The Phantom of the Opera (2004)

Last updated:
July 13, 2025

Joel Schumacher’s The Phantom of the Opera (2004) is a lavish musical romantic drama based on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s stage musical, which itself is an adaptation of Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel. With soaring music, gothic sets, and a tragic love triangle, this film dives into obsession, beauty, and emotional isolation beneath the Paris Opera House.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

The Prologue: The Auction at the Ruins

The film opens in black-and-white in 1919 at a dilapidated Paris Opera House, where an auction is being held. An elderly Raoul (Patrick Wilson) purchases a music box featuring a monkey playing cymbals. As the auctioneer presents a shattered chandelier, a flashback transports the audience to 1870 when the Opera House was in its prime. The transition to color marks the beginning of the Phantom’s haunting legacy.

Christine’s Rise and the Phantom’s Influence

Christine Daaé (Emmy Rossum), a young chorus girl, unexpectedly replaces the lead soprano Carlotta (Minnie Driver) during a performance. Her angelic voice captivates the audience—and the mysterious Phantom (Gerard Butler), who has been lurking in the opera house’s shadowy depths, teaching her through secret lessons. Christine believes this voice is the “Angel of Music,” sent by her deceased father. The Phantom begins exerting more control over the opera house, demanding Christine be given the leading roles.

The Love Triangle: Raoul Returns

Christine’s childhood friend and love interest, Raoul, returns as the new patron of the opera. Their rekindled romance triggers the Phantom’s jealousy. At a masquerade ball, the Phantom interrupts the festivities wearing a red death costume and presents his new opera, Don Juan Triumphant, demanding it be performed with Christine in the lead.

The Mirror and the Lair

One of the film’s most iconic moments comes when Christine is lured through her mirror to the Phantom’s underground lair beneath the opera house. This visually stunning scene features the song “The Phantom of the Opera,” highlighting their strange and intense bond. Christine sees both the genius and the torment behind the Phantom’s mask. When she unmasks him, revealing his disfigured face, he lashes out in heartbreak.

Opera Sabotage and the Phantom’s Rage

As the opera company agrees to perform the Phantom’s opera to trap him, chaos ensues. During the performance, the Phantom murders the lead tenor and takes his place, performing opposite Christine on stage. At the climax, he abducts her and flees to his underground lair.

Movie Ending

In the emotional and climactic finale, the Phantom confronts Christine with a brutal choice: marry him and spare Raoul’s life, or refuse and let Raoul die. Christine, recognizing the Phantom’s pain and humanity, kisses him with compassion—not out of love, but pity and forgiveness. This act of mercy profoundly moves the Phantom. He realizes he cannot force Christine to love him and lets her and Raoul go.

As Christine and Raoul escape, the Phantom smashes his mirrors and disappears. When the police arrive, they find only his mask left behind. The film returns to 1919, where an aged Raoul places the music box on Christine’s grave, which bears a single red rose tied with a black ribbon—an unmistakable gesture from the Phantom, implying that he still lives and continues to mourn her.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, The Phantom of the Opera (2004) does not include any post-credits scenes. The story concludes with Raoul at the grave, and no additional content appears after the credits begin.

Type of Movie

The Phantom of the Opera is a musical romantic drama with elements of gothic horror. It’s a character-driven tale steeped in emotion, operatic music, and atmospheric visuals, appealing to both musical lovers and fans of tragic romances.

Cast

Gerard Butler as The Phantom
Emmy Rossum as Christine Daaé
Patrick Wilson as Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny
Miranda Richardson as Madame Giry
Minnie Driver as Carlotta Giudicelli
Ciarán Hinds as Firmin
Simon Callow as André
Kevin R. McNally as Buquet

Film Music and Composer

Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, with lyrics by Charles Hart and additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe. The film retains nearly all of the original songs from the stage musical, including:

“The Phantom of the Opera”
“Music of the Night”
“All I Ask of You”
“Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again”
“Think of Me”

The score blends classical, rock, and operatic styles and is central to the film’s emotional weight.

Filming Locations

The film was primarily shot at Pinewood Studios in the UK, where elaborate soundstages recreated 19th-century Paris, the opera house, and the Phantom’s underground lair. Some exterior scenes were shot in Greenwich and London’s Old Royal Naval College, adding to the old-world European aesthetic. These locations enhanced the grandeur and historical atmosphere vital to the film’s gothic feel.

Awards and Nominations

Nominated for 3 Academy Awards:
- Best Art Direction
- Best Cinematography
- Best Original Song (“Learn to Be Lonely”)
Golden Globe Nominations:
- Best Actress (Emmy Rossum, Musical/Comedy)
- Best Original Song

While it didn’t win major awards, the film was widely recognized for its visuals, music, and production design.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Gerard Butler had no formal singing training before being cast; he took intense vocal lessons.
Emmy Rossum was only 16 during filming and was praised for her vocal and emotional range.
Joel Schumacher and Andrew Lloyd Webber worked closely, with Webber overseeing much of the music adaptation.
The chandelier used in the film weighed over 2 tons and had to be specially engineered for the dramatic drop scene.
Minnie Driver did not sing her operatic parts—her vocals were dubbed by professional opera singer Margaret Preece.

Inspirations and References

Based on Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel, which itself was inspired by real events at the Paris Opera House, including the infamous underground lake.
The story reflects elements of Beauty and the Beast, Faust, and Hunchback of Notre-Dame, particularly in its themes of love, obsession, and isolation.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There is no known alternate ending for the film. However, deleted scenes include:

A slightly extended version of “Notes/Prima Donna” with more comedic bits between the opera managers.
A moment showing Christine hesitating before returning the Phantom’s ring.

These were removed for pacing and narrative focus.

Book Adaptations and Differences

While faithful to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical, the film differs from Gaston Leroux’s novel in several ways:

In the novel, the Phantom’s name is Erik, and his backstory is more detailed, including his time in Persia.
The novel’s tone is more horror-focused, while the film leans into romantic tragedy.
Christine’s feelings are more ambiguous in the book; the film heightens the love triangle dynamics.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

The chandelier crash during a performance, symbolizing the Phantom’s wrath.
“Music of the Night” seduction scene in the Phantom’s lair.
The masquerade ball in gold and crimson with “Masquerade” as the centerpiece.
Christine’s unmasking of the Phantom and the emotional fallout.
The heartbreaking final scene at Christine’s grave.

Iconic Quotes

“Sing once again with me, our strange duet.” – The Phantom
“The phantom of the opera is there… inside your mind.” – Christine
“You alone can make my song take flight.” – The Phantom
“I gave you my music… made your song take wing…” – The Phantom

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The monkey music box is referenced multiple times, tying past and present together.
The Phantom’s lair was built over an actual water tank, allowing real gondola movement.
The red death costume is a nod to Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Masque of the Red Death.”
During the “Masquerade” number, many of the costumes reflect the characters’ personalities.

Trivia

Emmy Rossum became the youngest nominee for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globes that year.
Gerard Butler had never seen the stage show before auditioning.
Minnie Driver is the only main actor not to sing her own parts.
The film’s chandelier scene was inspired by the original stage effect but enhanced with cinematic flair.

Why Watch?

Watch The Phantom of the Opera (2004) for its stunning visual spectacle, unforgettable music, and the emotionally intense performances of its leads. It’s a sweeping tragic love story, perfect for fans of musicals, gothic romance, and dramatic storytelling. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the stage version or entirely new to the tale, this adaptation offers a richly cinematic experience.

Director’s Other Movies

Recommended Films for Fans

Les Misérables (2012)
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996, animated)
Rebecca (2020)

The Phantom of the Opera (2004)