Review of The Phantom of the Opera (1925) by Cameron H — 02 Jul 2017

Most silent films fall victim to the passing of time, not only because of lack of technology, but also what I might argue as a period of lack of creativity in exploiting what is possible in film. That is why Citizen Kane, a good 14 years since recorded sound was introduced to film, is still hailed as such a masterpiece.

So anyway, Phantom of the Opera is no exception, but it's one of the best silent movies I have so far seen. It fits the German expressionist movement with the shadowy lairs of a "haunted" opera house and the grotesque makeup of the title character, played by Lon Chaney Sr.

Is he hammy? You bet, but also tender and frightened enough that the ham sent some genuine, sympathetic chills through my spine. And these days, the story of the Phantom of the Opera is so iconic that it's near refreshing to see it here, at a time of relative unfamiliarity.

Great direction. Favourite moments: The reveal of the Phantom's face, played as a halfway plot twist; the Hall of Mirrors-turned-fire/noose death chamber, agony combating with visual delusion; and my definite highlight -- a water killing that foreshadows modern horror, I kid you not.

Someone comes looking for his brother in the Phantom's lair. The Phantom sneaks towards his boat through the use of a snorkel, then drags the guy into the water, never to be seen again. I wish the whole movie were that brilliant as cinema, but there isn't a weak scene, not even the ending that was little more than justice served.

Up 1/2 star for serving as permanent excuse never to see Andrew Lloyd Webber's version.