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ship_manifesto2005-03-06 07:51 am
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Roses for Her :: A Tribute to Erik x Christine (Phantom of the Opera)
Title: Roses for Her
Author: Kelli
Spoilers: 2004 Film, Original Novel
Fandom: The Phantom of the Opera
Pairing: Erik and Christine Daaé
Roses for Her :: A Tribute to Erik x Christine
Introduction Before seeing the film I knew I'd like these two together, and after seeing the film at my local theatre I instantly became extremely devoted to this lovely pairing. Ever since then I have wrote a couple of one-shots dedicated to the pairing, and even created a Fan Sound Track to my new found OTP. So far I have read the Gaston Leroux novel, seen the Lon Chaney 1925 silent film, seen the 2004 Film, and bought tickets to the stage version this June. Each version I had the pleasure of viewing has made my devotion for Erik and Christine as a pairing grow, and what makes me even happier is that I have seen others who are just as devoted to this tragic pairing as I am.
"Little Lotte thought of everything and nothing. Her Father promised her that he would send her the Angel of Music. Her father promised her... Her father promised her... " ~Christine Daaé
Christine Daaé When Christine's father passed away she was taken in by a ballet instructor named Madame Giry. Since that day she devoted herself to her studies in ballet and music in belief that one day her father would send her the Angel of Music he promised her. According to the original novel written by Gaston Leroux one fateful evening Christine hears a beautiful voice singing inside her dressing room. After failing to find the owner of the voice she comes to the conclusion that this voice belongs to her Angel of Music. For three months this mysterious voice trains voice, and when the time is right he makes her a star. In the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Carlotta leaves the Opera House in a fit of rage after a backdrop falls on her during a play by the name of Hannibal. This gives Christine the perfect opportunity to rise as a star. In the the Leroux novel Carlotta falls ill, and Christine takes her place as Margarita in the musical Faust.
Upon returning to her room she is visited by her masked Angel of Music, and allows him to take her to her lair. This is were her curiosity gets the best of her. Christine rips his mask off, and discovered that he is not her Angel of Music. The man who trained her was a disfigured musical genius. Erik isn't to happy about this, and flies into a rage. In the musical Christine tears calm Erik, and she returns his mask. In the book she pretends to accept his disfigurement, and tells him that she loves him for who he is inside. Her words calm him, and out of pure joy he kisses the ends of her dress. However, on the rooftop she finds comfort in Raoul's arms, and at the end runs off with him living Erik behind.
Christine primary development in both versions requires Erik's existence. The once naive young girl learns that there is a day when that, in the words of Moulin Rouge, there is a day when dreaming ends. The fear of letting go of the dream of her father's promise grows into a new fear for the very man who trained her voice. The young dreamer finally lets go of her dream, and goes to find comfort with her childhood friend Raoul.
Actresses: Mary Philbin (1925 Silent Film), Sarah Brightman (Original Musical Christine), Teri Polo (1990 TV Movie), and Emmy Rossem (2004 Film)
"You alone can make my song take flight." ~Erik
Erik a.k.a. The Phantom Erik's life before Christine was a life of fear and loathing due to his facial disfigurement. As a child he had been shunned, and found refuge in the Opera Populairé. For years he spent his life alone underneath the opera house. That was until Christine came into his life, and since her childhood he held a strong obsession for her. As his obsession grows he does anything to further Christine's carrier as a singer. Soon his obsession grows to the point that he demands she doesn't marry another, this was mentioned in the 1925 Silent Film and Original Novel.
After Christine tears his mask away she also tears away all his lies. He had played on the promise her father made, and told her he was an Angel of Music. Instead Christine learns he is a disfigured man with a strong obsession. His hopes of ever gaining her love and respect are shattered instantly, and thus he becomes enraged by that lose. After returning her to the surface like I mentioned before he loses her for good to Raoul De Changy. Still Erik refuses to except it, and pursues Christine's affections. In the end he realizes that he wants her happiness more than anything else, and allows her to run away with Raoul. Still his love never dies, at the the end of the 2004 film, he leaves a rose with the ring she returned to him on her grave.
