Les Misérables
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathway, Russell Crowe,
and Amanda Seyfried
Genre: Adapted Drama, Musical/Performing Arts
Released: December 2012
Synopsis:
Trailer
The plot emerges as a story embracing humanity, love and loss, while describing the political uprising in France during the French Revolution. Directed by Tom Hooper, who triumphed with the Oscar-winning film of 2012, The King’s Speech, this musical film enthralls you. The physical strength of this movie is impressive presenting an awe-inspiring and colossal effort, just like Valjean's as he heaves the flagpole at the beginning of the film. You can almost feel the movie's muscles flexing and see veins popping.
The diamond in the rough of the film belongs to Anne Hathaway, surpisingly only on screen for a total of 15 minutes as Fantine. Hathaway's hair gets chopped, and her teeth yanked, positioned in a part that is a far-from-glamourous assignment. She gloriously reinvents her character`s paramount song (in the trailer attached) amidst sobs during her vocals, “I Dreamed a Dream.” (Remember Susan Boyle`s rendition?) She conveys a desolate plea from the heart –filmed in a single spectacular take. Her Oscar nomination for best actress in a supporting role is well-deserved; Oscar-winning, we shall see!
For comic relief, (a welcomed diversion from the serious tone) Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter
(Oscar nominated for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I in The King’s Speech, Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland as well as Harry Potter films) are superb, as the dodgy innkeepers Mr. and Mme. Thénardiers. They appear from time to time displaying their slapstick humour with ease. Helena, 46, plays the tarty and eccentric pick-pockets' wife, as they scheme to keep the child Cosette for themselves.
The film lags somewhat in the middle, and remember, its length is close to three hours of singing –however, like the play and the 1200-page book there’s plenty to keep the audience
entertained.
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathway, Russell Crowe,
and Amanda Seyfried
Tom Hooper
Claude-Michel Schonbergm and Alain BoubilGenre: Adapted Drama, Musical/Performing Arts
Released: December 2012
Synopsis:
Les Misérables is a memorizing tale of shattered dreams, unequitable love,
sacrifice, and truly demonstrates the endurance of the human spirit. Jackman is ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, pursued for decades by brutal policeman Javert (Russell Crowe) after he breaks parole. Valjean gallantly agrees to watch over a poverty-sticken factory worker, Fantine's (Anne Hathaway) young
daughter Cosette, which transforms their lives forevermore.
The plot emerges as a story embracing humanity, love and loss, while describing the political uprising in France during the French Revolution. Directed by Tom Hooper, who triumphed with the Oscar-winning film of 2012, The King’s Speech, this musical film enthralls you. The physical strength of this movie is impressive presenting an awe-inspiring and colossal effort, just like Valjean's as he heaves the flagpole at the beginning of the film. You can almost feel the movie's muscles flexing and see veins popping.
Jean is an emaciated convict, labelled as prisoner No. 24601, for stealing a loaf of bread. Jackman's lean and hungry look was no accident, as the actor certainly must have starved for months preparing for his role. He is nearly unrecognizable. His passion, and voice combine to deliver the most impressive role of his career thus far, and an Oscar nod for the best actor category was not a surprise.
The diamond in the rough of the film belongs to Anne Hathaway, surpisingly only on screen for a total of 15 minutes as Fantine. Hathaway's hair gets chopped, and her teeth yanked, positioned in a part that is a far-from-glamourous assignment. She gloriously reinvents her character`s paramount song (in the trailer attached) amidst sobs during her vocals, “I Dreamed a Dream.” (Remember Susan Boyle`s rendition?) She conveys a desolate plea from the heart –filmed in a single spectacular take. Her Oscar nomination for best actress in a supporting role is well-deserved; Oscar-winning, we shall see!
The movie's cinematography was designed with elaborate, gargantuan set pieces, highlighted with detailed costumes exuding misery and filth. The make-up caked actors displayed a cast of sickly pale images, highlighted with dark under-eye circles and malnourished bodies. The decision by Hooper to film all the singing live, assured an elevated athenticity to the production, and was consistently observed throughout the drama.
Russell Crowe was a major surprise, presenting himself as an unrelenting, cruel officer of the law. His singing with all of it`s raw expression added a unique toughness from both his actions and song.
For comic relief, (a welcomed diversion from the serious tone) Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter
(Oscar nominated for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I in The King’s Speech, Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland as well as Harry Potter films) are superb, as the dodgy innkeepers Mr. and Mme. Thénardiers. They appear from time to time displaying their slapstick humour with ease. Helena, 46, plays the tarty and eccentric pick-pockets' wife, as they scheme to keep the child Cosette for themselves.
The many close-ups are
unrelenting, but successfully highlight the squalor of the times and the deep emotion of the characters. The messages are clear... love is both
sacred, and unjust; we possess an innate desire to battle for social justice and finally, we grapple with an unforgiving hope that a better life is worth fighting for. Interestingly, Hooper also dangles a common theme evident from his last film, The King’s Speech, with man striving to be the best he can be.
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