Phantom of the Blogs

Posted on May 8, 2005 in Film Moods Myths & Mysticism

A legend which fascinates me and has fascinated me ever since I saw a 1964 film version of the classic novel is that of the Phantom of the Opera. Truth is I identify with the Phantom, particularly now that I sport a huge lump and a carefully sealed incision on the side of my face.

Traditional literary interpretation holds that the Phantom represents the shadow side of the self, a piece of manhood which we safely stow beneath the surface of our personas. In my personal myth, however, the Phantom lies closer — he’s virtually identical to me.

How we do the most damage when we bound about in the rafters, swinging wildly on beauty and entangling things in the ropes. How most beautiful, humane and elegant we can be on the stage. And how weakly threatening and grasping when we are in the depths.

The Phantom is not a monster nor a piece of our psyche which we deny. He is a man, a feeling man, who knows every sensation except acceptance. The sensitive person cannot help but love him as I believe Christine truly does.