Isabelle Allen as Cosette with Hugh Jackman as Valjean |
“…and
remember the truth that once was spoken,
To love another person is to see the face of
God..."
By Matt Mattingly
Some truly beautiful words. I watched 'Les
Miserables' with my friend Dan on a bone chillingly cold Christmas Night. Those
who know me well know that the musical itself is a personal favorite, so of
course I had to see it on opening night.
I wouldn't call it a film, but would rather
define it as something as an experience. Be prepared, though, if you're not
familiar with Victor Hugo's story: the musical itself is best considered an
"abridged" version of Hugo's masterwork which, while a chore to read,
is a chore worth undertaking, because there are many characters up with whom you'll
have to keep. Consequently, a couple of well-known numbers are slightly delayed
or moved in their order in order to enhance and advance the story.
Hugh Jackman, who leads as main character
Jean Valjean, is certainly deserving of any Best Actor nominations as he (as do
many of the other characters), demonstrate effectively a significant range of
emotions, from bitterness to benevolence, as well as the pain that comes from
living the human life. It is unfortunate that he must face Daniel-Day Lewis's
in the Best Actor category this year.
Nevertheless, he as well as Anne Hathaway
(whose performance as the ill-fated Fantine is breathtaking and WILL win
awards, if not an Oscar) and Eddie Redmayne (as Marius Pontmercy) profit
greatly from director Tom Hooper's decision to film all the songs live rather
than pre-dubbing their voices in a studio. The emotions are raw and palpable
and the effect on the audience was obvious -- I remarked to Dan on more than
one occasion that many in the crowd were at times sobbing rather audibly. He
answered that he had noticed that, but then I looked and saw he was teary-eyed
as well.
Eddie Redmayne as Marius Pontmercy |
Redmayne was the pleasant surprise of the
film – despite not having an extensive musical theatre background, his voice
has youthful nobility and when that is combined with his proficient acting
skills the result is a very fine performance.
It is easy to see why both Samantha Barks’s Eponine and Amanda
Seyfriend’s Cosette fall in love with him.
Russell Crowe's casting as the impenetrable
Inspector Javert, who relentlessly pursues Valjean, was the one glaring
question that mark many fans and critics had when the role was announced -- his
vocals aren't as refined as the other members of the cast, but he has acting
chops, and he holds his own through the force of his personality.
Samantha Barks played Eponine during the
25th Anniversy run of 'Les Miserables' on the West End, and she completely
captures why the character is one so many relate to -- she is the embodiment of
love unrequited and anyone who's had a crush on another person but not had
those feelings returned will choke up a bit during her rendition of "On My
Own."
The film, like its musical ancestor, is
emotionally uneven -- you finish seeing a number that is uplifting, bombastic
and romantic, and then are brought back down into sadness and despair, and then
sent back into hopeful optimism. Repeatedly. In addition, there is one moment
which, in light of the recent events in Newtown, Connecticut, might cause
parents to squirm for just a moment. At
the end of the day, though, the ride is rewarding and Tom Hooper's effort and
accomplishment should be congratulated.
[Worth noting: The Bishop of Digne, who
gives Valjean valuable silver on the promise that Valjean become an honest man
and reappears in a nice tough toward the end of the film, is portrayed by the
wonderful Colm Wilkinson, who originated the role of Jean Valjean on both the
West End, back when I was just a few months old, and again on Broadway two
years later.]
AS IF I didn't want to see it before -- now I'm even more anxious to view this spectacle! : )
ReplyDeleteI understand one of Russell Crowe's avocations is that of singer for his own rock band, so I thought it likely he could handle the role of Javert --if not knock it out of the park, as it is obvious that Hugh Jackman has done.
ReplyDeleteAn incredible standard in writing has been set in this review that I haven’t seen since my days in graduate school.
ReplyDelete