JULIAN SANDS AS THE PHANTOM

Julian Sands brings something different to the role of the Phantom. Normal on the outside, but definitely insane, he was raised by rats after being abandoned. He seems to have picked up psychic powers from the rats, a gift one supposes, for protecting them. He even identifies with the rats in a family manner and when he does go after his love, it is with a passionate, animalistic intent.

This Phantom even reacts in a primitive manner to threats. He does not kill to protect himself so much as he kills to eat. It is odd that he would be attracted to a human woman perhaps, but he speaks to Christine of his dual nature. He is both a rat and a man. She has brought out his humanity, and he takes her underground to be his mate. He does try to assume an air of gentleness and patience with her, and he often succeeds, despite her childish goading. The Phantom even fights to the bitter end to keep her, and then gives up his own life to save her.

Christine here played by Asia Argento is wild in her own right. She is willful and downright bratty, throwing spectacular fits when she doesn’t get her way. She declares her love to both men, but leaves the Phantom after his violent assaults win her the leading role. Her performance on stage leaves something to be desired however, and the operatic scenes are unconvincing. The musical score of the film although beautiful seems to be an afterthought here, a shameful surprise from the usually meticulous Argento.

In a way, it is a shame that Argento dared to call the movie Phantom of the Opera. The storyline is nothing at all like Leroux’s novel, it only limps twelve paces behind. There is also an overbalance of humor, which makes any of the true dramatic moments seem ridiculous. The only thing that works is the high level of violence that Argento fans expect. The Phantom is good in his own right, but he hardly gets more than a rough sketch. He is bizarre for the sake of being bizarre and little else. This film may end up being a cult classic, but the fact that so few people seem to know about it should serve as fair warning.

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