USA: ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER'S HIT BROADWAY MUSICAL "THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA" IS READY FOR THE BIG SCREEN

Record ID: 389655

  • Title: USA: ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER'S HIT BROADWAY MUSICAL "THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA" IS READY FOR THE BIG SCREEN
  • Date: 20th November 2004
  • Summary: NEW YORK, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (NOVEMBER 18, 2004) (REUTERS-ACCESS ALL) SOUNDBITE (English) BUTLER SAYING: "To be honest the most important thing to have a connection with was phantom's soul. That is why when I met Joel and listened to the music and read it, I said I know this guy. I really did."
  • Embargoed: 5th December 2004 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: NEW YORK, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES / VARIOUS FILM LOCATIONS
  • Country: USA
  • Topics: Crime / Law Enforcement
  • Reuters ID: LVA20HSPZFI267IVAUO42XTGIN7Z
  • Story Text: The stars and musicians of the motion picture version of
    "The Phantom of the Opera," entertained New Yorkers, at a special preview of the film.
    The movie is based on Gaston Leroux's 1911 novel, "Le Fantome de l'Opera," a story set in Paris in the time of great opulence, excitement and passion. The story revolves around Christine Daae, a young and inexperienced member of the Paris Opera who is captured by the mad, lonely and disfigured Phantom who haunts the Opera House. A struggle for her affection ensues, when she reveals her love for Raoul, a wealthy patron of the Opera House, rushing the film to an impassioned conclusion.
    The film follows closely on the heels of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Broadway musical, "The Phantom of the Opera," the largest grossing stage or screen production in the world, with revenues of over $3.2 billion (USD).
    Director Joel Schumacher said taking on the massively successful stage production and making it into a was challenging.
    "The costumes, the sets, the horses , the carriages, the gaslights. I have never done anything like that, so it was very exciting. Beautiful surroundings and beautiful people every day. But it is really the love story you are telling and you have to remind yourself not to get too lost in the visuals."
    Emmy Rossum plays Christine in the movie version of the Phantom, a role that has her doing everything.
    "I sing and I dance, and I act as well."
    Gerard Butler, who plays the Phantom said the role came naturally to him.
    "To be honest the most important thing to have a connection with was phantom's soul. That is why when I met Joel and listened to the music and read it, I said I know this guy. I really did."
    The film opens in the United States on December 22, 2004.
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