Erik is difficult to understand even for some long term fans and each actor that has played him brings something new to his character. To be honest a lot of long term fans would drop their jaws at this, but I prefer Gerard Butler of all actors. He brought out the possessive side of Erik's character the best. Still their is so much more than that to Erik that one actors portrayal never ends the story Michael Crawford brought out the sorrow in his character, and Lon Chaney brought out the monster inside and outside of Erik. There is so much inside him that is to brought out that not one actor can perfect his role.
Actors: Lon Chaney (1925 Silent Film), Michael Crawford (Original Musical Christine), Charles Dance (1990 TV Movie), and Gerard Butler (2004 Film)
"God give me courage to show you, you are not alone." ~Christine Daaé
Erik x Christine As a child one of my favorite movies was Beauty and the Beast. I'm sure most of you have seen the film or at least heard of it. It is a similar plot about a woman who learns to love despite a man's appearance. Phantom shares a lot of these similarities except in the end Christine chooses Raoul instead of Erik unfortunately for us Erik/Christine supporters. My love for the Disney classic also inspired my love for Erik/Christine.
The one scene that touched my heart was Point of No Return where Erik and Christine share a fiery duet with one another. The lyrics to the song are absolutely beautiful in every way and their dance gives a very sensual sensation backed up overwhelming emotions from both characters. One confused with her feelings for a man she had trusted, and the other desperate for love from the woman he loves. It's the height of the entire film, and found myself singing along the second and third time I saw it in the theatre.
I also find that there is so much more depth between Erik and Christine than there is with Christine and Raoul. Erik and Christine's kiss definitely held more emotion than the one she shared with Raoul. The way she reacts to his voice makes it clear to me that he is much more than just an angel to her. I believe that she actually felt something for him, but could never quite come to terms with it. After all she had come close to returning to him twice, but both times she was interrupted by Raoul overprotective nature. I do believe that if he had not been there to stop her she would have returned to Erik, and even grown to love him. She said so herself that she was having trouble resisting Erik's voice.
Some selected fans base their devotion on is what they would have done in Christine's shoes. Some of that inspires my love for this pairing. However, I'm mostly drawn to the pair, because I love the internal struggle between right or wrong that both Erik and Christine go through. I find that the best fanfiction is created by authors that are able to separate what they would do from their writing and write more based on characters and what Christine would have done if she had chosen other wise. It is important that a fan remembers that they are not Christine when writing fanfiction or a good idea could turn into nothing more than a complete disaster.
In all respects I do believe these two would have made quite the pair, but sadly the two weren't meant to be. Still I strongly support them together.
A Fan's Story Two years before the film was released an acquaintance of mine shared a common interest in another film I enjoyed, and while checking her personal web page I found a picture of Erik and Christine from the stage musical. Not knowing anything about Phantom of the Opera in any of its many incarnations I decided to trust her judgment and attach myself to the pair despite knowing a thing about that plot as a whole.
Days went by and during the space between those two years I had come across a film by the name of Timeline. I had read the first few chapters of the book, but because of my tendency to forget things I had not finished the book. Still I decided to watch the film on payperview, and the first thing I noticed was a gorgeous actor playing the role of André Marek. At the time I had not realized he was also in the film Dracula 2000 that I had seen long before so I had no idea of his name. That was until I discovered around summertime that a movie of Phantom of the Opera would be coming out the following December. Instantly all my memories returned, and took a brief look at the cast. Seeing nobody familiar I left without remembering any of the names in the cast.
During a talk with my mother days later I found out that the reason the Phantom hides behind a mask is because he was deformed. At the time I thought of it as a disappointment since at the time I only watched movies if there was an attractive young actor preforming in it. Still I devoted myself to Erik despite knowing this, because I was drawn to a character from another series who was also masked, Rau Le Klueze from Gundam Seed. Klueze was the entire reason I had decided to look inside man's soul instead of lusting mindlessly after a man's body. With a growing devotion for Klueze I swore to myself I'd love him even if he was an repulsive monster behind his mask. Come October I discovered his face was perfectly fine. Still my whole thought process had been altered due the influence Klueze had on my life, and even now Rau Le Klueze holds a strong place in my heart.
