Les Misérables: The Grand Musical Epic Does Not Disappoint
After a quarter of a century in development, the big-screen version of the Broadway musical Les Misérables is finally here. Will it sweep away audiences like the stage show? Put it this way, at a screening I attended I overheard two women discussing how they’d worn waterproof eye makeup to prepare for the inevitable deluge of tears.
The musical film, which is sung virtually all the way through like an opera, is directed by Britain’s Tom Hooper, who won an Oscar for The King’s Speech just two years ago. If Les Mis wins Best Picture, as seems possible given the sweep and majesty of the story, Hooper would match Francis Ford Coppola’s feat of winning the top prize twice in three years.
Hooper makes sure all of his actors give big, bold performances; playing things subtle is not the way to approach this epic, two hour and 40 minute story about freedom, love, sin, redemption, justice, poverty and revolution. Hugh Jackman leads the cast and does great work as Jean Valjean, the prisoner who, when paroled, initially falls back into his thieving ways but then after an encounter with a kindly bishop he has robbed resolves to start his life anew. Under an assumed identity, he rises to the rank of mayor of a French town and becomes wealthy as a factory owner.
By failing to keep up with the terms of his parole, though, Valjean makes himself a fugitive who is endlessly pursued by the tireless policeman Javert, played by Russell Crowe. Both Jackman and Crowe have been singing professionally for years (Jackman is experienced in musical theater, while Crowe fronted a rock band back in Australia). But Jackman’s rich baritone voice is better suited to this Broadway piece than Crowe’s surprisingly light and reedy tenor, which sounds nothing like his husky speaking voice.
I downloaded the MP3 highlights soundtrack from Amazon the other day. – I believe only the highlights version is available so far. Anyway, this was enough to give me hope for the movie. And, yes, I will have some tissue handy.
To be eligible for Best Song they must add a new song, original to the movie. There is one called ‘Suddenly’ sung by Valjean right after he rescues Casette. Are there any other additions?
Just for the record, I know one Oscar voter who WILL NOT be voting for Les Miz. I found it a snore.
I’m guessing you didn’t pack the extra tissue either.
– not Lincoln. Not Lincoln, please.
Not Lincoln either. Watch Poliwood for Lionel and my picks.
I consider this film a radical statement in our dark time: Valjean demonstrates his spiritual regeneration by becoming a Maker in his society instead of a Taker.
…and for some, a sung-through musical set in 19th-century France will be about as enjoyable as waterboarding…
I wish people who don’t like operatic format would just stay the hell away instead of going, being “surprised” and complaining about it. “Sure, I’ll put up with a musical number every now and then, but they were singing ALL THE TIME!” My God. We don’t need their ticket money THAT badly! There are enough people who appreciate this format to carry the day.
Mistake number 294 in Schumacher’s “Phantom of the Opera” was that they took bits of songs and turned them into dialogue. Who the hell were they trying to please that they thought it was worth pissing off the people who expected the songs to be there?
I like musicals. There I said it. Is my man card in danger of being revoked?
I even found Rock of Ages fairly well done and enjoyable, if a bit crass and PC predictable.
I never imagined a “sung-through” musical could work, until I saw the re-release of “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” ten years ago (early sixties–Catherine Deneuve). It sho’nuff worked.
Hmmmm… Wasn’t J.C. Superstar also “sung-through”? That also worked.
Catrherine Deneuve reciting the alphabet would be worth watching.
Mark Steyn is also a great fan.
Lo these many years ago, I went to see “The Kids Are Alright” in a first-run theater in upper Manhattan. In the ladies’ room, I overheard two blue-haired little old ladies, fresh out of the showing that had just ended, complaining that the movie had “no story, and all that noisy rock music!” This confirmed me in my lifelong habit of making sure I knew what the hell the movie was about before spending my money.
EscapeVelocity, provided you are young enough, you have permission to date my daughter. You and she would have one subject to talk about, for a start…
I have wanted to see Hugh Jackman in a remake of “Singing in the Rain”, with Amy Adams, but realized that film is too perfect for a remake, and, besides “Moses Supposes” would probably trigger blasphemy riots
“Les Mis” as opera directed by Hooper is actually even better option except I want Hugh Jackman to sing more than anyone.
I dont think that Hugo would have wanted Les Mes to be a musical. It detravts from the spirit of the novel.
The story is told that Rogers and Hammerstein, creators of the musical Carousel, were concerned that Molnar Ferenc, the rather stern Hungarian author of the rather dark play Liliom, on which Carousel was based, would disapprove of their musical as too bright. He attended on opening night and loved it.
The trailer to Les Misérables looks great. I look forward to seeing it.
Rogers and Hammerstein, the creators of the musical Carousel, were concerned that the Molnar Ferenc, the rather stern Hungarian author of the rather dark play Liliom, on which Carousel was based, would disapprove of their musical as too bright. He attended on opening night and loved it.
The trailer to Les Misérables looks great. I look forward to seeing it.
I dont recommend visiting the Movie Theaters to see this, as Django Unchained will no doubt be the cause of racial mob violence against White Euroepan Americans.
I think that a depressed movie attendence of all movies while Django Unchained is out may help send a message as well.
Watch out for another wave of violence when Django Unchained is release on DVD/BluRay
I want to see Les Miz. I’ll bring extra Kleenex.
First of all, Hugo’s story is quite timely for the modern world. I have read the book (many years ago), I have seen the play, and now the Movie. This movie put me in awe; it just flat out tells this epic and powerful story in a great way. Sorry Roger, you may not vote for Le Mis … but you will probably lose on this one. Perhaps you are a bit weary of the Les Mis “run”? I can relate to that; but the story, the singing and the acting are superior in this movie … it is NOT a snoozer. … just sayin …
For an alternative view, see “Occupy Paris!”, by Steve Kates, at Quadrant Online.