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The Michael Crawford Phantom Movie Campaign Guestbook

Total: 100 guests      

 

Name: Molly
Posted on: December 26, 2004 09:01 PM
E-Mail: mollyann1946@hotmail.com
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Where are you from?: NC by way of Chicago!
Referred By: Search Engine
Comments: I fell in love with Michael Crawford when I first heard his absolutely mesmerizing voice while helping two friends get ready to open their new gift shop. They were playing "The Phantom of the Opera" on CD. I asked what was playing that was so beautiful. Soon after I bought the CD package for myself and played it over and over just in awe of how wonderful is it. When I first heard the movie would soon be out I got so excited and surfed to see if Michael Crawford and all the original people would be performing. I just can't believe they are not. Or He is not! I just wish with all my heart that I could have seen them perform this on stage. I'm glad to see I am not alone. I love you Michael. You have a great gift and thank you for sharing it with us!!

 

 


Name: amparo
Posted on: December 26, 2004 06:56 PM
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Where are you from?: Spain
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: I vote for Michael

 


Name: Nicole Lopez
Posted on: December 26, 2004 03:59 PM
E-Mail: Nyhoopstar124@aol.com
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Where are you from?: New York
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Comments: When I saw the movie, I liked it at first but Gerard Butler needed to get a few more voice lessons, not that he was HORRIBLE, but not of the same caliber as the stage play. When I heard that Michael Crawford tried out for that part, I was SO ANGRY! It isn't fair for those who were not born in time to see Mr. Crawford on stage to see a different phantom who isn't even halfway as good as Michael Crawford in the movie! Andrew Lloyd Webber, HOW COULD YOU! You were the one who casted Michael originally! You should know the extent of his wonderful talent! It goes beyond age barriers! And wasn't the phantom supposed to have been singing in Christine's dreams since childhood??? How could a phantom who looks her age do that? How could you rob your younger audience of a pleasure that they have never known? How could you have disappointed yours and Mr. Crawford's most adoring fan? The only way you can redeem yourself now is to either reshoot the movie with Mr. Crawford as the phantom, or release the original stage play digitally remastered. Either way, Mr. Crawford made your show a hit. It's time you showed him some respect. The role is the man, and that man is Michael Crawford, NOT Gerard Butler.

 


Name: Danette Rodriguez
Posted on: December 26, 2004 01:23 PM
E-Mail: antcel25@adelphia.net
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Where are you from?: CA
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: The very first time I saw the Phantom of the Opera was with Michael Crawford as the Phantom..I've seen it other times with other Phantoms and none have ever come close to Michael...I wish Michael Crawford would have been cast...He made the role...

 

 


Name: Stacey Imamura
Posted on: December 25, 2004 03:50 AM
E-Mail: CaAngel75@aol.com
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Where are you from?: Los Angeles, CA
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Comments: The movie is such an insult, not only to us who have seen Michael Crawford as the Phantom, but also to those who didn't get to experience his overwhelming performance. Why was Crawford considered too old??? Hellloooo....the Phantom was SUPPOSED to be many years older than Christine. Also, this stuff about wanting a sexy Phantom.. Helllooo again ...there isn't anything about Crawford's Phantom that isn't sexy. So it seems he was more than perfect for the movie .... ESPECIALLY at 62!!!! But the real mystery to me is how Andrew Lloyd Webber, after seeing the finished product, actually thought it was good enough to be released. That shows us he isn't the brilliant composer that we had thought...but just an idiot. By the way Andrew.. the only reason there is a movie is because Crawford was such a hit in the play!!!!

The only way ALW can save face now...is to release the stage play with the original performers...you know they must have recorded the play on several nights. How can they not have??? I think the only reason why it hasn't been released on video or dvd is because the movie makers were afraid it would take public interest away from their failure of a movie.

We need to start campaigning for the release of the stage play (with the original cast) on dvd and video!!!!

 

 


Name: Carol Phaklides
Posted on: December 25, 2004 02:24 AM
E-Mail: cphaklides@aol.com
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Where are you from?: California, USA
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: I was fortunate to see Michael Crawford 3 times in the play in Los Angeles. I just returned from seeing the movie version and am extremely saddened and disappointed that this phantom was not the same caliber performance as Mr. Crawford. The movie version suffered severely from his absence.