So now lets fast forward to December 22, 2004 the day my best friend Maggie invited me to see the Phantom of the Opera movie with another friend by the name of Ashley. I feared I wouldn't be able to see the movie at the time, because I did not have the money to go. Thankfully with the help of my mother I had conjured up the movie, and within a few hours I was watching the film with them. During the show we found ourselves muffling our giggles nearly every time Gerard Butler was on the screen. I knew what they didn't though, and feared that they'd eventually base their entire opinion on his appearance. This anxiety was the beginning stages of my pet peeve: When others judge Erik's entire character on his appearance. to my surprise once the film came to an end to my surprised they actually attached themselves to Erik's character like I had.
As for Raoul I never really liked his character that much for many reasons. I'll be honest about the reason I dislike him so much. Last August one of my old friends wished that the character I mentioned before, Rau Le Klueze, was ugly behind his mask in belief that I would take interest in another character she preferred more. I understand that Raoul is a good man deep down inside. Still every time I think of him especially with Christine I hear my friends words echo in my head, and thus I cannot bare the thought of him. Yes, I'm being unfair, but it is something I doubt I'll ever be able to get passed.
Fandom Online Communities:
Erik & Christine Fans :: This live journal group is the first group I joined nearly a week after watching the film. I'm mostly a lurker, but the people there are very nice.
Project Phantom :: I do believe that many avid Erik x Christine supporters have at least heard of this group on Yahoo. It was created before the film to fight against Raoul x Christine from taking the lead in the fanfiction community. If you are huge fan of the stage musical you'll fit right into this community.
Fansites:
Passion :: This is the first fansite I came across dedicated to Erik x Christine. It is very unbiased to each version, and includes a wonderful image gallery.
Phantom's Beauty :: This is the approved Erik x Christine fanlisting for each version. If you are a fan of this pairing it then take the time to add your name to the list.
My Fanfiction:
All I Ask of You by Me :: Erik x Christine remake of All I Ask of You.
In the Arms of an Angel by Me :: Sequel to All I Ask of You.
Other Fanfiction:
The Mirror by apckrfan :: This was the first fanfic I ever read in the E/C fandom.
Tended Wounds by Lady of Proserpine :: The first continuation fic I came across with good writing.
Demons by Wandering Child :: Possibly the most popular Erik/Christine fic online.
Phantom of the High School by fufulupin :: Occasional grammer errors, but very enjoyable.
Author: Kelli
Spoilers: 2004 Film, Original Novel
Fandom: The Phantom of the Opera
Pairing: Erik and Christine Daaé
Introduction
"Little Lotte thought of everything and nothing. Her Father promised her that he would send her the Angel of Music. Her father promised her... Her father promised her... " ~Christine Daaé
Upon returning to her room she is visited by her masked Angel of Music, and allows him to take her to her lair. This is were her curiosity gets the best of her. Christine rips his mask off, and discovered that he is not her Angel of Music. The man who trained her was a disfigured musical genius. Erik isn't to happy about this, and flies into a rage. In the musical Christine tears calm Erik, and she returns his mask. In the book she pretends to accept his disfigurement, and tells him that she loves him for who he is inside. Her words calm him, and out of pure joy he kisses the ends of her dress. However, on the rooftop she finds comfort in Raoul's arms, and at the end runs off with him living Erik behind.
Christine primary development in both versions requires Erik's existence. The once naive young girl learns that there is a day when that, in the words of Moulin Rouge, there is a day when dreaming ends. The fear of letting go of the dream of her father's promise grows into a new fear for the very man who trained her voice. The young dreamer finally lets go of her dream, and goes to find comfort with her childhood friend Raoul.
