Tearing up for ‘Les Miserables’
January 10, 2013
Alycia Lucio
Staff Writer
“Les Miserables” the musical was released to theaters on Dec. 25, 2012. Many may remember the 1998 adaptation of Victor Hugo’s classic novel, Les Miserables, but in this new film, Director Tom Hooper brings Broadway to the movies. The posters say it all—this musical is definitely all about dreams, hope, love, and the fight to keep each.
Hugh Jackman plays Jean Valjean, a man who breaks his parole to find a better life. But just as Valjean settles into his new persona his past catches up to him. Ruthless Policeman Javert (played by Russell Crowe) is determined to capture the prisoner that slipped through his hands years ago. It is after meeting one of his former factory workers, Fantine (played by Anne Hathaway), that Valjean feels obligated to save her daughter Cosette from the terrible Thenardier couple (played by Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter). But instead of his journey being simple, Javert is always only a step behind, sending Valjean into hiding with Cosette in order to maintain their freedom. But when Cosette (played by Amanda Seyfried) blooms into a woman and finds love, Valjean must figure out what freedom really means.
Set in 19th-century France during the French Revolution, Hooper’s musical is a lyrical masterpiece. Anne Hathaway’s performance of “I Dreamed a Dream” was simply breathtaking. Bring your tissues because it was impossible for me not to cry. Not only is she vocally talented but once again she blew me away with her acting. She embraced her character to her fullest as did Hugh Jackman.
Hugh surprised me by his ability to sing. Unlike most musicals that record their songs in a studio, Hooper’s actors were recorded live during production, showing their true singing abilities. When Hugh sang “Who am I?”, he completely embodied his character as Jean Valjean—a man taking on so many identities that he often forgets his original. I could both feel his confusion and see it in his expression, but the wardrobes alone were superb. They visual represented the ups and downs that the actors face and added to the overall understanding of their character.
But the real shocker was the young actor, Daniel Huttlestone, who played Gavroche—the youngest of the revolutionists. He was both witty and adorable with an amazing voice. He begins the song “Little People” and shows that little people can truly make a difference. This is one actor you won’t be able to get enough of along with the comedic relief of Sacha Baron Cohen, who you may remember from “Borat,” and Helena Bonham Carter, who starred in the “Harry Potter” series and “Sweeny Todd.”
My only disappointment was the performance of Russell Crowe as Javert. His singing, while not completely terrible, wasn’t as moving as all the other actors and actresses. Instead, he sang very quietly and didn’t come off as almost out of place in his role. He presented his character as more timid than terrifying, making him appear weak. I expected him to be more like the Geoffrey Rush in the 1998 version which may have clouded my judgment, but Crowe definitely did not even come close to comparing to Rush’s acting.
Despite this slight drawback, the film was still remarkably moving and one of the best I have seen in all of 2012. It was a great film to end the year. If you haven’t already seen it, be sure you get a chance to catch it on the big screen.
Staff Writer
“Les Miserables” the musical was released to theaters on Dec. 25, 2012. Many may remember the 1998 adaptation of Victor Hugo’s classic novel, Les Miserables, but in this new film, Director Tom Hooper brings Broadway to the movies. The posters say it all—this musical is definitely all about dreams, hope, love, and the fight to keep each.
Hugh Jackman plays Jean Valjean, a man who breaks his parole to find a better life. But just as Valjean settles into his new persona his past catches up to him. Ruthless Policeman Javert (played by Russell Crowe) is determined to capture the prisoner that slipped through his hands years ago. It is after meeting one of his former factory workers, Fantine (played by Anne Hathaway), that Valjean feels obligated to save her daughter Cosette from the terrible Thenardier couple (played by Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter). But instead of his journey being simple, Javert is always only a step behind, sending Valjean into hiding with Cosette in order to maintain their freedom. But when Cosette (played by Amanda Seyfried) blooms into a woman and finds love, Valjean must figure out what freedom really means.
Set in 19th-century France during the French Revolution, Hooper’s musical is a lyrical masterpiece. Anne Hathaway’s performance of “I Dreamed a Dream” was simply breathtaking. Bring your tissues because it was impossible for me not to cry. Not only is she vocally talented but once again she blew me away with her acting. She embraced her character to her fullest as did Hugh Jackman.
Hugh surprised me by his ability to sing. Unlike most musicals that record their songs in a studio, Hooper’s actors were recorded live during production, showing their true singing abilities. When Hugh sang “Who am I?”, he completely embodied his character as Jean Valjean—a man taking on so many identities that he often forgets his original. I could both feel his confusion and see it in his expression, but the wardrobes alone were superb. They visual represented the ups and downs that the actors face and added to the overall understanding of their character.
But the real shocker was the young actor, Daniel Huttlestone, who played Gavroche—the youngest of the revolutionists. He was both witty and adorable with an amazing voice. He begins the song “Little People” and shows that little people can truly make a difference. This is one actor you won’t be able to get enough of along with the comedic relief of Sacha Baron Cohen, who you may remember from “Borat,” and Helena Bonham Carter, who starred in the “Harry Potter” series and “Sweeny Todd.”
My only disappointment was the performance of Russell Crowe as Javert. His singing, while not completely terrible, wasn’t as moving as all the other actors and actresses. Instead, he sang very quietly and didn’t come off as almost out of place in his role. He presented his character as more timid than terrifying, making him appear weak. I expected him to be more like the Geoffrey Rush in the 1998 version which may have clouded my judgment, but Crowe definitely did not even come close to comparing to Rush’s acting.
Despite this slight drawback, the film was still remarkably moving and one of the best I have seen in all of 2012. It was a great film to end the year. If you haven’t already seen it, be sure you get a chance to catch it on the big screen.
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