Charles Dance as the Phantom

Dance is much younger than his predecessors. His Phantom has an air of nervous agitation, restlessly stalking Christine before he approaches her. He even stutters and seems unsure of himself at their initial meeting, an interesting interpretation indeed. He still write notes to the new management, as Dad is no longer around to protect him. His lack of his father’s presence seems both to have given Erik his adulthood in that he seeks Christine, but to have increased his brooding solitude as well. He is kindly disposed to the worker of the opera, and only kills those that enter his sanctum.

This Phantom is also child-like in the antics he pulls. He drops a trunkful of rats on Carlotta, for example, and places scratching power in her wig. This gives him a definite appeal to younger viewers, who won’t find him that frightening. The cold-blooded attitude of Leroux’s Phantom is gone here, perhaps in part because of the original airtime. Even when this Phantom is in a rage, his gentle attitude is still present. Sadly, he desires release at the end of the film, and allows himself to be shot. Christine them has enough nerve to kiss him, which makes the scene all the more touching.

Teri Polo who brings a charming country air to the role plays Christine. She trusts Erik not only because of his gentleness, but because it is in her nature to trust people. She seems to be fond of him, and certainly respects him as her teacher. She is also kind to Carlotta who treats her cruelly, and loves Raoul although he has conquered most of the Opera females. Too bad she doesn’t choose the best for herself and escape with Erik.

The rest of the cast is also enjoyable. Carlotta and her husband make perfect bumbling villains. Erik’s father watches over his son the best he can, and Raoul is the typical over-indulged rich boy. But these roles support and underscore Erik and Christine love; often tearing down the fragile bond they build towards one another. The costumer chose a black over mask for Erik and created beautiful costumes of the Opera cast. The set tones are beautiful and the dominating tones of sand and gold mixed with beige give an opulence of their own to the film.

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