New Phantom of the Opera film adaptation

A new cinematic adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera, based on the 1910 novel by Gaston Leroux and updated by Alexandre Castagnetti, has drawn varied responses.

Film's reception and director's choices

The film, which centers on Anastasia, a young Romanian ballerina at the Paris Opera, and the ghost-composer who haunts the opera house, has been described as one of the most unnecessary adaptations of the classic story. The film's director, Alexandre Castagnetti, who has previously directed six films, has faced criticism for his choices in the production.

Music and its integration

The music, composed by Dan Levy, known for his work with The Do and for his César award-winning score for Prodigieuses and J'ai perdu mon corps, was reportedly heavily edited and only allowed to fully unfold during the final ballet sequence. Critics have noted that the musical elements, including references to artists like Daft Punk, Billie Eilish, and Tchaikovsky, did not integrate seamlessly into the film's narrative.

Actress's role and film's emotional depth

The film's lead actress, Deva Cassel, is subjected to intense physical and emotional challenges in her role, including sado-masochistic treatment by her choreographer and mockery from the Phantom, played by Julien de Saint-Jean. The film has been criticized for its lack of emotional depth and for reducing its protagonist to an influencer figure, which some viewers find unappealing.

Choreography and direction

The choreography, handled by Marion Motin, has been described as outdated and lacking in direction, with the final ballet sequence criticized for its implausibility and lack of coherence. The film's direction has also been questioned, with some comparing it to a music video rather than a traditional film, noting the use of short shots and overused jump scares.

Setting and overall reception

The film's setting in the real Opera Garnier has been highlighted as a unique aspect, with the director even renaming it Garnier Mill. Despite this, the film has been criticized for its lack of originality and for its failure to deliver a compelling narrative. Some have compared it to other adaptations, such as The Phantom of the Opera (2004) by Joel Schumacher, though with less success. The film's reception has been mixed, with some viewers finding it disappointing and others noting its unique aspects.