Title = Les Miserables
Genre = Musical
Rating = 4 out of 5 Golden Bridges
Rating = 4 out of 5 Golden Bridges
Reviewed By = Mauricio Segura
Comments
Having seen the live stage version 11 times, I assumed I was going to have difficulty reviewing this film, I was half right. Though I have a few issues with the edits, cuts, and the rewrites, I can still review this for what it is, a movie. And as a movie it was superb!
Les Miserables follows the life of Jean Valjean, or prisoner 24601 depending on who's asking. Paroled after 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread, Valjean travels the countryside only to realize that his parole papers are more of a curse than true freedom. After a life changing run-in with a bishop, Valjean rips up his parole papers and begins a new life, but not without Inspector Javert hot on his trail.
Beginning with the easiest aspects to review, the cinematography, special effects, and soundtrack are flawless. Director Tom Hooper decided to film the entire movie "live". Meaning, that all the singing that you hear was recorded in real time, as opposed to the traditional way of having a pre-recorded track playing while the actors simply lip-synched their lines. This little change of tradition is what will make this film a box office draw, as the true emotion of the actors is both seen and heard, but most importantly felt by each audience member.
Casting this film was no easy task, but Nina Gold filled in the pieces of this puzzle with pristine precision. It's a shame that the Academy does not recognize casting directors, because she deserves a gold statue on her mantle.
Hugh Jackman brings Jean Valjean to life in a way I've never seen. His raw powerful emotion, allows the viewer to see deep into Valjean's soul. You instantly bond with the character and understand his decisions.
Russel Crowe as Inspector Javert is splendid. His husky voice is definitive of the weathered, melancholic, perfectionistic character he portrays.
Let's face it, though Anne Hathaway has a very good voice, I doubt she'd be cast in a live theater version, where voice is key, even above acting. But this is a film, and therefore, the criteria is reversed. And in this respect, Anne's gift of acting is what's going to get her an Oscar nod. Her portrayal of Fantine is so much more than that, she actually becomes Fantine in front of your eyes. Her performance is so enthralling, your heart breaks for her with every word she sings. It's short part, and Anne truly owned it!
If you saw "Mamma Mia", you know that Amanda Seyfried has a beautiful voice. And as Cossette, she brings it up a few notches. Paired with Eddie Redmayne as Marius, their collaboration is sweet and nostalgic.
Unfortunately, not all performances were as memorable as those previously mentioned. For example, The Thenardier's, played by Sasha Baron Cohen (Borat, Bruno) and Helena Bonham Carter, were a bit disappointing. In an otherwise depressing storyline, their characters are the comedic interlude. If you've seen any of Cohen's films, you know how over the top he can be. But instead of a few giggles, the Thenardier's were played pretty conservatively. Adding the fact that an entire potentially hilarious scene from the stage version (Beggar's At the Feast) was cut out of the film, leads me to believe that Director Hooper may have thought too much comedy would dilute the flow. Maybe so, but I was left expecting more from the best innkeeper in town.
Lastly, and I'm fighting really hard not to write this part, but I must. The character I've grown to relate to the most over the years of watching the stage version is Eponine. I can't and won't say that Samantha Barks is a bad singer or actress, because she's very good at both. But something was lacking in the fact that I wasn't able to relate or get into her performance. Can't pinpoint what it is exactly, but I wish it would have been different.
Interesting little tidbit which doesn't have anything to do with this review, but found a bit disturbing and amusing at the same time. The actor who plays the bishop in the movie, dubbed, "The Voice of God" Colm Wilkinson, is the original stage Jean Valjean in both the London and Broadway casts, with over 1500 performances. He was originally slated to play Valjean in the film, but being well into his 60's, the director thought a younger actor with more cinematic charisma was needed. Hence, Jackman, which was a fitting choice, while Wilkinson was given a lesser role.
