mosquitodragon’s review published on Letterboxd:
"I like it better in the dark. The night is far too short as it is."
Some horror movies tap into a certain territory that achieves a delicate balance between low-budget bare sufficiency and sumptuousness, and this Menahem Golan production (sans Yoram Globus - was this post-Cannon?) and Dwight H Little joint lands right in the middle of it.
Plotwise, there's not a huge amount going on here that hasn't just been recycled from every other adaptation of the source material, but it's still a treat for genre enthusiasts. Firstly, the production design, while looking reasonably modest in means, is beautifully captured. This is an entirely studio-bound film, and its limitations can be sensed in the readiness to nevertheless portray outdoor settings. But foggy period London (curiously preferred to Paris for some reason) always comes off well in studio sets - maybe that sense of artificiality actually enhances the atmosphere.
The other simple stroke of inspiration is using the basic storyline to present the Phantom as more of a straightforward slasher villain. We still get the romantic intro, but he pretty quickly moves into psychotic murderousness and that is actually entirely consistent with the base material - just given a bit more of an 80's horror bent. And of course, there's an excuse to indulge in goopy practical make-up effects both for the kills and for Englund's make-up.
Englund is clearly in his element playing this very heightened, gothic, melodramatic character - he's like Freddy Kruger but with a halfway sympathetic gothic romanticism taking the place of Freddy's completely abhorrent evil. Meanwhile, there's a terrific supporting cast including 80's horror sweetheart du jour, Jill Schoelen (her voice is something else), a very young (comparatively) Bill Nighy being effortlessly classy and even a small role for Molly Shannon.
Definitely one to throw on if you're ever feeling mostalgic for that 80's horror feel. Pretty shallow and undemanding, but well crafted and quite fun.
"You're a thing from hell."
"And you, sir, are hellbound!"
