Fans on the official message board were asked to submit questions on the making of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera to Gerard Butler, who stars as The Phantom. Below are his answers, recorded on November 16, 2004 on a balcony at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Click the link below each question to launch your preferred media player.

littlelotte:
Why do you think that Phantom is such a hit? Do you feel that many people have a strong connection to the story?

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shadowgirl17:
Hello, Mr. Butler. I can't wait to see your portrayal of the Phantom! You mentioned in an interview that Phantom appealed to your dark side. How is that so?

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What was it like to work with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Joel Schumacher?

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fishythegoldfish:
Hi, Gerry! Happy Birthday!

What did you do to "get in character" for the Phantom? Was there a certain way you made yourself think, or did you feel like him when you saw yourself in the prosthetics? How did you prepare yourself before each shoot to convey his feelings?

Thank you, Gerry; I am a huge phan and I can't *wait* for this movie. I'm really very impressed by what you've shown us so far.

Love,
Fishy

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christinekay04:
What song in Phantom is your favorite, and why?

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phantombluerose:
What was your favorite scene to film?

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laluna579:
Hi, Gerry! The character of the Phantom is very complex. What drew you to the role of the Phantom and was it difficult for you to convey all of the emotions of this character on screen? Thanks for taking time out to answer our questions!

Christin

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wolvaurynomir:
How did you prepare yourself for this role, aside from the musical aspect?

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phanboy10495:
Mr. Butler:

Like pretty much everyone else here, I have been awaiting this film for a long time and I am extremely excited to see your fresh interpretation of the role.

What do you feel you have learned from working on this film? Did you learn something from the story, another actor or crew member, or just from the whole experience?

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blueroses24:
Hello, Gerard,

I would just like to say that I am very excited about seeing this film and have been a "phan" since I was 12. I'm also interested in seeing your take on the role and the freshness you will bring to it.

Could you tell me what it was like working with Emmy Rossum?

Thank you!

Rachel

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magicdance:
How was the four-hour mask applying process?

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wanderingchild:
Dear Gerry,

First of all, Happy Birthday! I am really looking forward to seeing you in this film. You are a great actor, and I hope Phantom brings you the recognition you deserve.

In your opinion, why does The Phantom love Christine?

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twitterpated:
First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY GERRY!!!!!

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer our questions, it's a very generous thing to do and shows what a wonderful man you are.

What would your key advice be to aspiring actors and actresses, your secret to success?

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