 

 


Name: Lois
Posted on: December 25, 2004 12:58 AM
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Where are you from?: Los Angeles
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: Why was Crawford too old for the movie? He is 62. Mick Jagger, Rod Stewart, Paul McCartney are all over 60 and they still sell out stadiums all over the world! Age is only important if you're a piece of cheese!!!

 


Name: Pete
Posted on: December 24, 2004 06:37 PM
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Where are you from?: Knoxville, TN
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Comments: Butler had the looks for the part, but damn, he simply did not have the voice. Props to Crawford for still being the best Phantom.

 


Name: SW
Posted on: December 24, 2004 04:13 PM
E-Mail: casnowflake@yahoo.com
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Where are you from?: Indiana
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: Michael Crawford is awesome! I've seen the Broadway show several times and no one compares to Michael.

 

 


Name: Marianne Zahn
Posted on: December 24, 2004 02:58 PM
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Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: Hy everyone, first of all, i just wanna say PLEASE NEVER CLOSE THE VIDEO CLIPS, it's the only way we all can see the real phantom of the opera. Michael Crawford has the essence of the phantom, that's why nobody can play the phantom as good as him, so don't waste ur time making comparisons between them. Michael Crawford will always be the one and only phantom of the opera. I JUST ADORE U MICHAEL CRAWFORD!!!!!

 

 


Name: Linda
Posted on: December 24, 2004 02:08 PM
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Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: I've been going to Phantom of the Opera on Broadway for years. This movie is nowheres near as good. Butler is worse than ANYONE I've seen on Broadway. The stage show is all about the Phantom. The movie is all about Christine and the look of the movie. The phantom's deformity is ridiculous but I guess if you cast someone for their looks you'd better not hide them too much. Skip the movie. Save your money and go to the show.

 


Name: Pauline
Posted on: December 23, 2004 10:37 PM
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Where are you from?: Seattle, Washington
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: DONT BE TOO HARD ON BUTLER....ITS ALL ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER'S FAULT!!! PHANTOM WAS HIS MASTERPIECE AND HE PERMITTED IT TO BE RUINED!!! SOME GENIUS!!! THE QUEEN SHOULD TAKE AWAY HIS TITLE!!! SIR ANDREW THE JERK SOUNDS MORE APPROPRIATE TO ME!!!

 


Name: Alissa
Posted on: December 23, 2004 08:00 PM
E-Mail: band_chick17@yahoo.ca
Homepage Title: n/a
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Where are you from?: Vic, B.C.
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: i went to a free advanced screening of POTO (film) and I must admit that I was blown away...at first... i started reading some reviews, which essentially compared the film to cheap but overpriced costume jewelry. at first i tried to defend the film, but i must now say that i pretty much agree with the mediocre reviews. it is sooo unfortunate though, because i went to see the film wanting to love it! in a way, i can see why they didn't cast michael crawford, since he's 62 and joel schumacher (damn you!) wanted to have a "young, sexy" cast. !?!?!? but even in the novel and ALW's stage play the phantom isn't 62 years old... i don't think gerard butler was the right choice for the phantom (he's too damn good-looking - not hideous or disfigured enough) and he had no previous singing experience. joel cast him on the basis of his looks and his stage presence, which are all good, but the phantom needs to have a beautiful, amazing voice. then again, the phantom is self-taught, right, so maybe, just maybe, his voice is a bit rough. emmy rossum can sing, and there is no doubt that she is beautiful, but isn't christine golden-haired and blue-eyed in the novel? minnie driver was good, but i think she tried TOO hard to act like a prima donna...too many tantrums...and isn't carlotta spanish, not italian? anyway, i might go see the film again with my sister who hasn't seen it, but i hope and pray that i might have the chance to see the stage play with michael crawford and sarah brightman. that would be amazing!!! maybe ALW will eventually swallow his pride, get a new director, and remake the phantom movie for the sake of phans everywhere! ~alissa~

 


Name: Ronald Slater
Posted on: December 23, 2004 05:59 PM
E-Mail: rslater@ar-aero.com
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Where are you from?: England
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
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Name: Rebecca
Posted on: December 23, 2004 05:29 AM
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Where are you from?: San Francisco, CA
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Comments: The movie was....CRAP, CRAP, CRAP! The sets and costumes were un-impressive. The acting & singing was horrible. Emmy is young but she appears as though she's had a few too many Botox injections. Where's the emotion? Who the heck is she singing to most of the time? Did she forget the words to the songs and have to look on the ground for them? How about the body language of the Phantom? Where was it? Obviously, the guy in the movie has never seen Crawford or Davis Gaines as the Phantom. He could have piked up a whole lot of tips from them.

