'The Phantom of the Opera'

Having never seen any adaptation either in film or on stage, I was intrigued to know that the phantom actually has a name.

Erik.

Erik the phantom.

Yes, Erik could've been the guy in the next cubicle or the friendly barista at your local coffee joint.

And he really wasn't a phantom, a term that suggests a ghostly presence. Instead, he just a due with a boner for a chick and he was willing to sacrifice the lives of others in order to get this chick a regular job.

Erik was certainly a sweet romantic. Nothing says love like murder and terroristic threats.