lilloopyminx (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

No, when her father was dieing he told her an Angel of Music would look after her, and she has simply slipped the Phantom into this role.He gave her tutoring when she came to live at the Opera House as an orphan.

colinmcphan (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Sorry but after listening to this I still have to say Michael Crawford was a far more seductive, sensual, charismatic, mysterious and very human Phantom. Plus Michael can sing and has a wonderful power and aura as the Phantom but still had a wonderful vulnerability that made him the most human Phantom by far. Of course I've seen Michael perform this role and have seen the film once(to my regret)unlike most of the people here.

mercerb67 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

i love the phantom of the opera and michael craford does it perfect

CorkerDoggy2214 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

I could see how people who have read the book and seen the original Erique would have the vision of a charismatic genius, and I agree with you. I think the reason they made him so young and virile in the film was to bring out a more human, more vulnerable and naive aspect as opposed to a monstrous, omniscient ghostly side. Different versions= different characterization, see?

CorkerDoggy2214 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

I think it was to bring out a different, more human side of Erique, rather than his monstrous side, which, of course works. I think he could have been played by an older actor, one that has charisma and an aura of power about him. They chose to go with one with the aura of power, but his charisma is drawn more from his virility. I dunno, somthing like that. Omigod, I'm a nerd. Anyways, there's a good reason for you. I agree with you, this Phantom is pretty cool.

yoodudeeeex3 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

i dont think in the new movie they chose gerard butler casue he was hott i think they chose him cause he was talented. the reason his face isnt as deformed as in the broadway show and in the other ones is because Gerard asked if the deformation could be less cause he thought it took away from the character in this version of POTO and he protrayed him differnetly then many.But i might be wrong idont remember christine being hinted at as blonde i neveer got a hint that she was or wasnt

PilikaStar (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

amazing. Absolutely beautiful

oceanwave92 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Man, Claude Raines looks really short

icelovin101 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

i like the newer beter all u ppl who are critasising it have you rly looked at the newone?

AsFlowingWater (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Christine should be blonde. She is appointed as such in the book, if I'm not mistaken. However, she turned into a brunette in the musical because Webber had written the part for miss Brightman, who had wonderful dark hair XD I don't know why they chose a brunette in the newest movie, but it probably is to recall the first edition of the musical.Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, I've been told this by a friend.