A DOLL IN CHRISTINE'S IMAGE - AN AUTOMATA

I know this topic was talked about before, but first off, this was not a wax figure. According to the companion book this was an automata or automaton. We didn't see it move in the movie, but it should move on it's own.

Contrary to popular belief, I don't think Erik built it to satisfy his intimate needs, I think he really wanted a companion. Some one to talk to.

Some people read more into this than what's there. I don't feel this was in Erik's nature. I may be wrong.

Any thoughts?

I always saw that an an automata as Leroux mentions Erik built one during the Turkish revolution to resemble the prince, thus making people believe their commander was in one place when he was actually in another.

I think it is nothing more than Erik's genius manifested in that scene and a tiny bit of Leroux used by Webber. But if one was to read into it I can see it as another artist outlet for Erik. In the movie we did see various sketches of Christine.

Mav

I agree with both of you. It was simply one of Erik's brilliant masterpieces. I don't feel it was in his nature. Many have said that he would even go to a prostitute...if that is true why would he go to a doll type thing...?

My thoughts exactly. I believe Erik truly loved Christine and the automata was the only thing close enough to the real thing. Most people think of love and sex as the same; not so. They are totally different and here Erik created the automata as a companion, not sex.

For those who have seen the stage version, instead of fainting when she sees the doll, it's a reflection in the mirror moving when she doesn't. As I think about it, she sees the automata move in a frame, not a mirror. This would frighten her. That would even frighten me.

didn't it, like, lean out of the mirrior towards her, and make her faint, and then Erik caught her and put her in the bed/boat? the last time I saw the play was in 2005, but I swear that's what happened.

Yes, in the stage version the double reached out to Christine. It appeared to be a reflection in the mirror, but in reality we see an automaton. The 2004 musical film doesn't show or say that. This is why so many viewers thought it was a wax figure.

Anyone who does not know the original story of the Phantom of the Opera by Leroux, would not even think of an automaton. Remember, they were the original wind up toy. This dates back to Ancient Egypt.

What happened to our discussion on automatons?