The controversy over Gerard Butler's voice.- Page 4
The controversy over Gerard Butler's voice.
#75my two cents=butler was very well cast
Posted: 12/28/04 at 8:31amAgreed. I think a lot of what I like about Gerard's voice is the acting behind it. I mean, I liked his voice on the soundtrack but when I saw him it fit together and I liked it even more. I thought he was a great phantom.
"They're eating her and then they're going to eat me. OH MY GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!!!!" -Troll 2
#76my two cents=butler was very well cast
Posted: 12/28/04 at 8:45am
"In my humble opinion, Gerald Butler's voice is excellent for the role of the Phantom. He has a rock-style voice sure, but can you honestly tell me you don't feel that rock edge when you hear the first chords of the Phantom's theme. Butler puts passion behind the voice that you can't get from just singing pretty. Raoul couldn't even match the Phantom when they sang, "Anywhere you go let me go too!" Butler feels the essences of the Phantom and his voice portrays it."
Well said, I agree. I admit to some reservations about Butler when I heard he had very little prior singing experience, but when I heard some of the music I was very pleasantly surprised, and pleased with what I heard. Seeing his performance on the screen increased my enjoyment tremendously. Butler is a fine actor, and he's incorporated his singing into that.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
#77my two cents=butler was very well cast
Posted: 12/31/04 at 7:34pm
I completely disagree with anyone that favors Gerard Butler as in the title role of the Phantom. The bottom line is that Gerard can't sing! The whole point in turning a broadway musical into a movie is so we can share the Phantom for many years to come on DVD long after Webber decides to stop touring the Broadway production. I think that it is important to share our thoughts on what a drastic mistake Webber made by casting Gerard as the Phantom. Everything else in the movie at least met my expectations. I do not see Rock-n-roll in Gerard but, what I do hear is KARAOKE. As far as previous Phantoms having a breathy sound when they sing...here is the answer: the Phantom wears a mask that covers his nose...kinda like the mask all the people must be wearing that must cover their ears when they say Gerard sings well. I wish I had ear plugs when I saw this movie. I mean how hard could it have been to find a good looking guy that can sing? Webber only had an entire world with 7 Continents to choose from...Can you honestly say that Gerard sings well and feel good about yourself? Gerard's singing is much worse than a broken chandelier. Butler never deserved the role and I know all of the loyal Phantom fans certainly didn't deserve it either. Thanks for nothing Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber!
Click here to learn more about how Gerard Butler Can't Sing and ruined this movie!
Updated On: 12/31/04 at 07:34 PM
Joshua488
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/29/04
#78my two cents=butler was very well cast
Posted: 12/31/04 at 7:38pm
Gerard was great in the film. Sure, he clearly isn't classically trained, but it seemed to fit the part (despite the fact that he is Christine's vocal teacher). I liked the gruffness (a word?) in his voice. I wish he had some vibrato, however.
If freakin' ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER said he liked Gerard as the Phantom, then obviously, he must be good enough for the part! He WROTE the damn music, so if he's happy with it, then it's all good!
VIETgrlTerifa
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/18/04
#79my two cents=butler was very well cast
Posted: 12/31/04 at 7:39pm
Well, I for one just felt that Butler was incosistent. His voice went from adequete to bad...and there were times where you couldn't understand a word he was saying.
However, Gerald Butler should not be blamed for why this movie wasn't that great. Eventhough I really enjoyed myself, this movie has so many issues that it would not be fair to put the blame soley on Butler. Anyway, he was nice to look at when his mask was on. I mean, seriously, they could have done a lot worse.
"I've got to get me out of here
This place is full of dirty old men
And the navigators and their mappy maps
And moldy heads and pissing on sugar cubes
While you stare at your books."
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
#80my two cents=butler was very well cast
Posted: 12/31/04 at 7:42pmYeah, I guess it could have been worse if they had cast Bart Simpson for the part but, I heard he was too expensive and not available.
#81my two cents=butler was very well cast
Posted: 12/31/04 at 7:50pm
He sounds like "Cookie Monster" when he sings "Point of No Return".
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
#82my two cents=butler was very well cast
Posted: 12/31/04 at 7:57pm
I understand your point but, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber will be regretting his error in judgement when the Box Office returns extremely low ticket sales because of Webber's poor casting. It seems that Webber was reaching for a younger audience. I feel Webber's poor judgement is a similar reflection to George Lucas casting Jar Jar Binks in the Phantom Menace. Again, it was still a good movie but, it would have been so much better withour Jar Jar Binks...the same goes for the Phantom...it would have been so much better without Gerard. This situation also mirrors a corporate environment in which the people that are the least talented and can't perform above expectations are always the ones that always get promoted. Maybe Webber is secretly trying to tell us something by casting Gerard. Afterall, we all make mistakes...don't we? Bottom line: Webber made a mistake and error in poor judgement. What's next? Gerard action figures?
Click here to see how Gerard ruined this movie!