How sad that a movie full of music and a story line that usually gives me chills and makes my heart pound, left me feelig cold, lifeless and angry.

What needs to happen is the ORIGINAL cast needs to get together and perform on the stage again, but this time record it and put it on DVD for sale just like they did with CATS!

 


Name: SUE MCKAY
Posted on: December 23, 2004 03:22 AM
E-Mail: retiredmckay@yahoo.com
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Where are you from?: CONNEAUT, OHIO
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
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Name: Victoria
Posted on: December 23, 2004 12:52 AM
E-Mail: rubyhorse41@hotmail.com
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Where are you from?: west midlands
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: Just want to say you will never be beaten,although i love it (film)and also reciet the dialogue everyday and night .you will never take away the music of the night x

 


Name: William Barkley
Posted on: December 22, 2004 07:55 PM
E-Mail: M_E_Ghaleon900@yahoo.com
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Where are you from?: Tucson, AZ
Referred By: Search Engine
Comments: I signed this already before many months ago...but within the light of the actual release of the film, I had to revisit the site I held dear. I want to go see this movie...it is something I have been wanting for many years now; ever since I was mesmerized by Crawford's enchanting voice. However, upon returning to this site and looking at all the press, I feel almost compelled to boycott a movie I have been waiting to see for 5 years. There are two remedies to this...one, to buy the rights to the entire franchise and do it right...or slap ALW silly until he can swallow his overenflated ego and pride and redo the movie in a few years time correctly with an able director (Yes, I am slamming the current director). I hope these come to pass before Crawford will no longer be able to do it. An absolute disaster for Phans everywhere.

 

 


Name: Bill
Posted on: December 22, 2004 06:26 PM
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Where are you from?: Los Angeles California
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: The movie review from today's Los Angeles Times says it all:

"...SKIP THE MOVIE.."

 


Name: Cris Flogerzi
Posted on: December 22, 2004 02:53 PM
E-Mail: cristy1269@yahoo.com
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Where are you from?: Panama City, FL
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
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Name: Sean
Posted on: December 22, 2004 02:44 PM
E-Mail: sean90@hotmail.com
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Where are you from?: Canada
Referred By: Search Engine
Comments: I saw the show once with my family and was stunned by the performance of Mr. Crawford after seeing the film (though I did like it) it wasn't as good as it could of been if Mr. Crawford himself was the phantom

 


Name: Sandy Rawls
Posted on: December 22, 2004 12:54 PM
E-Mail: sandy.rawls@vdot.virginia.gov
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Where are you from?: Richmond Virginia
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: I recently tried to give benefit of the doubt,the movie trailers with Gerard Butler and Emmy Rosen looked FABULOUS.Then I bought the mivie sound track, and not since Electrlux, has anything SUCKED,so badly. He hasn't the voice,the chops the passion, the chill bump inspiring umph, that Michael Crawford has, it's true the Man is the role. I could have even lived with Antonio Bandaras, or Gaines Davis(the phantom i saw on Broadway better than this total was of music. I will see the movie because the Phantom is my all time favorite,but it will not be the same without the man who was born to play it. Michael Crawford is truly missed by all his Fans, he truly is an Angel of Music.

 


Name: Pohlin
Posted on: December 22, 2004 08:36 AM
E-Mail: tehpohlin@yahoo.com
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Where are you from?: Malaysia
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: I have just seen the latest Phantom movie. Although I have not seen Michael Crawford's Phantom , I know that no one can ever be the Phantom except him. It is a real pity he was not given the movie role. No one can sing like him. He is simply the only Phantom for me!

 


Name: Sharon
Posted on: December 22, 2004 08:10 AM
E-Mail: sharonstewart52@msn.com
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Where are you from?: Hamilton Ontario
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
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Name: Tammy Dulaney
Posted on: December 22, 2004 01:07 AM
E-Mail: garfielda34@aol.com
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Where are you from?: California
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: It would have been better not to make the movie at all than to make it with lower standards. No one can compare to Michael Crawford!

