(Source: labyrinthqueen)
The Phantom of the Opera 1925
Following the success of The Hunchback of Notre Dame in 1923, Chaney was once again given the freedom to create his own make-up as the Phantom, a habit which became almost as famous as the films he starred in. Chaney painted his eye sockets black, giving a skull-like impression to them. He also pulled the tip of his nose up and pinned it in place with wire, enlarged his nostrils with black paint, and put a set of jagged false teeth into his mouth to complete the ghastly deformed look of the Phantom. When audiences first saw The Phantom of the Opera, they were said to have screamed or fainted at the scene where Christine pulls the concealing mask away, revealing his skull-like features to the audience.
Chaney’s appearance as the Phantom in the film has been the most accurate depiction of the title character, based on the description given in the novel, where Erik the Phantom is described as having a skull-like face with a few wisps of black hair on top of his head. As in the novel, Chaney’s Phantom has been deformed since birth, rather than having been disfigured by acid or fire, as in later adaptations of The Phantom of the Opera.
Some gifs from the 1925 silent film adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera.
If you enjoyed the book, this version (which has an interesting history) is worth checking out. In fact, it’s in the public domain now, so it’s easy to find free online.
THE MASTERPIECE OF SILENT CINEMA IS SILENT NO LONGER!
Lon Chaney’s Phantom of the Opera is back, like you’ve never seen it before - featuring an all-new dubbed dialogue track with sound effects and a new musical score! Chaney’s classic has been completely re-edited, combining the best of the original 1925 version with the 1929 re-release.
Now, for the first time, watch The Phantom of the Opera as a ‘talkie’ and in startling 3D! 3D version is in anaglyph format and can be viewed on any television - no special 3D TV set required. 2 pairs of 3D glasses are included.
This 2-Disc set is loaded with special features:
-A History of the Phantom featurette that examines the legacy of the Phantom of the Opera in film, television, and literature.
-A motion-comic featuring the ‘organ death’ alternate ending and the infamous ‘cemetery scene’.
-1925/1929 scene comparisons.
-A photo gallery of rare Phantom collectibles, memorabilia, and merchandise.
-A Phantom of the Opera themed cartoon-short.
-Angel of Music Edition 2011 trailer.
-And more…
Currently this 2-Disc DVD set is only available exclusively through Middle Earth Collectibles and ThePhantomSpeaks.com
2-Disc Collector’s Set. Includes both 2D and 3D versions.
The Phantom of the Opera (1925)
“Chaney was dubbed ‘The Man of a Thousand Faces’ because of his ability to completely transform his visage for a role. For ‘Phantom,’ he jammed cotton into his cheeks, glued his ears to his head, and used rubber, spirit gum, and fish skin (yes, fish skin) to pull back his nose and flare his nostrils. The getup was extremely painful and his nose bled from the abuse, but the effort paid off in the end. Movie-goers reportedly fainted from shock at seeing the Phantom’s ghoulish unmasked face.”
Phantom of the Opera (1925) Lon Chaney
