Cloture Club recently attended a screening of “Les Misérables” in DC. The formula for Broadway Musicals to Movies hasn’t always been easy (See Chicago) but for Les Misérables the adaption to the large screen was mesmorizing.
Based on the 1862 novel by Victor Hugo, director Tom Hooper (“The Kings Speech”) took a gamble and had done something no other director has done before. He made his actors sing – LIVE! Performances like Anne Hathaway’s (Fantine) of “I Dreamed a Dream,” Samantha Barks’s (Eponine) of “On My Own,” and many of Hugh Jackman’s songs as Jean Valjean seem real — a more raw, real and natural tone.
Russell Crowe who plays as Javert, the parole officer who spends his life tracking down Jean Valjean, doesn’t do as well as his fellow actors in the vocal category. Some scenes require a high note which he couldn’t deliver. Little known fact, Mr. Crowe was actually in a band.
The movie is a large cat-and-mouse chase once Jean Valjean escapes from parole. Previously a thief, Valjean learns the meaning of compassion and love from a priest. He’s set on a course to do right by helping others who can’t help themselves. Cue Anne Hathaway’s character, Fantine. A single mother working hard at the local factory, but quickly gets fired from work because she has a illegitimate daughter, Cosette. Giving up her dignity, she turns to prostitution. Before her death, the compassionate Valjean promises to look after her daughter.
The promise.
Sacha Baron Cohen (“Borat” and “The Dictator.”) and Helena Bonham Carter (“Fight Club”) entertainingly broke up the dramatic story with humor. Together they play the crooked innkeepers, Thénardier and his wife, and abusive guardians of Cosette. Valjean pays a large sum for the right to be the father of Cosette.
Fast forward 9 years, the french revolution is brewing in the majestic Paris. Young Cosette has grown up and falls quickly in love with Marius (Eddie Redmayne), a local rebellion leader. Marius uses his friend Éponine as a go-between and we learn of a love triangle between the 3.
The revolution becomes a cinematic battle. As we suspected, the predictable result of young militia versus a trained army.
While I’ve never seen the original Broadway musical or read the book, there were few times that I felt left behind. The story jumps quickly between musical scores. Leaving me with questions. Getting past that, I enjoyed the overall performance and would gladly recommend it. If you are a fan of musicals, and especially the “Les Mis” musical, this movie will not disappoint.
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