It’s the same like in Frankenstein. Not the story but the stigma ppl give you if you are different. Erik (the phantom) just wants to love and be loved. But the society sees him as a phantom/ghost/monster so after getting hurt and stigmatized he’s like, ok why not be the monster they all want so bad. If you crave love so much to the point it gets toxic and obsessive because you are actually just extremely lonely and you want to protect the one ray of sunshine that makes your world a little less dark and cold and gives you the feeling that you are an actual human being. Then you fight for it, no matter the cost, no matter the risk. Of course it’s not ok what he did but man, I’m so sad. He deserved better. So much better. He broke my damn heart "Hounded out by everyone, met with hatred everywhere! No kind words from anyone, no compassion anywhere Christine. Why, why?" -Erik/the phantom (Lyrics from the movie The Phantom of the Opera "Down Once More / Track Down This Murderer" - Eric’s part)

I saw the 2004 film a long time ago and I really liked it. The book was a bit long-winded in places and the two protagonists were very naive, which bothered me. I thought the development of the villain was very well written, especially when you know his whole past. I think I feel sorry for him and only his fellow humans made him what he was. 3,5/5 ⭐