 


Name: Eric French
Posted on: December 21, 2004 11:34 PM
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Where are you from?: Athens, OH
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: First, Schumacher tells Michael's fans to stay home, then Butler implies that the movie cast is the first to bring ALW's version of POTO to life & make the audience care about the characters.

Why are they trying so hard to make the movie flop ? Don't they realize it's doing a fine job of that all on its own ?

A couple of minutes ago, a read a message in the guestbook of the Michael Crawford International Fan Association from someone who referred to themselves as Michael's " #1 youngest fan. " This person said they thought Michael was very talented " and really sexy, too. "

Are you reading this, Schumacher ?!

 


Name: Rick Iverson
Posted on: December 21, 2004 08:22 PM
E-Mail: rick_iverson@comcast.net
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Where are you from?: longmont, colorado usa
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
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Name: Mary F.
Posted on: December 21, 2004 07:57 PM
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Where are you from?: Michigan
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: How disappointing after waiting so long for the Phantom movie to have no Michael Crawford. Put the stage show on DVD!

 


Name: Amalia
Posted on: December 21, 2004 04:22 PM
E-Mail: ferrisphoto@yahoo.com
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Where are you from?: Frazier Park, California
Referred By: From a Friend
Comments: This is the day before Phantom is released in southern California and I found it necessary to write my thoughts out. The media is coming out with trailers of the film and the newspaper articles are all out there, mainly to lure people to the movies. I saw a 15 min. bit on HBO on "The Making of the Phantom Movie" and felt as Phantom felt when the opera house continually went against his wishes. Such as when Carlotta was cast instead of Christine. Sad to say, Webber nor Schumacher don't understand the story. They cast the wrong ones for the film just as in the story. They just didn't get it.

As for the directing, well, take someone who gives you the illusion of being in a roller coaster ride and flying thru the masquerade scene and swooshing through other scenes which remind you of being more in a Star Wars ship than giving you the feeling of being there. Action scenes don't work for the Phantom movie.

Now we have the singing to deal with. All should be aware by now that few can sing in this film. Those that do, do so with little emotion. Emily Rossum looks like she would be better in Secret Garden. What ever happened to at least considering some of the acresses/singers who have played Christine on stage?

The movie may be somewhat of a hit only because there are people out there who haven't seen the real thing. Also, nowadays, have you noticed how films are rated successful, not on how well performed, etc., rather on how much money it made at the box office. So, it really is about money.

Meanwhile, wherever I am these days, I will be listening to Michael and Sarah signing on my cd. This is the memory I will always have of the Phantom of the Opera.

 


Name: Paula Kestler
Posted on: December 21, 2004 11:01 AM
E-Mail: paula.kestler@us.army.mil
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Where are you from?: Maryland
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: I have seen the Phantom five times in New York and nothing beats the live performances. I would like to see Michael Crawford play the movie role.

 


Name: Diane
Posted on: December 20, 2004 08:29 PM
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Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: Omigod, I just watched these clips of the movie, and I scarcely know where to begin.

http://videodetective.com/home.asp?PublishedID=901769

It is all so awful, it is difficult to decide what has thrown me the most.

This is NOT the film I imagined.

PONR is disgusting, MOTN is terrible. Masquerade is just odd, what is up with that weird vogue dancing stuff? And I do not like the costumes at all. Ever seen Labyrinth? Those were costumes...

Don't get me started on Carlotta... THAT is who is getting the rave reviews? I do not like this interpretation at all!

The Phantom looks like Zorro. The black gloves are NOT what almost every Phantom I ever saw on stage was about; the use of hands and body language, along with the voice of an angel. What happened to sensuality, elegance, mystery, magic, and pain?

What a sellout, and parts are just CHEESY.

Thanks alot Andrew.

 

 


Name: Jane
Posted on: December 20, 2004 06:18 PM
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Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: Anyone who has seen POTO many times can tell you that it is two very different shows. It can be a powerful moving story of a tortured disfigured man who never knew love or it can be a show with no heart or soul that leaves people talking about the scenery, the candles and THAT chandelier. It all depends on the actor playing the phantom. The chandelier show, as we called the latter, is all looks and no substance.

The reviews of the movie that I have read all seem to be talking about the "chandelier" show. The best reviews are for the look of the show. (Well, it should look good; Maria Bjornsen managed to make the stage show look spectacular with a lot less money than the moviemakers had.) The opening is getting some raves. It's pretty sad when the highlight of the film occurs in the opening sequences. The early buzz was all about Minnie Driver (who is dubbed). How odd. Don't think I've ever seen reviews for the show that focused on Carlotta. Not a good sign.

