When it comes to musicals, nothing is as huge as “Les Misérables” in terms of popularity, scope and ambition. The show is rightfully referred to as a phenomenon. The story spans decades and nearly every word of the 2 and a half hour running time is sung to a never-ending score. Yet director Tom Hooper has taken this epic production and made a most intimate musical experience simply setting a camera in front of some very talented people and letting them sing directly to you.
This was accomplished by the highly publicized decision to have the actors sing live on set during filming (a practice that seems groundbreaking and fresh but actually dates back to the RKO musicals of the 30’s). The result is breathtaking as some songs are practically whispered with tears running down pinked cheeks. While there are many numbers that will kill you (tears may run down your own pinked cheeks) nothing is as affecting as Anne Hathaway’s raw performance of “I Dreamed a Dream”. She plays Fantine, perhaps the most Misérable of “Les Misérables ” (which I believe in French translates to “The Depressed”), who loses her job, her kid and her hair only to end up prostituting on the streets. Miss Hathaway’s rendering of the song is the epitome of what Hooper has accomplished. His “Les Misérables,” for a handful of perfect moments, captures pure emotion on the screen and ascends to true art.
Synopsis: I know that most of you have seen the show at one point or some other so to relay a brief summary is pointless. In fact, I hate this part of any review. When I read some of my favorite critics, I always skip this part because I truly like to be surprised and some reviewers share a little too much. I try to keep it brief and vague and would drop the practice altogether if I could. Just sharing. I would ask you to tell me what you think but I’m sure you’re skipping this part as well. If not, email me at dvdpinson@gmail.com with the topic “End All Synopsis” and let me know.
Synopsis for “Les Mis”: It is a story of Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman), a man in search of redemption. We first meet Monsieur Valjean in 1815 France as he is being released from 19 years of imprisonment for stealing a piece of bread (you will quickly learn that things were a little tougher back then). His captor is the stiff Javert (Russell Crowe) who informs Valjean that he is free but he will be on parole for the rest of his life and will never be free of his past. As for Crowe’s Javert, he is the weak link in the film. All other rise to the challenge. Crowe sounds like he is doing bad karaoke with an 90’s Grunge rasp to his voice.
Valjean runs from parole and looks to become a good man. 8 years pass, and he becomes Mayor of a small town, meets Fantine and promises to her on her death bed that he will go and get her daughter Cosette (Amanda Seyfried) and raise her as his own. 9 years pass and we are on the brink of revolution in Paris 1832. Valjean is very protective of Cosette, Javert is still looking for Valjean and then Cosette falls in love with Marius (Eddie Redmayne with his amazing tenor voice) who is adored by Éponine (Samantha Banks). Sound like a soap opera? Or is it just Opera?
“Les Misérables” is a miracle because it feels like a revelation even though it is based on a play over two decades old that was, in turn, based on the Victor Hugo novel originally published in 1862. That is an astonishing feat. Fans of the Broadway version will not, can not, be disappointed and a new audience will be able to discover the show as Mr. Hooper has made a very accessible film.
My Own Bias: I am not huge lover of Musicals. Never have been. My favorite of all time is Frank Oz’s “Little Shop of Horrors” to give you an idea of what I want from my sing-song movies. I have seen “Les Mis” on stage, liked it ok but I found that this film version to be a better presentation of material. That said, this movie is long and felt long to me. There is a song that happens at the end of Act 1 entitled “One Day More” and I swear they are referring to how much time is left until the end credits. But the highlights soar and the film has some of the most honest moments you will see on the screen in 2012 (or any other year for that matter). Oh, and Anne Hathaway is going to win Best Supporting Actress. Done.