The opera scene and The Phantom of the Opera

[Artemisia]

I was watching The Phantom of the Opera the other night, and was amused at how much the Letters Scene resembles that of FFVI's opera scenario. Upon thinking about it, the similarities went further than that!

1. In the Phantom of the Opera, a disfigured genius is in love with a soprano.
In FFVI, Setzer (a disfigured gambler) is in love with Maria (a famous soprano/opera singer).
2. The Phantom kidnaps Christine and attempts to make her his bride.
Setzer plans to kidnap Maria and make her his bride.
3. The Phantom steals Christine on stage during the climax of his opera, Don Juan Triumphant.
Setzer steals Celes/Maria during the climax of the FFVI opera.
4. The Phantom sends the opera house owners various notes detailing his plans and orders.
Setzer and Ultros both deliver notes to the Impresario of the opera house, with comedic effects.

The similarities end there, but it makes me wonder if the opera scenario was inspired, at least in part, by the Phantom musical?

 

[James Fazon]

I think it's meant to be a cliché of many traditional operas, as is Phantom of the Opera I suppose. They both have the same source, but I don't think it is particularly inspired by Phantom. It's a great scene though! Even though it's very toung in cheek, they've managed to capture the right mood; in operas the story can be simple and as generic as possible, yet still seem really moving.

I wish I could add a picture and signature when I post... I have no idea how to do that. Sorry that's off topic!

 

[Terra Branford]

Maybe.

The creator/s did take a lot of inspirations off various things (like Star Wars, especially in FF6), so I wouldn't say it was a stretch to say the scene was inspired by The Phantom of the Opera.

I only could remember a few things about The Phantom of the Opera, but your short list does list a lot to say it was inspired. xD

Good find! :33

 

[AerithG]

Nice post, Artemisia.

I can agree with you. It's a lot like PotO, and you made very nice points about it. I think FFVI, like James Fazon and Terra Branford said has elements from other media sources, which is all right by me.