Review: The Beginning of a Beautifully Twisted and Haunting World
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 23, 2013
I cannot help but compare Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical version and movie to the original story by Leroux.  Some similarities, but Webber's Phantom is 'softer' than Leroux's Phantom. How, you may ask? Leroux's Phantom, is 'death', the architect is hugely shown in all the things he has created under the opera house and the specifics about his appearance can be ghastly. How he treats Christine is different too, his obsession with her, no matter what source, is strong, sometimes silly and sometimes very dark. The details of Leroux's Phantom is scary and haunting and while I fell hard for Gerard Butler in the movie version of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical, enjoyed the London stage performance and followed up with 'Love Never Dies', I own an illustrated version of Leroux's book and it has made me wonder was there ever a Phantom before the one Mr. Leroux brought to life for us? This is a must read for any Phantom lover. You might hate some parts and love others but it is very good to read the source that Mr. Webber pulled on for his lovely version.