Watch Phantom of the Opera

The Phantom of the Opera is a 1925 silent horror film directed by Rupert Julian and starring Lon Chaney, Mary Philbin, and Norman Kerry. It is widely considered to be one of the greatest horror films of all time, as well as Chaney's most iconic screen portrayal. The film follows the story of a disfigured and deformed composer, known only as the Phantom, who lives underneath the Paris Opera House. His hideous appearance has driven him to madness and he has become a recluse, obsessed with creating the perfect opera. He falls in love with a young singer named Christine Daaé, but their love is forbidden by her suitor Raoul de Chagny.

The film opens with the Paris Opera House preparing for a new season. The strained relationship between the retiring opera diva Carlotta and the new young singer Christine is quickly established. Shortly after, strange events begin to occur - a light falls and nearly kills Carlotta during a performance, and a chandelier crashes onto the stage during a rehearsal.

During a performance of Gounod's "Faust," Carlotta becomes ill and Christine is given the opportunity to step in. She delivers a stunning performance and earns the admiration of the audience and the affection of Raoul. However, after the show, Christine is abducted by the Phantom and taken to his underground lair.

The Phantom reveals himself to Christine and professes his love for her. He offers to train her and help her become a great singer, but in exchange, she must never see Raoul again. Christine eventually escapes from the Phantom's grasp and returns to the Opera House.

The Phantom becomes increasingly agitated and vengeful, sabotaging performances and causing chaos throughout the theater. The climax of the film takes place during a performance of the Phantom's own opera, in which he appears on stage disguised as the Red Death. The story ends with a dramatic, tragic finale, leaving the audience with a sense of awe at the spectacle they have just witnessed.

The film remains a classic to this day, loved for its innovative cinematography, memorable characters, and incredible set design. Lon Chaney's portrayal of the Phantom, utilizing intricate makeup and prosthetics to achieve his gruesome appearance, is nothing short of astounding. His performance is haunting and brings a deeply disturbing element to the film.

The Phantom of the Opera is also notable for its incredible use of color. Although the majority of the film is black and white, select scenes are tinted blue, pink, or red for maximum impact. The climactic sequence, in which the Phantom appears on stage in his Red Death costume, is particularly striking due to the use of bold red coloration.

Overall, The Phantom of the Opera is a classic horror film that has stood the test of time. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its quality and the talent of its cast and crew. It remains a must-see for anyone interested in the history of horror cinema, as well as anyone looking for a thrilling and atmospheric film experience.

Phantom of the Opera is a 1925 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.