Phantom fans deserved more than the chandelier show. But to get that requires an extraordinary phantom. Butler isn't one. Crawford was.

 


Name: Summer
Posted on: December 20, 2004 06:08 PM
E-Mail: ,summerelijah@aol.com
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Where are you from?: ,California
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: Well I am glad that Emmy Rousum has an okay voice. But I do not like gerrys singing it just doen't flow! Why did they have to "sexy" up Erik? He's already Sexy. But they ruined him in my opinion. I need to go listen to more clips from the movie so I can get more used to gerrys' voice *cries*

 


Name: Trinidad
Posted on: December 20, 2004 05:39 PM
E-Mail: gtrini1010@nyc.rr.com
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Where are you from?: New York
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
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Name: Vincent Lovell
Posted on: December 20, 2004 04:42 PM
E-Mail: vincelovell@yahoo.com
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Where are you from?: Raleigh NC
Referred By: Search Engine
Comments: I am upset that the original and only Phantom, Michael Crawford should have the title and starring role in this film. In addition, Sarah Brightman needs to be Christine. I missed a chance to see the original cast on Broadway 18 years ago and have regretted it ever since. Maybe there will be a recasting of Phantom of the Opera with the original cast. We can only hope and pray that will happen.

 


Name: don
Posted on: December 20, 2004 07:27 AM
E-Mail: dondudley@excite.com
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Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: Ooops...I guess its good to proof read....I meant take them to the broadway show first!

 


Name: Don Dudley
Posted on: December 20, 2004 07:23 AM
E-Mail: dondudley@excite.com
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Where are you from?: Philadelphia area
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: I am taking my sons to NYC to see the musical, which I have previously seen. I am so glad I found this web page. We were thinking of going to the movie but now I am not sure. It may be a good idea to take them to the movie first so they can see and hear how it is done correctly. Then we can rent the movie when its relased on video which should be soon based on the horrific reviews.

 


Name: Kathleen
Posted on: December 19, 2004 11:21 PM
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Where are you from?: Washington, DC
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: I have been a fan of this page and the campaign for a while, and was very disappointed when I heard the battle had been lost. Viewing the trailors for the movie put it into a very good light, and I was ever hopeful that perhaps this film could still be just what we've all been waiting for. Upon listening to the soundtrack however (a purchase I blame entirely on curiosity and my incurable Phantom addiction) I realized that the movie will not be a perfect reproduction of the stage show we've come to adore. Far from it, thanks to the horrid singing capabilities of certain cast members, most notably Mr. Butler as Erik, the Phantom. Why they hired someone with virtually no vocal talent to play the most pivotal role in the entire show is beyond my realm of understanding. And Ms. Rossum as Christine can sing well enough when she really tries, but does not sound like she has been studying opera for at least 10 years. It is almost impossible to believe someone with that voice is portraying a woman who dazzled 19th century Paris with her astounding, angelic, never-before-heard singing. She is most certainly no Sarah Brightman, and Gerard Butler is about as far from Michael Crawford as one can be. Michael Crawford made that role is own; he won a Tony award for his amazing portrayal and his smooth-as-silk voice has been captured on the OLC recording forever. It is that very voice which people now associate with the role of Erik, and his performance deserved to be immortalized as well. I was too young and therefore not fortunate enough to see Mr. Crawford in Phantom, and now I don't think I ever will. What a terrible waste of such rare talent. Shame on you, Andrew Lloyd Webber, for selfishly depriving the world of Michael Crawford's incomparable genuis all for the sake of casting a "pretty face."

 


Name: Linda White
Posted on: December 19, 2004 06:48 PM
E-Mail: lindamwhite@msn.com
Homepage Title: msn
Homepage URL: netzero
Where are you from?: south bend, IN
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: i loved michael crawford in the musical and i can't wait to see movie and i wish it stared Michael

 


Name: Debbie Brown
Posted on: December 19, 2004 01:54 PM
E-Mail: choir10@cox.net
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Where are you from?: VA
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
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Name: Caroline Bakker
Posted on: December 19, 2004 10:27 AM
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Where are you from?: Tennessee
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Comments: I never got to see Michael Crawford, but his music speaks for itself. I visited the movie website, and I am disappointed by the lack of form as well as talent in the singers. I am, though, excited just to get to see the whole story played out, though it will not be nearly as good as if Crawford, THE Phantom had done it.

