Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera (2004) Ending Explained
tl;dr: The ending of The Phantom of the Opera sees the Phantom, heartbroken after Christine chooses Raoul over him, releasing them both and disappearing, leaving only his mask behind. Christine returns the ring he gave her, symbolizing her final rejection of his dark obsession. The film then flashes forward to an elderly Raoul visiting Christine's grave, where he finds a rose with the Phantom's ribbon, hinting that the Phantom may have outlived them both and still loves her in death. The ending is tragic yet poetic, emphasizing themes of love, sacrifice, and the Phantom's lingering presence.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of The Phantom of the Opera occurs in the Phantom's lair beneath the opera house, where he forces Christine to choose between marrying him or allowing Raoul to die. After a moment of hesitation, Christine kisses the Phantom deeply, showing him compassion rather than fear for the first time. This act of kindness breaks through his rage, and he realizes that he cannot force her love. Overwhelmed by emotion, he releases both Christine and Raoul, demanding they leave and never return. As they escape, the Phantom destroys his lair, seemingly vanishing into the shadows. The final shot of the lair shows only his mask left behind, symbolizing the abandonment of his identity as the "Phantom."
The film then jumps forward decades to an elderly Raoul visiting Christine's grave. He places a rose on her tombstone, but as he walks away, the camera reveals another rose already there-this one tied with the Phantom's signature black ribbon. This haunting detail suggests that the Phantom may have outlived them both and still visits Christine's grave, keeping his love for her alive even in death. The ending leaves the Phantom's ultimate fate ambiguous-did he die shortly after Christine left him, or did he continue to exist in the shadows, forever tied to her memory?
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
Did the Phantom die after Christine left him?
- Possible Answer 1: Yes, he destroyed his lair and disappeared, implying he chose to end his life.
- Possible Answer 2: No, he continued to live in secrecy, as hinted by the rose on Christine's grave.
Why did Christine kiss the Phantom?
- Possible Answer 1: She pitied him and wanted to show him kindness.
- Possible Answer 2: She did feel some love for him but chose Raoul for a safer, happier life.
What does the rose on Christine's grave mean?
- Possible Answer 1: The Phantom still loved her and visited her grave.
- Possible Answer 2: It was a symbolic gesture, showing his eternal presence in her life.
Did Christine ever think about the Phantom after leaving?
- Possible Answer 1: Yes, she may have regretted not being able to save him.
- Possible Answer 2: No, she moved on completely with Raoul.
Themes & Symbolism in the Ending
The ending reinforces the central themes of love, obsession, and redemption. The Phantom's decision to let Christine go signifies his growth-he finally prioritizes her happiness over his own desires. The abandoned mask represents his relinquishment of the monstrous identity he clung to, while the rose at her grave suggests that love, even unrequited, transcends death. The Phantom's tragedy is that he was capable of love but could never be loved in return the way he wanted. The film suggests that true love requires sacrifice, as both Christine (by showing him mercy) and the Phantom (by releasing her) make painful choices for each other's sake.
Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film
I find the ending of The Phantom of the Opera deeply moving and thematically rich. The Phantom's final act of letting Christine go is heartbreaking but necessary-it proves he loved her more than his own obsession. The grave scene adds a layer of melancholy beauty, implying that love doesn't simply end with death. Musically, the reprisal of "All I Ask of You" underscores the tragedy of the Phantom's loneliness. However, some might argue that the Phantom's actions (including murder and manipulation) make him irredeemable, and Christine's kiss rewards toxic behavior. Still, the ambiguity of the ending allows for interpretation-is it a tale of doomed love or a warning about obsession? That's what makes it timeless.
Overall, the film's ending is a masterclass in emotional storytelling, blending gothic romance with tragic inevitability. The Phantom's character remains one of the most compelling antiheroes in musical theater, and the final scenes cement his legacy as a figure both monstrous and pitiable. Whether he died or wandered eternally, his love-and his pain-linger like the echoes of his music in the opera house.