The Phantom of the Opera (1989) Reviews

The Phantom of the Opera (1989)
Member Rating:  
Gaston Leroux's classic tale of love and suspense gets a face-lift in this horror story loosely adapted from Leroux's novel. Christine (Jill Schoelen) is a young classical vocalist who, in the midst of performing a recently discovered piece by an obscure composer, is struck on the head by a sandbag and wakes up in London in 1884. Eric Destler (Robert Englund) is a composer who is desperate to succeed -- so much so that he sells his soul to the devil in exchange for writing songs that people will love. However, the devil adds a twist to the bargain by horribly scarring Eric's face, which can only be disguised by flesh from a living victim. Living below the London Opera House, Eric works night and day on his music; when he hears Christine's voice he falls in love, he and lures her to his lair. Eric decides that Christine is the perfect woman to sing his music; he coaches her to a perfect interpretation of his work, and he kills anyone who stands between her and success. Future Saturday Night Live star Molly Shannon made her film debut in a small role in the film's modern day sequences. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Starring:
Robert Englund, Jill Schoelen, (more)
Director(s):
Dwight H. Little
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Average Ratings

(8 member reviews)  

Member Reviews

Jimmie C.

I'm a Phantom of the Opera fan but could not stand this slasher, demented production. They ignore the sensitive, beautiful things usually inherent in this story and concentrate solely on the debased. Will always be more careful in the future before I grab disc of Phantom! This one should go in the trash can.

Yes   |   No


Melanie B.

this is my favorite version of phantom... by far. i am a horror fan, though... if you're not, you probably won't appreciate this version of the classic story. robert englund was magnificent, as always and i absolutely adore the soundtrack (of course.) it's definitely a great film in its own right... even if it does change the phantom story.

Yes   |   No


Dena G.

I'm a huge fan of Andrew Lloyd Weber's musical and new movie and wanted to see some of the earlier interpretations of this story. This is definitely a much bloodier and gorier version of the story but it was still interesting to see how this one was done.

Yes   |   No


Sandra M.

Though it's a huge offset from the more popular Andrew Lloyd Webber storyline, I really liked this version for it's uniqueness. The time-travel aspect appealed to me as did the music. While definitely a gorier version of the film, I think it provides a unique perspective of the story and Robert Englund is ALWAYS amazing.

Yes   |   No


Ann S.

I hated this movei!!! dont wast your time!! and especialy dont watch it if you havnt seen Andrew lloyd webber's version yet!

Yes   |   No


Alex A.

Comparing this movie to Lloyd Webber work is wrong and absurd. All latest Phantom productions are based on, what I call, Disney version of this book. It is a bit dark and a bit dramatic with love and hope and at the end, the good wins. The original Phantom story is violent, evil and just plain scary. This adaptation is much closer in spirit and contest to the original book. It is not being twisted on its head to confirm to the Hollywood cheerfulness. The music score and singing in this movie is incredible. Movie is dark and violent but it shows true real human nature and how vulnerable we are to life temptations.

Yes   |   No


Rosemarie H.

Totally agree with a previous review...was not expecting bloody and graphical violence for this story since I know the Weber musical and have seen a much older film. I turned it off after half an hour.

Yes   |   No


Mabel C.

Is a bloody movie but if you think the facts are very understandable, some people would give their souls just to get fame and money and I believe it is very realistic and most of the people that he killed is because in one way or another they deserved it. Love and music are forever enjoy this movie. Something was missing to be perfect I hope the new version could have that.

Yes   |   No


 
 
 

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    Member Reviews
    Read all (8)
     
    Jimmie C.

    I'm a Phantom of the Opera fan but could not stand this slasher, demented production. They ignore the sensitive, beautiful things usually inherent in this story and concentrate solely on the debased. Will always be more careful in the future before I grab disc of Phantom! This one should go in the trash can.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Melanie B.

    this is my favorite version of phantom... by far. i am a horror fan, though... if you're not, you probably won't appreciate this version of the classic story. robert englund was magnificent, as always and i absolutely adore the soundtrack (of course.) it's definitely a great film in its own right... even if it does change the phantom story.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Dena G.

    I'm a huge fan of Andrew Lloyd Weber's musical and new movie and wanted to see some of the earlier interpretations of this story. This is definitely a much bloodier and gorier version of the story but it was still interesting to see how this one was done.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 8 Reviews
       

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