 


Name: Lisa Magill
Posted on: December 19, 2004 12:32 AM
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Where are you from?: California
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: I love Michael Crawford. He has great voice when he sings. I will always be a huge fan of him. I have alot of his cd's that he did and I always play them all the time.

 


Name: Karen Dick
Posted on: December 18, 2004 09:16 PM
E-Mail: castleb@pulsenet.com
Homepage Title: Castle Blood
Homepage URL: www.castleblood.com
Where are you from?: Pittsburgh, PA USA
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: I have not seen the movie yet and am trying to keep an open mind, but have heard the soundtrack in the last week and Gerard Butler is *no* Michael Crawford.

I have been a Michael Crawford fan since he was in "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way to the Forum" 'way too many years ago. I have seen POTO on stage 4 times (in London, NYC, and twice in LA)--once was with Crawford, and the subtleties and depth he brought to the role just blew me away. ANY of those 4 stage actors would have been an improvement over Gerard Butler.

I don't understand the logic of depriving Crawford of the role he originated. I sure was hoping that the Powers That Be would let Crawford play the Phantom in the film, just as Ellen Greene got to play the role she originated in the Westwood Playhouse when the musical of Little Shop of Horrors became a film. Alas, it was not to be.

I will probably see the film (can't help looking at car wrecks, either), but I will definitely miss Michael Crawford's presence. It could have been a great film; now it is just a mediocre one with pretty costumes and sets.

 


Name: Colin Jones
Posted on: December 18, 2004 06:31 AM
E-Mail: skrjones@lineone.net.
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Where are you from?: Yorkshire
Referred By: Search Engine
Comments: I watched the file with my wife and she was blown away... I was not, period.

The casting of the Phantom has destroyed the film and his singing instead of having feeling is too often shouting to music.

I have both CD releases and to compare them back to back is shameful Crawford was robbed of his chance.

However i would say that the rest of the casting is pretty good, who would HAVE thought Jennifer "Chunky Chips" Ellison would have done such a good job as Meg (I presume she was dubbed tho?)

 


Name: Melissa
Posted on: December 18, 2004 12:14 AM
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Where are you from?: Wisconsin
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Comments: As I pour over these messages, I'm relieved to see as many people upset about the casting for this film version. I think both the Phantom and Chrisine were grossly miscast. I would also like to offer another reason why I'm so upset. As an opera student, I am constantly fighting an uphill battle to prove that my choice of study is one of legitimate art in our society. I, as well as thousands of other musicians in my position, look up to and rely on people like ALW to remain true to the art form and those people who work in performing it. I am appalled that a man of such talent, who has given us some of the most startling and moving music of our time could "sell out". How could you do it-casting young and attractive instead of talent? People aren't going to the film version of POTO to see thier favorite hollywood star, they're going because they love the music. Unfortunatly, they're going to be disappointed.

 

 


Name: Tricia
Posted on: December 17, 2004 11:05 PM
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Where are you from?: New Jersey
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: I saw this review of the original cast album and knew I had to post it here. It describes all the things that are missing from the current movie and soundtrack. It also touches on Michael Crawford's performance, which to this day is one of the most incredible live performances I have ever had the privilege of seeing. The review was found at the Barnes and Noble web site.

"As much a brand name as a composer, Andrew Lloyd Webber never does anything In a small way. 1988's The Phantom of The Opera, perhaps the finest effort of Lord Webber's career, began life with a particularly human heart beating at its center: Michael Crawford's Phantom. The very last word in swoony romanticism, honey-tenored Crawford stormed Broadway and jumped-started a late-career revival that has yet to slow down. This double-disc, original cast recording also features costar Sarah Brightman (the former Mrs. Lloyd Webber), who uses her powerful voice to stunning advantage on "All I Ask of You" and "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again." Crawford's gorgeous, hushed vocal dazzles in the memorable showpiece, "The Music of the Night," as spectacular and definitive a Broadway moment as any in the last half-century." David Cohen

 

 


Name: BreAnna Wenz
Posted on: December 17, 2004 08:30 PM
E-Mail: lero_zero@hotmail.com
Homepage Title: Google
Homepage URL: google.com
Where are you from?: Utah, United States
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Comments: I have loved the musical ever since I started listening to it. Then every time something new happens with it, my love grows stronger. Michael's voice in the original cast CD is one of my favorites. Now I have come to love his Christmas and his Disney songs as well.

