Phantom of the Opera, lover or loser?

For many people in Vancouver, the highlight for summer of '06 has been watching "The Phantom of the Opera".

It wasn't the first time I saw the play, but the beautiful music is still refreshing to listen to. The girls I went with though, were crying their eyes out, according to them, "poor Erik (phantom's name), poor him... sniff sniff, bad Christine, she is a biatch... sniff sniff".

I was pretty perplexed, I couldn't remember how I felt the first time I saw TPOTO, but I am pretty sure I was not feeling sorry for Erik. When the second time I saw it, I definitely am sure that I am NOT feeling sorry for Erik.

Reason is simple, other than the fact that he has poor taste in living environment (a damp, dark basement), his deception and bitterness towards life and people would be hard to bear. Yes, it is true that he had taught Christine and helped her to become the star, but he told her he is the angel sent by her dead father, a deception. Maybe it is the physical deficiency that causes the necessity of the lies, but once you brand yourself as a teacher or even a fathery figure, can you blame the girl for not loving you? That sounds like taking advantage of the authority.

Also, if you really love the person, should you be hiding in the dark (literally) for so many years, not letting her know your feelings? How would you expect a girl to act when you act possesive then kidnapped her in your dungeon (literally) for a few days?

I have no sympathy to how Erik was treated. Just think about a real life situation, Christine would probably get a restraint order and filed civil suits against our beloved Phantom.

But when looking at my female friends sobbing in the theatre, I really hope girls these days are not looking for a man with possesive and deceptive personalities...