Well, ALW and Joel Schumer did talk about a movie back in the 90s with the original London cast. But they didn't think it was time for a movie. So, fast forward to about 2003-2004, Andrew or Joel called the other and they agreed it was time for a movie
@@scotthamp384It's a shame they went with Gerard Butler. I think he did well for someone who had no experience singing, but when we watch the Phantom our expectations are so impossibly high, and when captured on film and we've all got our noses right on top of it all, there's not many people who are going to meet many fans standards. Michael Crawford certainly would have been the dream candidate even in the early 2000s I believe. Nowadays I think Ramin Karimloo would probably be an ideal candidate to many of us. I think John Owen Jones would still make a phenomenal movie phantom as well. But honestly my number one wish for a Phantom movie would be: keep it close to the way it is presented on stage (especially musically, don't drastically alter the soundtrack like the Les Mis movie did), and please PLEASE use professional stars from the world of musical theater instead of useless celebrities! The 1998 Cats movie I think was pretty much a fan's dream: a really close approximation of the West End/Broadway experience using a sort of dream ensemble from Broadway and West End. That's the Phantom movie I think many of us were hoping for!
Man... to think of what we could have had with the movie. It still makes me want to cry. I did find it interesting that he said at the end of the interview he would love to go back and play the Phantom on stage again, especially since that never happened. Seeing those short clips of him as the Phantom just digs at me that I never got to see him in the role.
He was 49 y.o. here and for me those were the best years as far as looks and talent are concerned.....loved his LA concert and I wish his other concerts would be uploaded here. But more than anything it's his character and personality that really makes him one of the most beautiful and amazing people in the world. Still hoping to see him here in YT doing just anything.
Right out of hand, I cannot recall an interview where Larry King was so relaxed (for him) with a guest. Just take a look during the long shots at how close and leaning into each other they both are. That is one of the reasons why this is such a great session. Larry does not always put a guest at ease, whereas Michael becomes at ease quickly in interviews, here, it is a special kind of magic.
Not only can he sing great,he has such an unaffected..personality. Handsome and very sexy in an unusual way.I can hear him sing THE MUSIC IN THE NIGHT ALL DAY. BRAVO MR.CRAWFORD
So glad I saw Michael in Barnum at The Palladium, because its like photography, I'll never see it again yet it's a priceless memory that I'll treasure forever and I'm smiling now with tonnes of affection. Thank you Michael, you are a complete genius and so close to my heart, especially as I use to drive a concrete mixer lorry and went into work one morning wearing a mac and a berry and tried my best to imitate Frank... my 11 work colleagues had tears of laughter
I've heard 1 author's interpretation of the story, in which there's a twist that says Raoul & Erik (the Phantom) end up being brothers. If somehow, they ever decide to make a movie & use that particular angle, Michael could play their father. In a way, it would be perfect, since he technically is the father of this whole wonderful movement. Even ALW himself said it: "Without these two (Michael & Sarah), we would not be here."
He could still do Phantom... his voice is still strong and Erik's age is never given. Of course, I hated the casting in the film - particularly Minnie Driver. Uck. And I didn't care for Ramin Karimlou either. He sounds emphysemic during Music of the Night and doesn't seem to understand the vulnerability behind Erik's actions. Even Gerard Butler got that part better. Sorry to drag down the mood! This interview was fab, though.
Well. Never saw a Larry King interview. I’m From Australia great interview. “In my opinion “. Probably one of the many great interviews. But for me I learnt so much about how he got the Phantom role.
You and me BOTH! Also, I believe he's remarried now, even though it appears he's kept it secret. I say this for a couple reasons, 1) He always carried his Grandma's wedding band even though I never saw him wear it. 2) In an interview within the last couple yrs, he uttered the words "my wife." Well, that was a sad day for me, yet I'd always wish for him to be happy as much as possible. 3). I don't know if they have "common law" marriages, OR if he was legally married. He avoided remarrying for so long, and per his own words, he never wanted to run back to the altar since he'd need to make sure it was the right decision and because break ups can be so devastating. So again, if this is so, I wish him nothing but happiness, though despite his age, I'd STILL make sure he knew that -I- was on his list of options! 😁😭😭😭😭😭 Stay safe. Aszneth
for those wondering what the discussion is at the beginning. he's talking about "The Music Of Andrew Lloyd Webber" tour he was doing at the time, that followed his 2nd L,A. farewell.
I loved Larry King as an interviewer both on his radio show on the Mutual Radio Network and on CNN on "Larry King Live", but he obviously wasn't listening to Michael Crawford when after King told him that he'd seen Crawford on Broadway when Crawford was very young and "Wasn't that Dolly ('Hello Dolly')?" and Crawford responded, "No that was 'Black Comedy'" and then moments later King said again, "Wasn't that Dolly?" and Crawford had to correct him again that it was actually "Black Comedy" that King saw Crawford in on Broadway when Crawford said he was 22-years old (he was actually 25-years old then, because he was born in January 1942)! Geez Larry couldn't you pay attention to what the guest just told you a moment ago??!!
For peoples information the rock singer who first sang the title track of the phantom was Steve Harley. Well worth a listen but different from the phantom you know and love