Overall. Les Miserables is a MUST-SEE film. It's power, its message, and its inspiration is all something you need to experience first hand in a large movie theater. As it was on stage, so will it be in film, a timeless classic! Victor Hugo would've been awed by watching his words come alive the way they have. Do You Hear the People Sing? You should!
Les Miserables follows the life of Jean Valjean, or prisoner 24601 depending on who's asking. Paroled after 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread, Valjean travels the countryside only to realize that his parole papers are more of a curse than true freedom. After a life changing run-in with a bishop, Valjean rips up his parole papers and begins a new life, but not without Inspector Javert hot on his trail.
Beginning with the easiest aspects to review, the cinematography, special effects, and soundtrack are flawless. Director Tom Hooper decided to film the entire movie "live". Meaning, that all the singing that you hear was recorded in real time, as opposed to the traditional way of having a pre-recorded track playing while the actors simply lip-synched their lines. This little change of tradition is what will make this film a box office draw, as the true emotion of the actors is both seen and heard, but most importantly felt by each audience member.
Casting this film was no easy task, but Nina Gold filled in the pieces of this puzzle with pristine precision. It's a shame that the Academy does not recognize casting directors, because she deserves a gold statue on her mantle.
Hugh Jackman brings Jean Valjean to life in a way I've never seen. His raw powerful emotion, allows the viewer to see deep into Valjean's soul. You instantly bond with the character and understand his decisions.
Russel Crowe as Inspector Javert is splendid. His husky voice is definitive of the weathered, melancholic, perfectionistic character he portrays.
Let's face it, though Anne Hathaway has a very good voice, I doubt she'd be cast in a live theater version, where voice is key, even above acting. But this is a film, and therefore, the criteria is reversed. And in this respect, Anne's gift of acting is what's going to get her an Oscar nod. Her portrayal of Fantine is so much more than that, she actually becomes Fantine in front of your eyes. Her performance is so enthralling, your heart breaks for her with every word she sings. It's short part, and Anne truly owned it!
If you saw "Mamma Mia", you know that Amanda Seyfried has a beautiful voice. And as Cossette, she brings it up a few notches. Paired with Eddie Redmayne as Marius, their collaboration is sweet and nostalgic.
Unfortunately, not all performances were as memorable as those previously mentioned. For example, The Thenardier's, played by Sasha Baron Cohen (Borat, Bruno) and Helena Bonham Carter, were a bit disappointing. In an otherwise depressing storyline, their characters are the comedic interlude. If you've seen any of Cohen's films, you know how over the top he can be. But instead of a few giggles, the Thenardier's were played pretty conservatively. Adding the fact that an entire potentially hilarious scene from the stage version (Beggar's At the Feast) was cut out of the film, leads me to believe that Director Hooper may have thought too much comedy would dilute the flow. Maybe so, but I was left expecting more from the best innkeeper in town.
Lastly, and I'm fighting really hard not to write this part, but I must. The character I've grown to relate to the most over the years of watching the stage version is Eponine. I can't and won't say that Samantha Barks is a bad singer or actress, because she's very good at both. But something was lacking in the fact that I wasn't able to relate or get into her performance. Can't pinpoint what it is exactly, but I wish it would have been different.
Interesting little tidbit which doesn't have anything to do with this review, but found a bit disturbing and amusing at the same time. The actor who plays the bishop in the movie, dubbed, "The Voice of God" Colm Wilkinson, is the original stage Jean Valjean in both the London and Broadway casts, with over 1500 performances. He was originally slated to play Valjean in the film, but being well into his 60's, the director thought a younger actor with more cinematic charisma was needed. Hence, Jackman, which was a fitting choice, while Wilkinson was given a lesser role.
Overall. Les Miserables is a MUST-SEE film. It's power, its message, and its inspiration is all something you need to experience first hand in a large movie theater. As it was on stage, so will it be in film, a timeless classic! Victor Hugo would've been awed by watching his words come alive the way they have. Do You Hear the People Sing? You should!
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