cinema history class: the phantom of the opera

Session: Music, Madmen and Monsters, Week 1
Movie: Phantom of the Opera (1962)
Directed by Terence Fisher

As always, there may be spoilers here. And the trailer may be NSFW and/or NSFL

Plot:
An opera seems to be cursed by setback after setback. Meanwhile, the music publisher behind the opera is using his influence in Harvey Weinsteinian ways. Hilarity ensues.

Reaction:

I had relatively low expectations going in. Some of the other guys in the class (including my son) love Hammer Films, and this kind of film is definitely in Joe's wheelhouse. But I'm not as into them as they are. There are a lot of these gothic-feeling brightly-colored movies from the late '50s to early '60s that, for me, blend into each other.* Fortunately, this one didn't take place in a castle, so there was hope. But this definitely beat my expectations.

Herbert Lom is a sympathetic phantom, whose misery stems from the artistic theft comitted by Lord Ambrose, portrayed as a prissy Michael McKean by Michael Gough. Gough steals the show, which is a big part of the movie's success. 

I was particularly interested in the flashback scene in which we witness the Phantom's injury. As a result of earlier exposition, we already know what happens, and yet the scene managed to maintain its suspense. And, while we're on the topic of suspense, I loved the way the movie, in its final scene, teases us with the possibility of seeing the Phantom's face. He removes the mask, showing it to Ambrose -- the man who wronged him years ago -- but still keeps it hidden from the movie's audience. But in the end, our curiosity is satisfied in a theatrically-perfect reveal.

As a bonus, this version of Phantom, features what could be cinema's best ever sewer fight scene. In the age of Covid-19**, I wonder if they washed their hands first.

Ratings:

Me: 9
Dave: 10
Ethan: 9

*Sssshhhhh! Don't tell Keith or Joe!
**As an aside, you can sing "Covid-19" to the tune of "Come On Eileen"