Review of The Phantom of the Opera (1925) by Peter C — 30 Oct 2009

Lon Chaney is a master of acting, his portrayal of the Phantom is one of the classics in the film universe. That being said, He carries this entire movie. Well not just him I suppose, I mean the sets are spectacular. I feel when Im watching this movie that it is the first real BIG budget horror film. The soundtrack and the colorization of the masque ball is tremendous, I really would have to say that it is probably one of the most important films in history.

The film takes place in the 1880's in France, we see the opening of the season for the Paris opera house where they are showing Faust. There are murmurs back stage about the mysterious Phantom of the Opera, who is seen briefly throughout the opening of the movie. The Phantom, who is played by Lon Chaney, becomes intrigued with an actress by the name of Christine. Christine unmasks the Phantom in a scene which is filmed and scored spectacularly. The scene, from what I understand, is filmed just so when he is unmasked the crowd would scream!

What we have here is an instant classic in cinema. The movie isn't scary at all, by today's standards, but it does have a really eerie soundtrack. The makeup used in the film is quite scary though. The Phantom being unmasked is really built up with great anticipation to see his mug. I really reccomened this movie to anyone who wants to see early cinema at its best. On the scare-o-meter I would have to give this a 6/10. The saving factors being the acting, storytelling, and soundtrack.

Phantom of the Critics.

Sid.