The Phantom of the Opera 4K 1998 Ultra HD 2160p

Story Movie

Once upon a time, a basket with a newborn baby floated, swaying, down the dark waters of an underground river. Suddenly, it was caught in a whirlpool that threatened to kill the child, but at the last moment, two black rats came to the rescue. Paris, 1877. Several workers die in strange circumstances in the Grand Opera building. Rumors spread throughout the city about a mysterious force dwelling within the walls of the ancient theater...

Review 4K Movie

I had never seen any film adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera before. I had tried many times to watch Schumacher's 2004 version, but somehow it never worked out. I am also unfamiliar with the original work, which, to my great shame, has spawned so many film adaptations. Therefore, I have nothing to compare Argen's version with.

But even someone as clueless as me understands that this is not a fairy-tale musical with lots of beautiful arias. As always, Argen has gone to great lengths to show the viewer the more down-to-earth, naturalistic, and bloody aspects.

It is more of a horror film, aimed at exposing and revealing human vices and flaws. Widespread lust and debauchery, pedophilia, envy, greed... the contrast between the Phantom, who lives in darkness in the catacombs with his only friends and comrades—rats—and high society, dressed to the nines and attending operas and theaters, is even more striking. The Ghost, a resident of darkness and rat king, despite being subtly portrayed as a maniac in the film (this character is present in all of Argento's films), he is almost the most positive character, a kind of purifier of the ranks, although based on all the facts, he cannot be called worthy and positive, but he immediately wins sympathy. In Argento's “The Phantom of the Opera,” there are essentially no positive characters at all. Even Christina, who is initially likable, subsequently completely destroys any good feelings with her inconsistency, uncertainty, and insincerity.

The film is quite dark, and of course there is music, but it does not draw the viewer's attention. The atmosphere is very good, dark, depraved, and at times a little nasty. I liked Julian Sands and Asia Argento, who gave wonderful performances. Despite its gloominess, The Phantom of the Opera does not suffer from a lack of visual aesthetics. But I still can't call the film good, even though I liked it. It's a peculiar interpretation—a dark, gloomy shell filled with an evil fairy tale, with rare flashes of something bright.