Why would a person actually cheer for the Phantom of the Opera. Has no one noticed what a terrible thing he has done by lying to Christine. He has taken advantage of a confused girl by pretending to be the Angel of Music sent by her father. Why would you want Christine to continue living in his web (or lasso?) of lies? Rauol is the true man for Christine. They were childhood lovers and Rauol can actually provide for Christine. I seriously cannot view the Phantom of the hero, which ruins the show for me. I have many complaints with the Phantom of the Opera. Besides the annoyance of a love triangle show, the music is overly repetitive and if I have to listen to Angel of Music one more time, I will seriously go insane. Anyway, I suppose the longest running show on Broadway has some people fooled, but don't ask me why.
I know what you mean about the issue of protagonist and antagonist in this one... at the same time, that is what makes it unique! It can't just be a black and white, obvious solution on Christine's part... also, if you look at it logically and in many other aspects, Rauol does seem like the best man for her. However, in other aspects, the Phantom is not necessarily such a "bad guy." The thing with the Phantom is his history. He has a terrible history that has significantly affected the way he is in the show. He was mistreated, put into hiding, struggled deeply with issues of the self-image and a desire to love and be loved. His actions cannot be completely justified, but you can see why this could tear Christine's heart - she sees deeper than the monster he's become. I think she undeststands that love is powerful and that there could still be hope for him.
ReplyDeleteAnyways. As for the show as a whole, I really like it - but too many times watching it can be a bit much. Like you said, it can be quite repetative. Otherwise, I think the music is well done, and I can really appreciate the Phantom of the Opera for its themes, plot, characters, and music.
I agree with Wendy. Christine felt for the Phantom because she recognized his pain and loneliness. I agree, however, with you as well: that Rauol is the one for her--her "love" for the Phantom was a different kind of love--a love simply for his troubled soul. She felt for him because she knew how he "loved" her, but ultimately, she would have to choose Rauol--even for the Phantom's sake.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Sorry if you're ever around when I hum "Angel of Music"--it is one that I often melt into.
All I Ask of You is that you realize that the musical is designed to make you like the Phantom and I refuse to come away with that feeling. I can see that the story is set up to play off of the Phantom's pain and suffering, but truly, the Phantom's actions throughout the course of his life, and the final scenes where he forces Christine (his love!) to choose him or Rauol are seriously Twisted Every Way. I could never believe for one second that the Phantom is the hero after he tortured Christine to make that choice. He even realizes the inevitably of her decision and will not accept her lie and disappears. The conclusion of his disappearance is the product of his poor decisions in treating Christine and Rauol.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you and do not see the Phantom as a hero. When I watched it with a group of friends I was the only one who thought this, so I kept it to myself. I'm glad there are other people who agree with me...sorry my insight is so dull :)
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