"Phantom" test screening: my review

[Rose_MacShane]

Posted: 9/29/04 at 12:31am

A little backstory: On Sunday I went to the movies and there were some people offering moviegoers the chance to see a free test screening of "Phantom of the Opera" and, of course, I jumped at the chance. I literally just got back and it...is...WONDERFUL!!
I don't want to give away too much, nor am I a huge fan of the show, but I absolutely loved it. The movie opens in grainy black-and-white in Paris, 1920s, at the Opera House during the auction. When the time comes to light the chandelier, the theater explodes with sound as the overture blares over the speakers. As the chandelier rises, the theater is resetored to the beauty it had in its heyday, all in rich color.
Gerard Butler is an amazing Phantom (and really hot to boot!). He plays the role a little more gruffly, but I really liked the interpretation (and I've never been a huge fan of Michael Crawford) Big plus: He never gets whiny, like a lot of Phantoms have. Emmy Rossum is a superb Christine. She has a beautiful voice and really captures the character.
Honestly, I can't pick a favorite song. They were all great. But my highlights were probably "All I Ask Of You" (so sweepingly, epicly romantic) "Point of No Return" (oh man, if you thought it was sexy onstage, you will be blown away!) and the overture. I was curious to see how they would do it on screen and I must say, pairing the restoration of the Opera House with the music was awesome.
I went with a friend who isn't really into musicals, and he said, "It was all right," which from him is GLOWING praise concerning a musical. I can elaborate on anything you want to know, but like I said, I didn't want to give too much away. If there's something you want to know, just ask. I can't wait until it's released proper!

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 9/29/04 at 12:33am

Great! I'm so excited. How was Patrick Wilson as Raoul?

[Rose_MacShane]

Posted: 9/29/04 at 12:35am

He made me melt. Soooo cute...and a great voice too. What more does a girl need?

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 9/29/04 at 12:38am

Glad to hear it; he's got some voice.

[musicalmjk]

Posted: 9/29/04 at 12:39am

now we all know what the movie to see this december is.

[Type_A_Tiff]

Posted: 9/29/04 at 12:43am

Awesome. What's Masquerade like??

[kec]

Posted: 9/29/04 at 12:44am

Please, where was this test screening done? London?

Thanks for sharing.

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 9/29/04 at 12:48am

EEEEK. God, I wish it was me that went. I CAN'T WAIT!!!!

[Rose_MacShane]

Posted: 9/29/04 at 12:51am

kec: The screening was in Denver, Colorado. Considering its test-audience nature, I wouldn't be surprised if it makes its way around the US and England.
Type_A_Tiff: I actually thought "Masquerade" was a little flat. The ensemble were costumed in black and white (the principals wore more elaborate, colorful costumes) but I think they did that to make the Phantom stand out more when he entered. The Red Death costume was cool--not quite as cool as the stage one, though. They toned down the mask; it didn't cover his entire head. It was a half-mask, reminiscent of a skull. And the suit was a little more streamlined; less frilly, but kind of sexy. Different, but still really cool.

Updated On: 9/29/04 at 12:51 AM

[musicalfandukie]

Posted: 9/29/04 at 12:51am

wow thanx for sharing. it sounds really awesome! i can't wait:)

[Chote887]

Posted: 9/29/04 at 12:52am

What is the exact date it comes out?

[musicalmjk]

Posted: 9/29/04 at 12:57am

http://imdb.com/title/tt0293508/releaseinfo
here's a release date list

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 9/29/04 at 1:03am

Why do we have to get it so late. EEEEEEERG.

[EvelynNesbit1906]

Posted: 9/29/04 at 1:12am

>>now we all know what the movie to see this december is.<<

Yes, The Aviator. :)

[musicalmjk]

Posted: 9/29/04 at 1:13am

I found another source that says it the 22 of December. I dont know when it is now

[apdarcey]

Posted: 9/29/04 at 1:19am

sung-through???? PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE!!!!!!!!

[Plum]

Posted: 9/29/04 at 1:20am

Huh. I'm surprised AICN hasn't posted a review if test screenings are starting. Glad you liked it, though. I'm still torn over whether to see this movie- on the one hand I want to support all movie musicals on principal so more get made. But on the other hand...well, it's The Phantom of the Opera. Ick. So I'll keep waiting for those reviews, I guess.

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 9/29/04 at 1:23am

Plum, it is not a bad idea to give it a shot. Who knows........you might become a fan afterwards

[PhantomAngel777]

Posted: 9/29/04 at 1:29am

So Gerry was good?

I am really excited to hear him sing...and am going crazy wanting to know how he sounds.

Oh...and..did you hear the song, "No One Would Listen"?

[Plum]

Posted: 9/29/04 at 1:30am

Like I said, I'll wait for the reviews. My predominant memories of seeing it the theater are, "Gee, these seats are far away" and "Disfigured stalkers are not romantic." But I could change my mind.

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 9/29/04 at 1:31am

LOL.........oh, plum. What am I to do with you?

[Rose_MacShane]

Posted: 9/29/04 at 1:36am

Well, the reason that AICN hasn't posted a review might be because Denver was the first city to see it. At least that's what they told us. I'm sure they say that to every audience.
And what song is "No One Would Listen"? It's not ringing a bell.

[Plum]

Posted: 9/29/04 at 1:45am

Yeah, it's just that AICN usually has their little informants everywhere. Hey, if you want you can probably write up a review for them.

[PhantomAngel777]

Posted: 9/29/04 at 1:46am

"And what song is "No One Would Listen"? It's not ringing a bell. "


It's supposed to be a new song that the Phantom sings at one point in the movie. Or....they may have just stuck it in at the credits.

So Gerry's acting was good...is there anyones voice you can compare his singing to?

Sorry to be so flighty and such a bug...but I'm really excited and happy to hear its so wonderful. :)

[MeGustaJake]

Posted: 9/29/04 at 1:49am

"No One Would Listen" is the new song written by Webber FOR the movie. It may have been over the credits...

...I have a few questions for you!

1) Can you go to: https://homepage.mac.com/leonardo.ubeda/Phantom/PhantomMovie.html and click on "Downloads"? There is a clip of "All I Ask of You" sung by Rossum and Wilson. Its rumored to be an audition tape, can you tell us whether or not thats true? (aka is that what was heard in the film?)

2) What do you feel was the best scene in terms of comparison to the play? In other words, what really stood out in your mind about the film that wasn't as effective in the play? (Does that make sense?)

and

3) How do you feel Phantom's chances are at Oscar? In all categories (art direction, cinematography) as well as acting...

...Anything else you can tell me about Rossum? I love her