Emmy Rossum's Connection to Phantom of the Opera Movie

Emmy Rossum, known for her iconic role as Christine Daaé in the 2004 film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical masterpiece, The Phantom of the Opera, has always been fascinated by the character of the Phantom. However, she confessed that her teenage self was disillusioned when the movie didn't follow the traditional narrative of Christine falling deeply in love with the masked musician only after removing his mask.

In contrast to the 1925 film version, where Christine's attraction to Raoul is evident even before the Phantom removes his mask, Rossum's movie adaptation portrayed a more complex and modern take on the character. The Phantom, played by Gerard Butler, was depicted as a brooding and intense figure with a hidden lair beneath the Paris Opera House.

Rossum shared that her own experiences growing up had an impact on her interpretation of Christine's character. As a child, she was surrounded by several older women who served as nannies, including Cheryl, who was in her 60s when Rossum lived under her care. While these women instilled positive values in Rossum, they also inadvertently created unrealistic expectations about life and love.

Rossum recalled that her nannies would tell her that if she wanted something badly enough, impossible things could happen – a notion that was both empowering and potentially damaging. However, not all of her experiences with nannies were positive, and as a child, she didn't always understand the complexities of the world around her.

In one instance, Rossum sang the German national anthem without realizing the historical significance and controversial connotations it held. She acknowledged that this incident was awkward given her mother's Jewish heritage, but she also praised Gertie, another nanny who had a profound impact on her life.

Despite these challenges, Rossum has grown into a compassionate and well-rounded individual. Her experiences as a child undoubtedly shaped her perspective on love, life, and the world around her. As Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera movie, she brought depth and nuance to the character, making her portrayal one of the most memorable on-screen adaptations of the iconic role.

Emmy rossum phantom of the opera movie