The Phantom of The Opera (1925)

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http://dailybruin.com/2010/10/28/a_more_organic_take_on_phantom_of_the_opera_/

UNIVERSAL PICTURES Actors Lon Chaney and Mary Philbin play Erik the Phantom and Christine Daae, respectively, in the 1925 silent film, “Phantom of the Opera.” The vintage classic film will be featured at Royce Hall Saturday night at 8 p.m.

On a dark night at an opera house in Paris a seven -ton chandelier fell, leaving audience members dead. This classic, memorable scene is one you would recognize from the movie “The Phantom of the Opera,” staring legendary actor Lon Chaney in one of his most memorable roles This picture was originally released to theaters on November 15, 1925, Ninety-one years ago. An adaptation of a French novel by Gaston Leroux, the film is about a young opera singer named Christine Daae and the disfigured phantom, Erik. His plan is to make her the star of the opera. Later on the Phantom kidnaps her and insists that she marry him or he will kill her friends and l lover, named Raoul. Faced with the decision to either marry the Phantom or lose her friends, Christine chooses the marriage. Touched by her selfless choice, he unexpectedly lets her go. However, the town folk had enough of his torment, so they decide to track down the phantom and kill him. They find his hideout and the chase begins. He steals a horse-drawn buggy and the people chase him down and corner him.

This motion picture was made before films had sound, so they had to rely on music and the actors’ facial expression and body language. Overall this is a great film and a must-see for any fan of horror and classic cinema. From Chaney’s excellent makeup to the detailed and ornate sets, all the enjoyably details are what makes this film so great. In a time where horror movies are full of jump-scares, here is movie that will give you chills based on its atmosphere alone.