Thwan_Condu

Dario Argento had apparently accepted by 1999 that he was a Goth icon. So he decides that he will make a movie to appeal to that audience in as many aspects as possible. Unfortunately he fails to take into account that goths aren't idiots. Erik, the Phantom of the Opera, is an aging goth-boy in this film. And by aging, I mean...not quick enough. He's not young, but he's definitely not old, and he's definitely not ugly. Which removes his motivation. Argento then replaces this motivation with a hatred for humanity due to his love for the rats which raised him. This, unfortunately, doesn't make sense, as Erik has allowed the opera house rat catcher to kill his family for the last eight years. So Erik has no motivation except that he's horny and likes biting people. Oh and he's psychic. For no good reason. Raoul is the singer from Lacuna Coil. Or that's what he looks like. Which is cool. Or it would be, if he could act. Or if at least he could make it look like he didn't hate Asia Argento with a passion. The sex scenes with Asia are...disturbing. Her father directed this. He directed his naked daughter in sex scenes. I find that disturbing. Especially since Erik and Christine seem to hate each other as much as every else in the film does. The rat catcher invents the car in this movie, and uses it, with his pet midget, to kill rats. There's something ridiculous about that which just isn't excusable. The only reason I gave this film 2 out of 10 is because it's a laugh. I had a great time making fun of it. But I think I'd die if I ever watched it again.

I really enjoy this film. I've watched it twice - trying desperately to figure out what the hell happened at the end, but to no avail. Strangely though, I still find myself in love with it. I think it had has a great deal to do with Miho Kanno's performance. And also the mood. And that's what it is: a mood movie. I can excuse the plot. I think I'd rather be confused by a plot than have a badly filmed, acted and directed movie. It's kind of artsy to me. If you're looking for a horror movie that makes perfect sense, and will make you say, 'wow, that's clever!' go home. But if you're in a strange mood, and it needs feedin', go for it!