🎬 2004 Film – Throat Spray Tampering

In Joel Schumacher’s film, the Phantom physically tampers with Carlotta’s throat spray before Il Muto. When she uses it onstage, her voice collapses into a frog-like croak, humiliating her and allowing Christine to rise in her place.

🎭 Stage Musical – Psychological or Supernatural?

On stage, there is no spray. The Phantom sabotages her live from the shadows, mocking her and hurling threats until her voice suddenly breaks mid-aria. The cause is left ambiguous: intimidation, uncanny power, or sheer timing. The effect is the same — public disgrace.

📖 Leroux’s Novel – Ventriloquism

In the 1910 novel, Erik never touches Carlotta. Instead, he uses ventriloquism, projecting a croaking sound into the theater so it seems to come from her throat. Humiliation by illusion becomes his weapon, showing that his true strength lies in fear and deception.