his NAME sends that quote through my head.

Anyways, back to the movie... I can't wait. I like the girl playing the lead. The lead characters name is Christine, right? I saw that play in '90. Damned if I remember any character's name, but I seem to be able to recall many of the songs, in part or in whole.

I have the tape or CD I will look and see,cause I am like you S, Only remember Phantom and Christine.

Be back in a sec

D

My Cd doesn't list characters but here is original cast:

The Phantom of the Opera (Original 1986 London Cast) [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED]
Sarah Brightman, Charles Hart, Steve Barton, Richard Stilgoe, The Phantom Of The Opera (Related Recordings), Andrew Lloyd Webber, Michael Crawford
nOW WE KNOW AS MUCH AS WHEN WE STARTED.
Phooey.
D

I can't resist a good musical!

I'm going to see it on opening night. I'll just have to pretend that the lead's voice isn't annoying!

It's getting good reviews:

Cool!

Our Local paper had a two page preview in color on Phantom. WOW!!!

Can't wait,bet he lines will be terrible. Cold weather has hit New Or.eans, Crummy thing to happ;en in December.Hee Hee.

All. in ALL it appears that Andrew L Webber is very very pleased.nHMMM

Still would like to hear Michael Crawford, and he is not too old. Its Hollywood itis.
Don''t even have a leading lady to really sing lip Singh ,Hey Schmmiggens, we could do it. Augh but you know Beautiful women don't photograph well remember? Ha Ha.

Merry Christmas friends.

Delta

HI, been a while, soon we will be idoling.

HOpe you guys have a wonderful Christmas.

Glad to hear the Movie was soo good, you were smart to go on line.

I will have to wait to find some simple minded guy to get the idea to take me.

Hmmm I have a date tonight, Maybe he would like to seeit. Hmm

MICHAEL CRAWFORD FOR PRESIDENT

- this movie looks really good. the trailor was excellent!

... to the theater to see POTO for the second time today. This will be followed by a third viewing within the next few weeks and a sixth viewing of the stage production in June.

On a scale of 1 to 10, this movie rates an 11 in my book.

Oh, and pardon the bad pun in the title (assuming you're familiar with the musical score).
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I wonder when people go to the theatre to see an Opera, do they expect the players to talk it?
MAYBE IN POTO they think its a mystery.? Hee Hee

In my opinion thses types should stay home or go watch the Fockers and be entertained like Idiots,. ( sorry the humor in that show is too broad for my liking)

Well one thing is clear, I am wiped out today so will chill and watch old movies.

Take care all.
D

Yes friend sad but true. We are so mature I hate it.

When everything you say is right, there has to be something wrong. Ha Ha.

D

This romantic musical epic is about a mysterious masked figure, Erik (Butler), who roams the undergrounds of 19th century Paris, centering his activity around (or under) the Opera Populaire, where he tutors a beautiful young soprano, Christine (Rossum), who goes on to upstage the city's most famous opera singer, Carlotta (Driver). The Phantom thinks he's found love, until Christine's childhood boyfriend, Vicomte de Chagny (Wilson) shows up.
Release Date: December 22nd, 2004 (limited release).
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for brief violent images.
Distributor: Warner Bros.

I went to Amazon and bought Phanthom won't be in until first week in May so while there I also got Shall we Dance with Richard Gere and that J somebody.

And I bought Michael Bublea the Canadian singers Cd. If you would give me a private email in a pm to me I will forward this Crooners songs to you. Theway it is sent them to me, but after Iheard him sing I just had to have his Cd.

Let me know, cause if youlike Sinatra and Nat King Cole you should really dig this new young man from Canada.

D

IN fact I am going to go see if I can find Michael Crawfords POTO, I couldn't on Amazon. Strange they only have this Gerry( what guy spells Jerry with a G,no offense hee hee)

Do you know where I can find it?

D

I found the movie to be very disappointing. The only real talent I saw was the person who played Christine. Listening to the guy who played the phantom was like absolute torture. I couldn't wait for the movie to end. I will treasure my memories of seeing the musical live on stage.

It's a shame that the actress who played Christine had to be cast alongside the others in this film. She is the movie's only redeeming quality. Of course, that's just my opinion.

Of course, you're right, AZIdolfan.

The Phantom, although I enjoy the musical, has never been on my list of favourite musicals. I am too much of a critic when it comes to making movies out of musicals. I am almost always disappointed when I see that the movie is nothing in comparison to what is captured on live stage.

I would have gone to see it again and again, but it closed its decade long run in Toronto a couple of years ago. I hope it won't stay away too long. And Sarah brightman and Michael Crawford; I would have given my right arm to see them, too.

The people I know who have seen the movie have conflicting opinions on it. Some people, like die hard Phantom Phreaks, think I'm crazy for hating it, but some people are right there with me. It is absolutely a matter of personal taste and opinion.

Being a die hard Les Miserables Freak, I'm sure if they made a movie out of the actual musical, I would find many things to love about it, simply because it's my favourite.

You've seen it six times on stage? I would definitely say you have more of a love for the Phantom than I ever will.

The Phantom of the opera is my favorite musical and the Phantom is one of my favorite characters of all time, it is also one of the worlds favorite musicals, but what is it that makes the Phantom as loved as it is?

To be honest, I just liked the music, and that's saying a LOT because generally you can't GET me to see a play. I usually can't stand the theatre. It's just not my thing.

I'll go see Showboat, Cats, and I've already seen the Phantom. But I don't know if I'd bother to see any others. Even with the way Hollywood actors seem to be trying to show their "credibility" by headlining in plays on Broadway, basically stealing roles away from strictly-stage actors...

Maybe the play's allure is because it can be frightening, and that's an interesting exploration for a stage play?