The Phantom of the Opera (based on a novel of the same name) is the story of an 'Opera ghost' and his reign of terror at a Parisian theatre. the film opens in the early 20th century, many years after the disastrous events that overtook the operahouse, with the auctioning off of goods from the theatre, attended by Mme Giry. As they bid for the lots, their memories drift back in time and, in a manner reminiscent of Titanic, the theatre returns to its former glory, heralded by the stirring, almost discordant, tune of The Phantom of the Opera.
Young Christine replaces the tempestuous carlotta as lead to the surprised delight of the crowds and the theatre's new owners - she is the secret protege of the Phantom, whom she believes to be the 'Angel of Music' sent by her deceased father. The infatuated Vicomte, alarmed by her sudden disappearance after the show, begins his own investigation whilst the new owners try to overturn what they believe is just silly theatrical superstitions.
Christine finds herself in the centre of a love-triangle between the Vicomte and the Phantom, at one point leading to a sword fight in a graveyard, and caught up in a clash between the theatre owners and the Phantom over both the Phantom's unofficial position in the theatre and his determination that Christine take the lead. With police brought in to guard against the Phantom's threats and tensions mounting, it is clear that the unspecified disaster is rapidly approaching the Opera.
With his demands unmet, the Phantom strikes, causing death and destruction. As flames engulf the theatre above, the Phantom carries off Christine with the Vicomte in close pursuit as their tug of love reaches a climax. Then we return once more to the elderly Vicomte as he travels once again to the graveyard for a touching denouement.
Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical is wonderful, the songs touching upon every emotion from the hunorous to the serious and the sublime. Of course, that is the key point: The Phantom of the Opera is a musical and your reaction will largely depend upon your reaction to the songs. but the film itself is a triumph with lavish settings that capture the grandeur of the Parisian operahouse. The singing and acting are all eminently suitable. indeed, there is but one single criticism that I can aim at the entire production: the Phantom's face is not nearly deformed enough to provoke the terror and disgust that is meant to have kept him hidden away. Yet, that is barely noticeable as you are absorbed in this gorgeous audiovisual feast!