 


Name: Di
Posted on: December 17, 2004 03:48 PM
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Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: I just picked this up on a Phantom phan webboard run by a friend of mine. I have quite a rant to give, and this seems like a good place to do it. Gerard Butler gave an interview apparently to a Norwegian magazine, and here is a portion of what he had to say:

"It was important to me to learn to sing, but not TOO good. In movies, singing is more about emotions, while at the stage there's more about the singing. That's what I thought when I saw the stage version - it was so incredible gorgeous music, and it was performed so amazingly good - but I was not touched emotionally. I think the movie will do that. It's been important to me to make the role come alive so that people can identify with him."

Other than I find this completely condescending and terribly insulting to the actors who have performed Phantom over the years... I do not know what Phantom he saw in the show, but when I saw it with Michael Crawford in the role, people were CRYING all around me and I was personally shaking. The show's emotion is hinged on the Phantom... and check this out Gerry... he is supposed to be seducing Christine with his VOICE first and foremost, and not a sporting tan, chest showing, and being in general a piece of beefcake that sings with a vast amount of mediocrity.

It is so depressing, to have been a fan for 14 years, wait over a dozen for a film that you were so looking forward to... And then get not only a substandard Phantom, but one that thinks it is just fine that a role that should have been a classic and an immortalized performance vocally along with the physical shouldn't be sung "TOO good."

Makes me want to drop a chandelier myself. :(

 

 

 


Name: CARIG KING
Posted on: December 17, 2004 12:33 PM
E-Mail: BABSANDCARIG'TISCALI.CO,UK
Homepage Title: MICHAEL CRAWFORD
Homepage URL: NO
Where are you from?: HAVERFORDWEST
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Comments: HI NAME IS CARIG KING I LIKE MICHAEL CRAWFORD AND I LIKE THE PHANTOM OFTHE OPERA AND I LIKE MICHAEL CRAWFORD SONGS FROM OF THE SHOW IN LODON HE MADE THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA I HOPE TO SEE MICHAEL CRAWFORD ONE DAY IN THE MOVIE IN 2005 THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME HAVE XMAS LOVE CARIG KING

 


Name: Jemma Smithson
Posted on: December 16, 2004 06:27 PM
E-Mail: jemmasmithson@hotmail.com
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Where are you from?: Blackpool
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Name: Linda Kirscht
Posted on: December 16, 2004 04:15 PM
E-Mail: LKirscht@aol.com
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Where are you from?: Colorado
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Comments: I saw Michael Crawford in "Phantom" twice and am so disappointed that Webber and others chose to change the characters in the film. My daughter (who was 10 at the time she first heard "Phantom," 12 when she first saw Crawford in "Phantom," and is now 26) fell in love with musicals, operas, and theatre simply due to that performace. In fact, her Honors Thesis in college was on "Phantom" and she graduated magna cum laude because of it. They were totally wrong to think that young people wouldn't flock to see Crawford. The movie sounds as if it will be a failure, and that is a shame. It could have been brilliant. Thank you for keeping up the page.

 


Name: Dario Dalla Costa
Posted on: December 15, 2004 09:31 PM
E-Mail: dario.dallacosta@deakin.edu.au
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Where are you from?: Australia
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: Frankly, I am not surprised by what Hollywood and ALW have done. It's been repeated so many times in the past where artistic integrity has been replaced by greed.

 


Name: Louise DeMasi
Posted on: December 15, 2004 08:16 PM
E-Mail: Louise637@aol.com
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Where are you from?: Phila PA
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments:  

Name: Kim
Posted on: December 15, 2004 06:19 PM
E-Mail: k_manstead@hotmail.com
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Comments: I did not know that they were thinking about having him then not! I grew up with Michael as the Phantom! I cannot ever imagine another one then they came out with another one (the movie) and i was so stoked then i came in here and i am like WHOA hit hard! dang! Michael is like way good no not good FABULOUS! he needs to be the phantom forever!!!

