Watch The Phantom of the Opera

In 1989, Robert Englund, well known for his role as Freddy Krueger in the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise, starred in The Phantom of the Opera. Directed by Dwight H. Little, the film is a horror retelling of Gaston Leroux's classic tale of love and obsession. The film opens in 1877, with the Paris Opera House preparing for the premiere of a new production of Faust. However, the arrival of a new patron, an aging composer named Professor Petrie, triggers a series of horrifying events. It quickly becomes clear that someone is stalking the opera house, lurking in the shadows and causing chaos.

That someone is Erik Destler, the Phantom of the Opera. Played by Robert Englund, Erik is a terrifying figure with a disfigured face, a twisted mind, and a burning desire for revenge. He believes that the opera house stole his music and his fame, and he's determined to make them pay.

Jill Schoelen plays Christine Day, a young soprano who dreams of becoming a star. She catches the eye of Raoul, the opera's new patron, played by Alex Hyde-White, but she's also caught the attention of the Phantom. Erik becomes obsessed with Christine, convinced that she's the only one who can truly understand him.

As the premiere of Faust approaches, Christine becomes more and more drawn into the Phantom's web. She discovers that he's been her secret benefactor, providing her with lessons, costumes, and even a new song. But his gifts come at a steep price, and soon Christine is forced to choose between her career, her love life, and her own safety.

The film is a gruesome and chilling horror story, with plenty of gore and jump scares to keep audiences on edge. But it's also a tragic romance, exploring the themes of beauty, love, and the power of art. Englund's performance is particularly noteworthy, as he manages to convey both the unhinged madness and the tortured longing of Erik.

The film's sets and costumes are also impressive, capturing the decadence and glamour of the Belle Epoque era. The opera house itself is a stunning location, with its grand staircases, ornate boxes, and ominous catacombs. The film's score, featuring classic operatic pieces like the titular Phantom of the Opera and Il Muto, adds to the dramatic atmosphere.

Overall, The Phantom of the Opera is a solid horror film that will delight fans of both the genre and the classic story. Robert Englund's performance as the Phantom is a highlight, and the film's production values are impressive. However, it's definitely not a movie for the faint of heart, as it contains graphic violence and disturbing imagery.

The Phantom of the Opera is a 1989 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.