Opening on Christmas day 2012 was the film version of the much beloved stage musical Les Miserables. Directed by Tom Hooper and starring Hollywood heavyweights Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, and Anne Hathaway. The stage production of the musical has been seen by more people than any other musical worldwide and is touted as the most popular musical of all time. The stage production first opened in 1980 and while initially was panned by the critics audiences were very receptive. What do critics know anyway? Our job is to be critical. To me the star of the show is the music itself. The score is sweeping in scope, emotionally charged, and moving in nature. This is the challenge facing any actor wishing to perform in this musical. Of course the stage productions cast the absolute best singers in the roles and since, have become legendary in their portrayals.
This work is based on the classic novel first published in 1862 and written by Victor Hugo who also authored "The Hunchback of Notre Dame". At more the 2,500 pages the novel is anything but an easy read. However it is considered one of the classic novels of all time. The story is set in early 1800's pre-revolution France. The story begins in 1815 and follows the trials and tribulations of Jean Valjean, using him to expose the conditions of the day and social injustice. The story opens with Valjean being paroled from prison after serving a total of 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread and failed escape attempts. He ends up breaking his parole and assuming a fake identity after being given a second chance at life by a priest from whom he tried to steal. He becomes the mayor of a town, owner of a factory, and a man driven by ideals. The antagonist in the story is Javert, a fanatical policeman who pursues Valjean over the decades this story covers. Many other characters move in and out of the story which creates a lush tableau for a classic tale of social injustice, intrigue, love, and redemption.
So now on to the film version which is pertinent since after all this is a movie review. I have seen the stage production several times and as a musician and singer I am in awe of the actors who play these parts. The film version not so much so. When converting a stage musical to film the director has two choices in casting. Go for great singers who can act or movie stars who can sing. Hooper chose the latter with what I feel are mixed results. Jackman and Hathaway have received much critical acclaim for their singing and acting but I am not on board. Both recently won Golden Globe awards for their portrayals which, seems to me, make the Golden Globes nothing more that a love fest for Hollywood insiders. Very often Jackman's nasality was a distraction to the beautiful score. When Hathaway sings quietly she has the chops to carry off the demanding song "I dreamed a dream". But when she ups the volume level and tries to push it to soaring levels she becomes melodramatic and falls flat. Much criticism has been leveled at Crowe for his singing which I am also in disagreement with. As Javert, the relentless pursuer of Jean Valjean (Jackman), Crowe sings the show stopping "Stars" in this musical filled with show stoppers. He stays within his limitations and as such it plays extremely well. There are some stellar performances by people who come with the stage cred to carry it off. Leading off that list is Samantha Banks who plays the tragic Eponine and Amanda Seyfried as the grown up Cosette. Banks, nearly steals the show with the number "On my own". A song that can melt the heart of anyone. And Seyfried's voice is that of an angel. These two women are the wow factor in this film. Even an untrained ear can tell the difference between trained singers and the movie stars who are often out of their depth. Another worthy mention is Eddie Redmayne as Marius, the love interest of Cosette. His vocals are heartfelt and moving. The score and orchestrations are in a word, fantastic. I know this is delving into the music portion of the film in a lot of detail and to some may seem nitpickey. But this IS a musical after all. I also read that instead of prerecording the vocals and then shooting the film with the actors lip sinking to the sound track Hooper elected to film the actors sing to the musical score live while shooting. I think this was a mistake.
Now on to the film itself. Contrary to what you may be thinking I liked this movie. It really expands on a story that is already known by millions and gives it a narrative that only film can do. The opening scene has eye popping special effects, the make up and costuming is flawless, and the pacing keeps this 2 hour and 38 minute film interesting throughout. Some of the editing or set design looks as though they just filmed a stage presentation. This doesn't happen very often and I don't think detracts from this film in the final analysis. I really enjoyed this film and would recommend it to anyone who likes musicals. If you haven't seen the stage production you should love this film, and if you have you still will. Just not as much. There is a lot of tragedy in the telling of this story so if you take a date have a crying towel at the ready.
I give this film a B+
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