Awesome Adaptations is hosted by Picture Me Reading, and is a focus on book-to-movie adaptations that we think are awesome! Today’s topic is an awesome audio adaptation. I have to confess that I am not 100% sure what this topic means, but I assume it means a musical, as I decided to go with a favorite!
Aside from Disney movies or those featuring the Muppets, The Phantom of the Opera may have been the first musical I fell in love with. The 2004 movie entranced me so much and quickly became one of my favorite movies for quite a time, and seeing Phantom of the Opera on Broadway also became a top priority for my bucket list. Fortunately, I was able to fulfill this as a sophomore in college. I was in New York for a trip with my church’s college group, and on our free day a group of friends and I grabbed tickets and headed off to see it!
I was undoubtedly freezing while this picture was being taken, but also quite excited! And the year after I saw the musical, my favorite American Idol contestant of Season 7 (AKA the winner!) David Cook did an amazing cover of the song on the show:
This still gets play time on my iPod.
In short, I think the 2004 film is a magical experience, between the haunting music and the stunning visuals. I get that Gerard Butler isn’t an amazing singer, but I quite enjoy him in the role and I have really gotten used to his voice in these songs (though I would gladly listen to David Cook’s version of all the songs as well!). In the movie, I think my favorite part might be when Christine and The Phantom sing “Past the Point of No Return,” even if it is a bit creepy. Something that was pulled off quite well in the movie but I especially loved seeing in the stage production is the performance of “Masquerade.” The stairs! The costumes! It’s just a delight! Check out this film yet if you haven’t already! And I still need to read the book!
What do you think of Phantom of the Opera?
I love Phantom. Unfortunately I have never seen it performed live (which is on my bucket list) but I grew up listening to the soundtrack and knowing every word to the songs. David Cook’s performance of Music of the Night is beautiful (I’ve never heard it before now) thanks for sharing it 🙂
I love when I have a good stretch of time to listen to and appreciate the soundtrack!
When I was in high school my dad too me to see the play (which I loved), but I’ve never seen the movie. I think I was afraid I’d be disappointed after the play… but now I’m thinking I should give the movie a shot. I love really do love the music and the feel of the story. 🙂
The movie and the play are pretty close. The biggest difference I remember is the time at which the chandelier crashes… It happens later in the movie, serving as the climax of the story.
You’re probably going to scoff when I tell you that my only two real experiences with Phantom of the Opera are as follows:
First, on a late night road trip. I was in the backseat, my husband asleep next to me. Our friend trying to stay awake while his girlfriend “entertained” us with songs from Phantom of the Opera. Second, when I went to a Lindsey Stirling concert and she played one of the songs from Phantom of the Opera.
Maybe one of these days I’ll actually, you know, at least watch the movie? o_o (At any rate, glad you like it. And so awesome that you got to see it on Broadway!)
I won’t scoff; everyone has different experiences! Hope you get around to watching the movie sometime!
Oh I love this movie, too! I agree, it’s beautiful. And I really want to see the play… It sounds like being able to see Phantom live would be a great experience 😀
It was so fun to see live!
Oh the 2004 film introduced me to this musical too! That may be why I too love Gerard Butler in the role and I don’t mind his singing, because he was the first one I saw. I love that you saw the show on Broadway too! The film and the live show are a little different, and it’s wonderful to see both. Music of the Night is my favorite song from the show, but I love watching Point of No Return in the film!
I agree about the Gerard Butler thing… people say that he isn’t good but it’s what I know, so I’m happy with him! Love Music of the Night too, for sure!
I love, love, love this musical! Okay, that made me sound a little psycho, but when I was a kid I used to listen to the whole broadway musical on repeat until I knew every single word from every single song…hmm, makes me seem like even more of a psycho…Anyways, I didn’t love the movie as much, but I did enjoy it, and I also got to see the broadway play in SF many years ago, which was really good. Great choice for an awesome audio adaptation! 🙂
I don’t think you sound psycho, just enthusiastic! Pretty sure I know all the words to all the songs, or at least the vast majority of them!
You are my new best friend. Phantom is my favourite musical of ALL TIME EVER. Have you seen the sequel, Love Never Dies?
I am so glad that you are not a Phantom movie hater. I am sick of people saying they hate it. It’s amazing! I’ve seen the show live, and I must say the movie still takes the cake for me. I think Gerard’s portrayal of the Phantom is just so raw and emotional, and he just takes it to a whole new level. I don’t watch Phantom for the singing. Sure, it’s a part of it, but the story is what really hits me. So what if he isn’t a classically trained singer? I think he did a fabulous job of the Phantom, and he’d never sung before the movie!
Anyway, I definitely agree with your choice this week 😀
I still need to read the book, too, even if it is vastly different from the book!
I don’t understand the hate for the movie either! It looks and sounds great IMO!
I know, right! It’s one of my all time favourites.