Phantom Variations: The Adaptations of Gaston Leroux's Phantom of the Opera, 1925 to the Present

by Ann C. Hall

This book examines the themes and variations of Phantom of the Opera , exploring the story's appeal to multiple generations through numerous incarnations. After discussing Gaston Leroux's original 1910 novel, the work turns first to Phantom on film from Lon Chaney's 1925 Phantom through Dario Argento's 1998 film. Stage versions of Phantom are then covered in detail, including Webber's spectacular 1986 production and its lesser-known predecessors and competitors, and those that followed. A final section looks at novels and miscellaneous adaptations ranging from erotic fiction to a Donald Barthelme short story.

Genres: Nonfiction

199 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Zala · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author’s interpretation of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical differs from my own in two very important scenes which change the whole interpretation of the Cristine / Phantom relationship. Interesting observation about Webber deliberately making a bad film adaptation though! And my god did he succeed.
Also, I did get fed up with constant mentions of feminism and forcing it into every interpretation of every adaptation. While I agree that is an important element in some adaptations, the focus was not on it in every one of them and the lack of that focus does not immediately mean misogynism in my opinion.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is well worth the read for any Phantom fan or literary scholar. The analysis of the different versions are more condescended than in other works on the subject (Hogle’s The Underground of the Phantom of the Opera is far more comprehensive) but this is the newest book on the study of Phantom adaptation to come out which includes films and books that were released in the “phandom” in the late 90’s and early 00’s. (Such as the 2004 movie-musical)

The first chapter covering the Leroux novel and the third analyzing the musical versions are the strongest in this book and defiantly well worth the read. There were some glaring errors that a hard core fan could pick out in the other chapters. When I encountered them, it interrupted my reading flow and made me feel like a professor correcting a paper or like I’m reading bad fan fiction…

This book certainly isn’t the end-all-be-all in covering every Phantom adaptation, be it does serve as a very useful companion.

[Colee B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great read for any phan. Hall gives us a brief look at the various incarnations of the Phantom over the years across several different mediums. I'm personally a big fan of Leroux's story and geek out over any type of analysis of the characters, temporal perspective and underlying symbolism, so I found this to be one of those books that I just couldn't put down. Hall spends the most time looking at the original (which makes perfect sense) and the Chaney film but still offers a look at several incarnations that are not generally on the public's radar. My major qualm is that she gives far too much praise for The Phantom of New York. I would love see an update of the book with an inclusion of Love Never Dies (the original London version, the Australian version and the upcoming Danish version).

[marla turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

An updated reissue...Please?

From the novel to the film's and then beyond, Ms Hall literally peels away the literary mask of the Phantom. By both summarizing and exploring the story through various genres she not only lists the versions, but sheds new light on each one. If only this could be updated to include the latest Phantom musical.