User blog:ShawnCognitionCP/Shocktober: The Phantom of the Opera

Hello, Creepypasta Wiki community, and welcome to Shocktober. Another classic silent film, this one is special, as I am a fan of the source material. Phantom of the Opera with no singing, nor music of any kind, may sound like an odd idea, but I can safely say, it works.

This review is about the 1925 silent film, not any of the other versions



Taking place in the Paris Opera House, Erik, the Phantom that once built the opera house, hears the voice of Christine. Drama ensues as he becomes obsessed with her, going as far as to stalk her, and take.

Now, I won't go into the plot, due to two major reasons. The first being that this plot is extremely spoiler sensitive, and the second being that the changes are best to not be spoiled, and should be experienced first hand.

Even though this movie is based off of Gaston Leroux's 1910 novel Le Fantôme de l'Opéra, I assure you, it is not a carbon copy of the plot. Several key parts, including the end, are completely different from the original tale, making even teh most seasoned fans of The Phantom of the Opera able to enjoy this as a new experience.

Directed by Rupert Julian, this film is not part of a long, success directing career, but it was certainly not part of a failed one. Rupert Julian was actually the first actor and director from New Zealand, making it even more impressive that this film earned two million dollars (USD) in the box office, despite the fact we do not know how much money was put into it.

Now, on to the stars of the film. Erik, the phantom, is played by Lon Chaney (The Hunchback of Notre Dame, father of Lon Chaney Jr), and Christine, played by Mary Philbin (The Man Who Laughs). Lon Chaney's makeup effects were kept a secret from the public until the film's release, which, stunningly, look great.

Sticking out as one of the best produced films of its age, attention to detail and emotion is shown to a great extent.

Nothing wrong with a little Phantom before Halloween.