Actresses: Mary Philbin (1925 Silent Film), Sarah Brightman (Original Musical Christine), Teri Polo (1990 TV Movie), and Emmy Rossem (2004 Film)
"You alone can make my song take flight." ~Erik
After Christine tears his mask away she also tears away all his lies. He had played on the promise her father made, and told her he was an Angel of Music. Instead Christine learns he is a disfigured man with a strong obsession. His hopes of ever gaining her love and respect are shattered instantly, and thus he becomes enraged by that lose. After returning her to the surface like I mentioned before he loses her for good to Raoul De Changy. Still Erik refuses to except it, and pursues Christine's affections. In the end he realizes that he wants her happiness more than anything else, and allows her to run away with Raoul. Still his love never dies, at the the end of the 2004 film, he leaves a rose with the ring she returned to him on her grave.
Erik is difficult to understand even for some long term fans and each actor that has played him brings something new to his character. To be honest a lot of long term fans would drop their jaws at this, but I prefer Gerard Butler of all actors. He brought out the possessive side of Erik's character the best. Still their is so much more than that to Erik that one actors portrayal never ends the story Michael Crawford brought out the sorrow in his character, and Lon Chaney brought out the monster inside and outside of Erik. There is so much inside him that is to brought out that not one actor can perfect his role.
Actors: Lon Chaney (1925 Silent Film), Michael Crawford (Original Musical Christine), Charles Dance (1990 TV Movie), and Gerard Butler (2004 Film)
"God give me courage to show you, you are not alone." ~Christine Daaé
The one scene that touched my heart was Point of No Return where Erik and Christine share a fiery duet with one another. The lyrics to the song are absolutely beautiful in every way and their dance gives a very sensual sensation backed up overwhelming emotions from both characters. One confused with her feelings for a man she had trusted, and the other desperate for love from the woman he loves. It's the height of the entire film, and found myself singing along the second and third time I saw it in the theatre.
I also find that there is so much more depth between Erik and Christine than there is with Christine and Raoul. Erik and Christine's kiss definitely held more emotion than the one she shared with Raoul. The way she reacts to his voice makes it clear to me that he is much more than just an angel to her. I believe that she actually felt something for him, but could never quite come to terms with it. After all she had come close to returning to him twice, but both times she was interrupted by Raoul overprotective nature. I do believe that if he had not been there to stop her she would have returned to Erik, and even grown to love him. She said so herself that she was having trouble resisting Erik's voice.
Some selected fans base their devotion on is what they would have done in Christine's shoes. Some of that inspires my love for this pairing. However, I'm mostly drawn to the pair, because I love the internal struggle between right or wrong that both Erik and Christine go through. I find that the best fanfiction is created by authors that are able to separate what they would do from their writing and write more based on characters and what Christine would have done if she had chosen other wise. It is important that a fan remembers that they are not Christine when writing fanfiction or a good idea could turn into nothing more than a complete disaster.
In all respects I do believe these two would have made quite the pair, but sadly the two weren't meant to be. Still I strongly support them together.
Days went by and during the space between those two years I had come across a film by the name of Timeline. I had read the first few chapters of the book, but because of my tendency to forget things I had not finished the book. Still I decided to watch the film on payperview, and the first thing I noticed was a gorgeous actor playing the role of André Marek. At the time I had not realized he was also in the film Dracula 2000 that I had seen long before so I had no idea of his name. That was until I discovered around summertime that a movie of Phantom of the Opera would be coming out the following December. Instantly all my memories returned, and took a brief look at the cast. Seeing nobody familiar I left without remembering any of the names in the cast.
During a talk with my mother days later I found out that the reason the Phantom hides behind a mask is because he was deformed. At the time I thought of it as a disappointment since at the time I only watched movies if there was an attractive young actor preforming in it. Still I devoted myself to Erik despite knowing this, because I was drawn to a character from another series who was also masked, Rau Le Klueze from Gundam Seed. Klueze was the entire reason I had decided to look inside man's soul instead of lusting mindlessly after a man's body. With a growing devotion for Klueze I swore to myself I'd love him even if he was an repulsive monster behind his mask. Come October I discovered his face was perfectly fine. Still my whole thought process had been altered due the influence Klueze had on my life, and even now Rau Le Klueze holds a strong place in my heart.
