Symbolism is very integral part of writing, the theater, music, and movies. Since this production involves 3 of those 4, and one of the most recognized theatrical composers of all time was involve, this movie is sure to be packed with symbolism.
I will be discussing some of the symbols.
Today is the mask
The Phantom wears a mask to hide his disfigured face, referring to our own identity problems. We have this irrational belief that our true self is not what the world wants to see, that we must hide our disfigured individuality to conform to what everyone wants. This is the opposite of what we are meant to do! We are meant to show what we perceive as disfigured abnormalities to the rest of the world, be happy with who you are, and never let others tell you who to be, because they too are wearing a mask
The Phantom sing "This face which earned a mother's fear and loathing". He has been rejected by everyone who had ever seen in face, sent them running in fear because of his monstrous facial abnormalities. This is reflective of another problem of our society. The Phantom ended up in the hands of a gypsy caravan, and was showcased as "The Devil's Child" to make money. He was beaten and abused day in and day out. The Phantom, wanting to be free, took a rope, ties a noose(David!) and strangled his captor. A young Madame Giry ( a ballet student as a child, ballet teacher as an adult) hid him away in the basement. The Phantom was turned evil by other evils. From then his signature was the noose. We as a society shun different and "ugly" ideas, therefore creating evil by trying to "eliminate" it.
Such symbolism captured in a timeless story. A story with a powerful message.
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