Chinese Screens Haunted by Phantom of the Theatre
Yeah, we know its title implies that it’s yet another Phantom of the Opera film adaptation, but in actuality, the Chinese film Phantom of the Theatre is a new and original story with little resemblance to Gaston Leroux’s novel.
Set in 18th century Shanghai, it’s about a theatre plagued by the malevolent spirits of a troupe killed in a fire. As far as we know, there isn’t a deformed opera singer in a white mask in sight. There also won’t be a horse that somehow found its way into the tunnels beneath the opera house (thanks, Joel Schumacher and Andrew Lloyd Webber).
It opened in third place on 29 April in China, taking a modest $7 million, which is far from spectacular but not a complete failure either.
Director Raymond Yip is no stranger to the horror genre, as he’s the chap who also bought us movies like Blood Stained Shoes and The House That Never Dies. Popular actress and media personality Ruby Lin stars in the lead role.
We’ll keep you posted if we hear anything about a Stateside release.
Categorized:News
