Monday, September 29, 2008

Phantom: Rethought

Last night I saw "Phantom" for the first time!

Well, saw it for the first time as a gal in my 40's, that is. Technically it was my third time to see it, but as is everything in life, there can be something new to see or learn or experience, based on where you are in life.

Reaction to Phantom in my 20's:
  • How cool to be the focus of someone's overwhelming desire, like Christine was to the Phantom.
  • My favorite suitor was Phantom over Raoul, based on the mercy rule, the passion rule, of course his prowess on the keyboard and his ability to compose melancholy love songs. Also dug his candle collection, his boat, his mask and his swirly cape....he cuts a very dashing figure!
  • Raoul seems a little dull. Doesn't really stoke a girls' fire, ifyaknowwhatimean.
  • There's something alluring about being called to the dark side.
Reaction to Phantom in my 30's:
  • It's a little creepy to be the focus of someone's overwhelming desire.
  • Favor starting to tip toward Raoul - what kind of father would the Phantom make? Would he have outbursts of anger in front of the kids - would he noose up the paperboy if he was late with the morning edition of Le Monde? Would he insist on staying in his candlelit lair - could he throw a baseball with PJ (Phantom Junior) or carpool the girls to the mall?
  • Christine is starting to look bipolar. (in my 30's I became increasingly paranoid that everyone was secretly bipolar - lol) And I'm pretty sure the Phantom qualifies as "emo."
  • I'm starting to appreciate Raoul's steadiness, catches of humor, love of the arts, and down to earth take on Little Miss Christine - he knew her as a childhood friend AND as a successful performer....there's a balance there to his love, which is rich.
  • There's something dangerous about being called to the dark side.
Reaction to Phantom in my 40's:
  • Meg is starting to look more interesting as a character. Why doesn't Rauol bag on Christine and go with Meg? She's a supportive friend, loving daughter....she has an inquisitive mind and a courageous spirit - not to mention dancer legs and a lovely voice. What's not to like?
  • The Phantom needs counseling. This guy has some serious issues from his childhood. He does not need a lover, he needs Jesus and he needs a mother's love and maybe a tiny bit of Prozac. This guy could use some homemade chocolate chip cookies and a cold glass of milk after a rough day at the opera. I feel badly that Christine feels she is his rescuer. Girls - don't marry someone who needs rescuing! Bake him some cookies, pour him some milk, give him warm hugs....and then send him to a counselor. But do not think you have to MARRY him to save him!
  • Raoul is too good for Christine. Sure, he's "safe" but he's also studly, brave, and can hold his own in a duet. Hard to find better men than that! She is too "drama" to appreciate him.
  • which leads me to this: Christine is a DRAMA QUEEN! Her mom needed to curb that little girls' tantrums and whims, and needed to open up the Word of God as a way to help her make her choices. You don't go for the pathetic murderer who can sing hauntingly and who has a sexy lair....read Deuteronomy 30:19 as a way to decide who to pick. Also - she needs to know a little about spiritual warfare and fruit of the spirit. Let's see - one guy kidnaps, murders, explodes with anger...the other is protective, kind, gentle (studly!)......Christine is not only a drama queen, she's also a ditz. Dr. Laura would have a field day with her. I think this girl has attention needs, and needs a little 1 Peter 1:13 drilled into her (KJV, please).
  • There's something disturbing about being called to the dark side.
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.
For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common?
Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

(2 Cor. 14)

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Okay, Al...that was absolutely hilarious!!! Amazing how a little maturity can change your perspective.

Okay..now I really AM going to bed.

jonilyn said...

Hi Alison,
I heard from Lorri today and she sent me a link to her blog. I saw your comment so I thought I'd day hi-it's literally been years. This is Joanna, from the old classical moms yahoo group.
:)