Night 19: ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ (1925)

Based on the Gaston Leroux novel –and far from the romanticized version made popular by the Lloyd Webber musical-, this silent version of the tale narrates the events of a mythical monster called ‘The Phantom’ (Lon Chaney) whom terrorizes the Opera of Paris while protecting and tutoring the young and talented Christine Daae (Mary Philbin).

After she gains recognition for her skills, the creature can’t accept the relationship of his protégée with her childhood friend, Raoul (Norman Kerry), and decides to kidnap the girl, demanding her love in exchange of his life.

‘The Phantom…’ tells a story we know by heart, but adding real horror with Lon Chaney’s self-designed and absolutely horrifying make-up, as well as some eerie scenes achieved mostly through a great play of shadows and light.

The movie also benefits from some really beautiful and lush sets –some of which, according to legend, are still standing, and also haunted by Chaney himself!-, and a more naturalistic style of acting than some of the other films of the time.

While the version we are more familiar with looks at The Phantom with pity, this one does put the spotlight on the unspeakably cruel acts he commits without shying away from it. Still, the hint of sympathy is there, but it’s flawed. There’s a detachment between the gesture and the words of the monster. The former are sometimes heartbreakingly tragic, yet his speeches are often harsh and full of cruelty.

Still, society doesn’t come out unscathed. The movie offers a truly chilling ending where the spitefulness of the mob is shown in all of its equally disturbing fury.

This version definitely explores the horror of the creature, so although it can feel a little long or familiar, just the cadaverous image of Lon Chaney alone will be more than enough to fuel your nightmares.

Grade: 7/10. Will have you singing Chaney’s praises!

Scare Factor: some haunting images.

Gore/violence: nothing too graphic.

Nudity/sexual situations: none.

Next: ‘Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer’ (1986)