 


Name: John Schweitzer
Posted on: December 14, 2004 09:14 PM
E-Mail: Trek33@concentric.net
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Where are you from?: Apple Valley,Mn.
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: I just heard about the release of the Movie and am disappointed that Michael is not the Phantom. I hope that I may get a chance to see him in the title role someday.

 

 


Name: John Schweitzer
Posted on: December 14, 2004 09:12 PM
E-Mail: Trek33@concentric.net
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Where are you from?: Apple Valley,Mn.
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
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Name: Dvorah Bat-Zion
Posted on: December 14, 2004 06:31 PM
E-Mail: dvorahruth@yahoo.com
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Where are you from?: Memphis, TN
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: I cannot believe they would have the gaul not to make sure they had the one true PHANTOM i.e. Michael Crawford star in the flim. There is no way the production can be as powerful as the play. Shame Shame, Shame on Hollywood!!!!

 

 


Name: Lois Jeanne
Posted on: December 14, 2004 05:24 PM
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Where are you from?: California
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: Now that the movie is out and it stinks, why can't Lloyd Webber release Phantom with Michael and Sarah (or Dale) on DVD? He must have them doing the show on tape somewhere in his vaults....Just release it and let everyone see the show done the way it should be done...The right way!

 

 


Name: Rachelle
Posted on: December 14, 2004 11:50 AM
E-Mail: littlelotte2003@yahoo.com
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Comments: I totally agree that the Phantom needs to be Michael Crawford. No one can sing the part of the phantom like he can. I heard the trailer of the movie and Gerard Butler is not nearly as good as Michael Crawford. Plus Emmy Rossum is not nearly as good as Sarah Brightman; not to mention she is only 17. I think the original cast is much better and that the movie will be nothing like the musical.

 

 


Name: Jida Malas
Posted on: December 14, 2004 05:05 AM
E-Mail: um_aljooj@yahoo.com
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Where are you from?: Syria
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Comments: as much as i was happy to hear that the Phantom of the Opera movie version is finally out is as much as i was disappointed that Michael was not the Phantom! i cannot imagine the Phantom's voice to be anyone else's....

 

 


Name: Well,who are YOU?
Posted on: December 13, 2004 08:54 PM
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Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: There is still hope,peeps.

ALW made this mistake with Evita-and it did poorly.

It seems like he might have to dub Crawford's voice(if not do a reshoot) in a re-release just to meet the production costs.

He might get a clue.Let's keep on praying!

 


Name: galassia argentiana
Posted on: December 13, 2004 09:28 AM
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Homepage Title: il mondo argentiano
Homepage URL: http://www.witchstory.com
Where are you from?: roma
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: Anteprima da urlo da Phantom, con Dario Argento, Vanzina e altri v.i.p. Reportage.

 


Name: S.M.G.L
Posted on: December 12, 2004 01:53 PM
E-Mail: sglrml@btopenworld.com
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Where are you from?: England
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: Hi! I am a big fan of 'The Phantom of the Opera'. I have seen the film version of the musical and I would just like to say that I am really disappointed in it. There are several things in that movie that are wrong. Gerard Butler simply cannot sing, the way he just breaks up some of those notes in Music of the Night, and he hardly put any feeling into it whatsoever! It was supposed to be a love song and I don't know about you but it didn't seem very romantic to me, even my mum agrees! Emmy Rossum was in a way good but she just wasn't Christine Daae. It seems that everyone in the entire movie was not a singer but an actor. Have people forgetten that this film is meant to be a musical? The only one who did well in singing was whoever dubbed Minnie Driver's voice. The only other thing that was good was the scenery, the camera angles and the effects but that's all. By the look of it, the people who made this film obviously had donkey dung for brains. The way this film has been presented, I frankly am very upset to say that it has turned the world's greatest and most successful musical into a disaster!!! I would have loved Michael Crawford to have been in it along with Sarah Brightman. I think that they are just perfect as The Phantom and Christine. It's just a shame that at the time the idea was brought up there were complications. I have often wished that I could travel through time back to 1986 to see the original London cast performing the show. Unfortunately I wasn't around at the time and wouldn't be for another three years. As far as I'm concerned, 'Phantom' should never have been brought to the screen.

 

 


Name: Julie
Posted on: December 12, 2004 07:11 AM
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Where are you from?: Memphis
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: This just breaks my heart. To wait so long and then see who they have cast. How did Andrew stomach listening to the cast destroy his masterpiece????