Review of The Phantom of the Opera (1925) by Jonathan P — 12 Dec 2012

Rupert Julian's adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera is probably the most famous adaption of Gaston Leroux's novel, right after Joel Schumacher's adaption from 2004. For those who don't know the story: It's a horror film set in a Opera House in Paris, which is haunted by a phantom, who's name is Erik (Lon Chaney). By haunting, means causes accident's that kills people. He's uncatchable, because of all the secrets room that only he has access to. But one day he falls for the young opera star, Christine, whom he kidnaps, and brings to his cave underground.

Lon Chaney was at his time the most metamorphic actor. He was known as the man with a thousand faces. There was even a saying that said "Watch out for that spider, it might be Lon Chaney". He was his times Johnny Depp to put it simpler. But we know that Johnny Depp is gonna be remembered for a long time, after his death. That was not the case with Lon Chaney, who died in an age of 47. Having appeared in only one sound film, made it difficult for him to be remember, and much of his work was lost. But he will for always be remembered for his grotesque makeup job in The Phantom of the Opera. A face that burns our eyes even to date. Thumbs up.