Art by Leetia Lyons.
Directed by Lon Chaney, Rupert Julian, Edward Sedgwick, Ernst Laemmle | USA | 106 min
Few films still have the power to entertain and enthral audiences after a century like The Phantom of the Opera, the classic horror melodrama starring Lon Chaney and a cast of thousands.
Based on the mystery thriller novel by Gaston Leroux, this original silent production of Phantom of the Opera remains the truest in adaptation to the original book, giving audiences the original story of Christine Daaé, Raoul de Chagny, Erik the Opera Ghost, and the Paris Opera House that has inspired so many other countless versions, including the world famous musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Produced by Carl Laemmle's Universal Studios as a follow-up to their smash hit adaptation of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the film was produced on a massive scale involving the creation of huge intricate sets replicating the famous Palais Garnier in Paris, from its grand staircase to its auditorium chandelier and down to its underground lake and the Phantom's lair. New and experimental filmmaking techniques such as 2-strip Technicolor were employed as no expense was spared in creating a cinematic spectacle. And yet nothing remains as impressive and memorable as the make-up created by star Lon Chaney, the Man of a Thousand Faces, to physically transform himself into Leroux's Phantom: a skull-like visage created by Chaney using padding, wires, and paints in an era before latex and foam.
As a film, The Phantom of the Opera went through numerous versions, revisions, and re-edits under the hands of four different directors and innumerable editors, including a re-edit and re-release in 1929 that is the most commonly seen version today. For ths 100th anniversary screening, Calgary Cinematheque is pleased to present a new reconstruction of the original 1925 General Release version, using the best available elements. We are delighted to invite you to enjoy this enduring picture with a new musical score from Chris Maric performing on the National Music Centre's Allen theatre organ! This live performance on a digital representation of a historic theatre organ, the most advanced ever built, will help to transport you back one hundred years to the glory days of silent cinema!
Written by Ben Rowe
About the Musician:
Chris Maric is a multi-instrumentalist known for his truly unique and innovative musical style. He has honed a technique which persistently flirts with genius, yet seemingly is always on the verge of recklessly stumbling into depths of unbridled passion.
As a performer, composer and educator, he has demonstrated his talents to a wide variety of audiences, crossing paths with practically any musical genre and style. He has also worked with a vast array of artists and organizations, continually surprising audiences with fresh performances.
For this special presentation on the Allen Theatre Organ, Maric will act as a one-man orchestra, accompanying the classic silent film – The Phantom of the Opera.
Maric will adapt his own original compositions, including his classical tour de force – To the Amusement of Shadows – while also drawing influence from time-honoured classics through the centuries. The end result will be a one-of-a-kind emotive and haunting experience.
Community Partner:
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge that this screening takes place on Moh’kinsstis and the traditional Treaty 7 territory, as well as the oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta District 6. Finally, we acknowledge all Nations, Indigenous and non, who live, work and play, as well as help steward this land, honour and celebrate this territory.