The Phantom of the Opera (1925) was a showcase for the great Lon
Chaney Jr.'s makeup and acting techniques. He was ahead of his time with
his knowledge and application of movie make-up. The Phantom of the
Opera is his most famous role. The way he portrayed the Phantom is
unforgettable, he defined the role. History will remember him for two
things, his nickname "The man of a 1,000 faces" and as the "The Phantom
of the Opera". Many actors have tried to emulate him but a very few have
even come close to his screen presence or his mastery of movie make-up
magic.
The film is about a sinister figure who lives within the confines of an opera house. A grand performance is about to take place but the star actress
disappears before the curtain call. Who or what as taken her away?
The production on this film was very elaborate and well staged. But all of
this is upstaged by the performance and stage presence of Lon Chaney Sr. His "Phantom" has to be one of the creepiest and most frightening of any
"villain" I have ever seen in a silent horror film. His role is more than
enough to recommend this movie.
Highly recommended, one of the essentials.
A+
Chaney Jr.'s makeup and acting techniques. He was ahead of his time with
his knowledge and application of movie make-up. The Phantom of the
Opera is his most famous role. The way he portrayed the Phantom is
unforgettable, he defined the role. History will remember him for two
things, his nickname "The man of a 1,000 faces" and as the "The Phantom
of the Opera". Many actors have tried to emulate him but a very few have
even come close to his screen presence or his mastery of movie make-up
magic.
The film is about a sinister figure who lives within the confines of an opera house. A grand performance is about to take place but the star actress
disappears before the curtain call. Who or what as taken her away?
The production on this film was very elaborate and well staged. But all of
this is upstaged by the performance and stage presence of Lon Chaney Sr. His "Phantom" has to be one of the creepiest and most frightening of any
"villain" I have ever seen in a silent horror film. His role is more than
enough to recommend this movie.
Highly recommended, one of the essentials.
A+