Les Miserables - "I had a dream my life would be so different from this hell I'm living!"
Despite it's considerable box office numbers, rumors have circulated that audiences struggled through this 157 minute epic musical from director Tom Hooper, receiving mixed reviews. This film definitely has a niche audience but seems to have caught the attention of the mainstream movie goers. It's grand in scale and in plot as it spans years and tries to capture the essence of this famous 1400 page novel from author Victor Hugo.
The film has a grand opening sweeping shot of an 18th century ship being hauled into a dry dock by our protagonist Jean Valjean played by Hugh Jackman as he and his fellow slaves burst into song. The impressive note about the singing is that it is essentially sung live. They didn't record the songs in a studio and synthesize the vocals.
The film by and large is mostly sung, there are a few lines of dialogue that serve no other purpose than to segue into another song. If you are a fan of musicals, or more specifically THIS musical then I doubt you will be disappointed as the performances, particularly Anne Hathaway as Fantine are tremendous. The film doesn't sugar coat the torturous journey's the characters suffer, whether it be Jean Valjean being sentenced to 19 years of incarceration for stealing a loaf of bread for his starving family, or Fantine selling her beautiful locks of hair and then forced into prostitution so she can send money to her illegitimate daughter whose health is ailing.
Some notable instances where the film really shines is when Fantine sings the iconic song "I dreamed a dream" as she is visibly distraught & devastated as a bald, frail, prostitute that could sink no lower but isn't given a choice in her circumstances. Or when Hugh Jackman sings "Who am I?" after being shown a surprising showing of faith & kindness from a Bishop who saves his life.What also stands out are the production values, Tom Hooper's cinematography is extraordinary as he successfully captures the visceral look and core of the 1800's with the architecture of the buildings and the cobblestone paths. The costumes designs to the makeup, everything just screams France circa 1800's.
Les Miserables was never intended for everyone and it won't please everyone, whether it be the long running time or the constant singing some will be drawn to it, seeing it umpteenth times and others might appreciate a single viewing and leave feeling unsatisfied. But credit must be given where credit is due, they successfully immersed us in that period of history with the look and tone & the singing is impressive, even if at times in excess. 2.5/5
No comments:
Post a Comment