Here's why:
* Early Career: Emmy Rossum began her career as a child actress, primarily appearing in theater productions and on Broadway. She was the youngest actress ever to play the role of "Christine Daaé" in "The Phantom of the Opera" at the age of 14.
* First Film Role: Her first film role was a small part in the 1997 film "The Daytrippers."
* Breakthrough Role: Her breakthrough role came in 2004 with the movie "The Phantom of the Opera," which was a film adaptation of the Broadway musical she starred in.
So, while she didn't have a "first movie" as a lead or with a major role, "The Daytrippers" is considered her first film appearance.