Phantom of the Opera (1943)

Jaw Dropping Amazing!
 A marvelous performance by Claude Rains with a production that just screams extravagant. I loved the silent version with Lon Chaney, but Claude Rains really makes Erique Claudin his own. Especially since in this version we see how Erique becomes the phantom making our connection to the character that much greater and that much tragic when we see the finale. Everyone in this cast has great moments. Everyone has their own appeal and stands out in a memorable performance.

Now I'm not the type of guy who will enjoy opera, but this film has three or four actual opera scenes with the actors playing on the stage. Surprisingly the opera scenes were very engaging. They also show what the characters are doing during the opera scenes to make their pursuits much more intense. Like the scene with all the ropes hanging down when the baritone is chasing the phantom. Or the infamous scene where the phantom takes down the chandelier during a nail biter performance.

I was surprised that they dedicated a good chunk of the movie to allow the audience know the man before he became the phantom, it was a very smart move. It made me feel so much more for this tragic tale, but this film also had a great balance with comedy. Christine throughout the film has attracted three men to fall in love with her. One being the phantom, one being a policeman, and the other a baritone working for the opera. Whenever the policeman and the baritone are on screen together its hysterical how each one are trying to sway Christine to fall in love with them but they keep doing every thing the same way at the same time that makes their comedy scenes priceless.

I'm not sure if I can really express how much I loved this film, but if your a fan of Phantom of the Opera, anything French, or want a great solid movie that will move you I'd say go watch this right now. It may not be as monstrous as Universal's iconic movie monsters, but it really shows you the monsters of humanity through great suspense, acting, sets, everything makes you believe how big this story really is.

RECOMMENDATION: High