Updated On: 12/31/04 at 07:57 PM
VIETgrlTerifa
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/18/04
#83my two cents=butler was very well cast
Posted: 12/31/04 at 8:06pmDo you really think it's fair that you are completely blaming the casting of Gerard Butler for Phantom's downfall (if you can call that).
"I've got to get me out of here
This place is full of dirty old men
And the navigators and their mappy maps
And moldy heads and pissing on sugar cubes
While you stare at your books."
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
#84my two cents=butler was very well cast
Posted: 12/31/04 at 8:12pmYes, I feel Gerard ruined this film due to his lack of vocal talent and stage presence. The rest of the cast at least met my expectations keeping in mind of course that I am not expecting perfection. I admit that I have some reservation about how the Phantom was portrayed and I noticed the script was re-worked a bit...these things in my mind are at least "acceptable" to me because I understand that this is a movie and I would expect a few differences from the Original Broadway production. Again, Webber had the entire world, 7 Continents to choose from...why didn't he cast a good looking guy that can sing? It just doesn't make any $cents$. At least that is what the Box Office projects. Updated On: 12/31/04 at 08:12 PM
bronxboundexpress
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/15/04
#85my two cents=butler was very well cast
Posted: 12/31/04 at 9:27pmThat's the stupidest webite I have ever seen. Anyone who thinks that Michael Crawford shoul have played the Phantom in 2004 on a movie screen at his age and weight is retarded and needs to open their minds to the world OUTSIDE theatre.
lullabyofbroadway28
Chorus Member Joined: 5/10/04
#86my two cents=butler was very well cast
Posted: 12/31/04 at 9:32pmi loved his voicein the film mainly because he wasnt copycatting other broadway phantoms. he created his own image of how the phantom should sound.
Gothampc
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
#87my two cents=butler was very well cast
Posted: 12/31/04 at 11:16pmThe thing that bothers me the most are the outdoor scenes: we see the fog, we see the snow, BUT we don't see the breath out of their mouths, and if Christine was outside in the snow in those clothes, she would be freezing and damage her voice.
If anyone ever tells you that you put too much Parmesan cheese on your pasta, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
Becky
Broadway Star Joined: 5/14/03
#88my two cents=butler was very well cast
Posted: 1/1/05 at 12:18amI heard the music before I saw the movie, and I did stop for a moment and wonder why there wasn't a little more solid power. After a few rounds of listening - I was drawn to his voice - and after seeing the movie? I loved him. I found him to be very intense, captivating, and completely mesmerizing. He was a strong presence in my opinion - and he conveyed a lot of emotion in his singing. As someone pointed out, there is a lot more to the music than just singing pretty. I felt as if he really sold the songs and the emotions of the Phantom in his voice. I can understand how some may not be able to get past the fact that he doesn't have that "musical theater" sounding voice - or the type of voice that would blow you away. But I found so much to appreciate about his performance that went way above and beyond whether or not his voice soared. I think ALW found something he liked in Butler that he knew would work - and I for one completely fell for the guy. Updated On: 1/1/05 at 12:18 AM
#89my two cents=butler was very well cast
Posted: 1/1/05 at 1:35am
Thank you, Becky. That's the best explaination I've read yet! It's exactly how I feel.
If wee Andy hand-picked Gerard, there had to be a reason for it. After all, it's his musical. I imagine Gerard's is the type of voice he originally wanted for the Phantom. Remember Steve Harley...
Perfect love, perfect sin...there is no perfect anything.
#90my two cents=butler was very well cast
Posted: 1/1/05 at 9:10am
"kinda like the mask all the people must be wearing that must cover their ears when they say Gerard sings well."
Sorry, 42nd Street... I was not wearing any kind of mask when I saw this film and I had no problems with Mr. Butler's voice.
Just because you and the rest of the people in the MC for film Phantom campaign think a mistake was made doesn't mean those who think GB did a good job don't know what we're talking about.
You people have your opinion, we have ours. End of story.
#91my two cents=butler was very well cast
Posted: 1/1/05 at 9:17am
Ok, I'm sure you didn't mean it like this, but can I just point out that not all those who dislike Butler as the Phantom wanted MC to play the role onscreen?
I am NOT a Michael Crawford fan. I think he was an ok Phantom (I have seen better - Dave Willets, for a start, and Colm Wilkinson was pretty good), but that he is far too old now to play the role again.
I don't like Gerard Butler as the Phantom for reasons I have stated previously.
I would have liked to have seen a real musical theatre actor - someone who has recently or is currently playing the role - take the part.
#92my two cents=butler was very well cast
Posted: 1/1/05 at 10:25amInTheMoney -- not sure if you're responding to my message or not, but I do understand that not all those who dislike Butler are not necessarily MC fans. My response to 42nd Street was based on the link he/she posted which went to the recently ressurrected Phantommovie.com site, aka The Michael Crawford Phantom Movie Campaign site.