So now lets fast forward to December 22, 2004 the day my best friend Maggie invited me to see the Phantom of the Opera movie with another friend by the name of Ashley. I feared I wouldn't be able to see the movie at the time, because I did not have the money to go. Thankfully with the help of my mother I had conjured up the movie, and within a few hours I was watching the film with them. During the show we found ourselves muffling our giggles nearly every time Gerard Butler was on the screen. I knew what they didn't though, and feared that they'd eventually base their entire opinion on his appearance. This anxiety was the beginning stages of my pet peeve: When others judge Erik's entire character on his appearance. to my surprise once the film came to an end to my surprised they actually attached themselves to Erik's character like I had.
As for Raoul I never really liked his character that much for many reasons. I'll be honest about the reason I dislike him so much. Last August one of my old friends wished that the character I mentioned before, Rau Le Klueze, was ugly behind his mask in belief that I would take interest in another character she preferred more. I understand that Raoul is a good man deep down inside. Still every time I think of him especially with Christine I hear my friends words echo in my head, and thus I cannot bare the thought of him. Yes, I'm being unfair, but it is something I doubt I'll ever be able to get passed.
Erik & Christine Fans :: This live journal group is the first group I joined nearly a week after watching the film. I'm mostly a lurker, but the people there are very nice.
Project Phantom :: I do believe that many avid Erik x Christine supporters have at least heard of this group on Yahoo. It was created before the film to fight against Raoul x Christine from taking the lead in the fanfiction community. If you are huge fan of the stage musical you'll fit right into this community.
Fansites:
Passion :: This is the first fansite I came across dedicated to Erik x Christine. It is very unbiased to each version, and includes a wonderful image gallery.
Phantom's Beauty :: This is the approved Erik x Christine fanlisting for each version. If you are a fan of this pairing it then take the time to add your name to the list.
My Fanfiction:
All I Ask of You by Me :: Erik x Christine remake of All I Ask of You.
In the Arms of an Angel by Me :: Sequel to All I Ask of You.
Other Fanfiction:
The Mirror by apckrfan :: This was the first fanfic I ever read in the E/C fandom.
Tended Wounds by Lady of Proserpine :: The first continuation fic I came across with good writing.
Demons by Wandering Child :: Possibly the most popular Erik/Christine fic online.
Phantom of the High School by fufulupin :: Occasional grammer errors, but very enjoyable.
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You'll love the stage show, by the way.
This was wonderfully written and obviously very well researched. Well done.
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I would have waited till I got the Susan Kay novel to finish this, but someone ripped me off a few days ago. Perhaps I'll update the text when I get my clutches on the book and read it.
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I agree completely about Gerard Butler, though I'll admit to disliking him the first time I saw the movie. Cause he's NOT Crawford, and I grew up hearing Crawford's beautifully seductive take on the role. Repeated viewings of the movie made me appreciate Butler's more obsessive spin on it. And "Point of No Return" didn't hurt, either.
Bravi. Bravi. Bravissimi.
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I suppose what I most adore about the pairing is the way it brings Christine to reconcile within herself that she can both love and hate Erik, and I love the 2004 movie's portrayal (out of the other movies or musical performances) best because of how much that factors into it.
If you ever come across (I had to order it transferred to my local library - it's out of print) the novel Phantom by Susan Kay, I highly recommend picking it up if you haven't already. There are some things I don't like about it's portrayal of Erik, but it's just the most beautiful and emotional version, IMO.
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Thank you for your comments.
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And thank you for the links at the bottom.
Looking forward to more scholarly work or fab fiction!
~Cheers
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I do have to point out a couple of things though... your description of the story is taken very much from the 2004 movie in a number of places where it conflicts with Leroux (and the stage show). For instance, "When Christine's father passed away she was taken in by a ballet instructor named Madame Giry" only happens in the movie. In the novel she has no particular relationship with Mme Giry. Similarly your description of Erik's background suggests that he spent much of his childhood in the Opera (as in the movie), and doesn't mention any of the rich background Leroux gives him, which I think is a pity.
It might be nice to mention that he dies of a broken heart at the end of the original novel, too.
I like your thoughts and insights about the characters very much. :)
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