Les Misérables Est Grand
By Victoria Pietrus in Arts & Entertainment on Dec 27, 2012 8:00PM
Oscar-winning director from The King’s Speech Tom Hooper presents Les Misérables, and it is not your average blockbuster holiday film.
Les Misérables is the epic musical based on Victor Hugo's novel that culminates in the unsuccessful 1832 student-led French rebellion. The film follows the struggles of ex-convict Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) as he eludes his parole as well as the relentless inspector Javert (Russell Crowe) and re-makes a life for himself under the alias Monsieur Madeleine. It is in his factory where struggling unwed mother Fantine (Anne Hathaway) loses her job and is forced into prostitution. Valjean, feeling responsible for Fantine’s demise, takes on the responsibility of rescuing her daughter Cosette (Amanda Seyfried) from the evil innkeeper Thénardier (Sacha Baron Cohen) and his wife (Helena Bonham Carter). Later, Cosette meets and falls in love with revolutionary student Marius (Eddie Redmayne) who, despite his affluent roots, is working tirelessly with another student Enjolras (Aaron Tveit) to orchestrate a violent upheaval against the monarchy. Also in love with Marius is Thénardier’s daughter Éponine (Samantha Barks) who tragically sacrifices herself for her unrequited lover.
Hooper made the much talked-about and courageous decision to avoid the typical canned lip synching in favor of filming and recording the actors singing live, and only later was the orchestral accompaniment added. The result is some fairly inconsistent and occasionally weak vocal work, but its authenticity makes up for that. Getting to literally hear actors cry as they sing is ugly but very real.
The buzz you may have already heard about Anna Hathaway’s performance is completely deserved. She epitomizes absolute desperation and extreme anguish in a performance of “I Dreamed a Dream” that viewers will never forget. Brooding Jackman and conflicted Crowe get a lot of camera time, and while they perform the parts well, they aren’t nearly as electric or monumental as Hathaway.
Bonham Carter and Baron Cohen were the perfect choices for goofy Thénardiers, especially in one of the best songs of the film, “Master of the House.” The scene is choreographed well with fast camera work that illustrates their slick pick pocketing and ability to take advantage of unsuspecting guests.
One of the benefits of seeing this on the big screen instead of a live performance is the ability to bring 19th century France to life with special effects and very clever CGI. You can almost smell and taste the grit and filth on the streets, which does much to enhance the drama and romanticism of another poignant French Revolution.
Hooper succeeds with his bold and unflinching rendition of a beloved story. In Les Misérables, the music soars and the acting is top-notch. You will not want to miss hearing and seeing this on a larger screen, and you can guarantee a noticeable presence during this year’s awards ceremonies.