Okay first, a disclosure - I'm not a huge fan of Les Miserables as a musical. I've seen it onstage, and in my opinion, it's too long, the story's meandering, and half the songs sound the same. But, half the songs are great, and when it works, it WORKS. Just thought I'd put that out there before I go into reviewing the movie. Okay? Okay.
The real strength of the movie is the casting. The cast had to juggle singing live and emoting on key and putting up with having crap thrown at them. A lot. Kudos to Hugh Jackman and Eddie Redmayne for having to endure my vote for Most Disgusting Scene in a Musical, which was crawling through sewers in what looked like VERY realistic, uhm, leavings. Blech. And Tom Hooper directs them to where they can't cheat or phone it in musically or theatrically. Really, they could have had a tonsillectomy with the camera at times as close as it is to their faces. Anyway, the cast really stands out. Hugh Jackman is commanding as Valjean. (Jean ValJean - a real name, or was Victor Hugo really lazy? You decide.) Russell Crowe, while not a great singer, acquits himself admirably as Javert. Eddie Redmayne has a lovely voice and gave a gravitas to "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" that you just can't get from watching one of the Jonas Brothers sing it. (Seriously, watch the 25th anniversary special that's out on DVD. He looks like he's in pain the whole time, and I was in pain watching him.) Amanda Seyfried has a pretty much throwaway role as the adult Cosette, but she has a sweet singing voice and does a nice job. Samantha Barks plays Eponine with the longing and pain that the role calls for, and does a great job with "On My Own." But really, the film belongs to Anne Hathaway. She dominates every moment she's in, even though it's very brief, scene-wise. I dare you not to be both riveted and choked up at her "I Dreamed a Dream." I know she's a favorite for the Oscar, and I think she's earned it.
The only actors I was disappointed with were Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter as the Thenardiers. "Master of the House" is supposed to be raucous and fun, and it's rather subdued. They could have really gone all out, and all I got is that they're mean as hell without a bit of mirth. There are moments, but not many. Boo.
I think the decision to have them sing live on set was a great idea. It made for a more realistic setting and less like an opera. I mean, let's face it, even as much of a musical whore as I am, I sometimes don't get why they'd just stop themselves in the middle of the action to sing a song. This at least FELT real and not like a soundtrack.
Overall, it's a good movie, well worth it for musical fans and fans of this particular musical. I still feel it's too long and could have been mixed up a little more musically, but, just when I was fading fast, Anne makes an appearance at the end and gives the film the emotional heft I really needed for it. It's Anne's film, everyone else just lives there.
Standout songs: "Look Down," "I Dreamed a Dream," the duet between Valjean and Javert, "Stars," "Can You Hear the People Singing?", "One More Day," and "On My Own."
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2 comments:
I think you took some of the wind out my sails for this one. I was really looking forward to seeing it - may get out tomorrow, if I'm lucky. I'm glad to hear that AH shines, if nothing much else.
I'm iffy on this one, although I promised a friend I'd go. That's a shame about wasting Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen (You Must Have At Least Three Names To Be In This Scene) -- if anybody can chew the scenery, it's them. They should be allowed to do it!
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