Becky
Broadway Star Joined: 5/14/03
#93my two cents=butler was very well cast
Posted: 1/1/05 at 2:08pm
Thank you, Becky. That's the best explaination I've read yet! It's exactly how I feel.
You are very welcome 
Also, I know some have a problem with the Phantom being Christine's teacher and not sounding trained himself, but there are a lot of people who are awesome voice teachers who aren't trained. So for me that was never an issue. I also didn't think the Phantom needed to have a polished sounding voice - his sound works for the character - and he was a nice contrast to Patrick's smooth vocals. He worked for me, and I'm sorry some feel differently.
Updated On: 1/1/05 at 02:08 PM
Broadway Star Joined: 12/31/69
#94my two cents=butler was very well cast
Posted: 1/1/05 at 2:56pm
Re: "Just because you and the rest of the people in the MC for film Phantom campaign think a mistake was made doesn't mean those who think GB did a good job don't know what we're talking about."
Happy New Year everyone! I agree that we all see (and hear) things differently and sometimes we have to agree to disagree in an effort to avoid conflict. I appreciate and have enjoyed reading everyone's opinions, thoughts, and views on this thread. In regards to my reply to KEC, I think I may have been misunderstood in reference to the website link that I posted. The justification for the link to the website in question was based solely on the comments made by several critics and newspaper columnist that point out specifics on why Gerard was not well suited for the role. Again, I stress that I am not necessarily suggesting that Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman be recruited for the title role in the movie. However, what I am suggesting...if the role requires a singing voice...why not fill the role with a "Singing Voice"? I agree with another member that stated Webber could have used someone that currently holds the lead title role in the Broadway Production. I think that Webber is better suited for theater than motion pictures. Again, Webber had the entire world to cast from...why pick someone that can't sing? Honestly, what really prompts my contribution to this forum was the "cringe" factor. It seemed that while watching this movie...during certain parts of the Phantom singing I noticed myself "cringing" and at some points holding my hands over my ears. I agree...IT is what it IS. The movie was ok as it IS.
Updated On: 1/1/05 at 02:56 PM
#95Gerry was pretty good....not the best in singing
Posted: 1/1/05 at 8:39pm
Gerry Butler was pretty good. I liked the gruffness of his voice, but at some points he sings like a retard...(NOW, I LOVE GERRY...HIS LOOKS, ACCENT, AND ALL)
A message to Gerard: Stick to action movies and step away from singing especially "Phantom." (I wonder how he sounds singing rock...but that's a different story)
Michael Crawford: I didn't really like his voice...Too airy, etc.
I perfer Michael Heath or HUGH PANARO (HE'S MY FAVORITE)
Back, he spurred like a madman, shrieking a curse to the sky. With the white road smoking behind him and his rapier brandished high! Blood-red were the spurs i' the golden noon; wine-red was his velvet coat, when they shot him down on the highway, down like a dog on the highway, and he lay in his blood on the highway, with the bunch of lace at his throat...
(The Highwayman. Sung by: Loreena McKennitt)
#96Gerry was pretty good....not the best in singing
Posted: 1/1/05 at 10:01pmYou know what? I was like he is not very good like after seeing it..but i bought the soundtrack and I prefer to listen to him over Crawford because he puts A LOT of emotion in it and I actually do enjoy listening to him in A LOT of the songs....he sounds really good most of the time...give him a chance!
and all that I could do because of you was talk of love...
#97Gerry was pretty good....not the best in singing
Posted: 1/1/05 at 10:05pmGerry put a lot of emotion into his singing compared to Michael Crawford...I never said Gerry was bad, just not the best I've heard...And, I too, perfer to listen to the original movie soundtrack over Crawford's version.
Back, he spurred like a madman, shrieking a curse to the sky. With the white road smoking behind him and his rapier brandished high! Blood-red were the spurs i' the golden noon; wine-red was his velvet coat, when they shot him down on the highway, down like a dog on the highway, and he lay in his blood on the highway, with the bunch of lace at his throat...
(The Highwayman. Sung by: Loreena McKennitt)
KTonBway
Swing Joined: 11/2/04
#98Gerry was pretty good....not the best in singing
Posted: 4/5/05 at 1:40pmI agree with Phantomeirk...Gerry's voice was a nice change. MC's vocals always lacked something for me, though he was(and that is not a typo) an impressive vocalist. The fact that some people think that in 2004 MC could have been cast in this movie is LAUGHABLE. He would probably break his hip trying to do some of the menial stunts. And I have heard a recent live performance of him singing "Music of the Night"...sounds to me like he can't do it anymore!
#99Gerry was pretty good....not the best in singing
Posted: 4/5/05 at 1:44pm
I appreciated Butler's performance, musically and dramatically. I feared him at the beginning, and felt for him at the end.
Personally, the movie's real problem is Emmy Rossum. I have many friends who study opera, and I'm sure you all do as well. What she was doing was not opera. To top it all off, her acting was flat and she spoke in hushed tones ad nauseum.
I'm still not sure what they were thinking. Still, she has her fans.
Videos