Movie released 20 years ago today

A FB poster mentioned that the movie came out 20 years ago today. Can’t believe it has been that long. I still remember the impact that first viewing made on me. The performances, especially Butler’s Phantom, connected emotionally for me, especially when unmasked during the Point of no Return and the Final Lair scenes. I felt the torment of someone so gifted yet also cursed in the most horrible way. Emmy Rossum’s Christine perfectly conveyed her confusion and conflicting emotions. Patrick Wilson was a fine, dashing hero whose deep feelings for Christine redeemed a character who could have been shallow.

I also love the spectacle of the film. Visually it was dazzling. Finally, I enjoyed the singing by all three leads. Could Butler have performed it successfully on Broadway? No, but his acting through singing was perfect for the screen. His singing was emotionally rich if not technically perfect. Emmy Rossum’s singing was emotionally pure. No, she’ll never be a Met soprano but she didn’t need to be for Phantom. Patrick Wilson could perform in a musical on stageand has won a Tony for The Full Monty.

I wish the film had been released for a 20th anniversary celebration so I could once again see it on the big screen. I will have to content myself with watching the Blu Ray.