Or, The Miserables, as I heard someone recently say. Yes, with the advent of the newest version of this classic, every conceivable pronunciation is out there. It does not matter. As Shakespeare said, "The play's the thing."
If and when you see this, blog readers, weigh in. In the meantime I will strive for my usual brevity...but I may fail.
This current incarnation is masterful. Set design, costumes, and most of all performances. With every moment being in song, it requires tremendous skill to act through singing. These players do just that. Director, Tom Hooper's commitment to shun dubbed singing and have LIVE production was major gutsy, and it works, at least for me. Seeing Hugh Jackman's neck veins pop out as he grunts Valjean's lines in parts, or Anne Hathaway's voice crack in emotion as Fontine lets go of her dream is raw and real and moving. (who knew, Anne?) And despite some criticisms of Russell Crowe's un-operatic voice, I loved its authenticity. It is as gritty as he and his character of Javert are.
Yes, it's long. Tedious in parts. So what? You get your money's worth.
It is extremely rare for me to cry in a movie. Les Miserables moved me to weep THREE times and is doing so again as I write this. My daughter and I saw it together; she, too is not given to emotion, yet held on to me at the end in a tearful embrace. Wow. What movies can do.
Our meager audience (hey, it was a Thursday at noon) applauded at its conclusion. For me it has not concluded, as I hear strains in my head of some favorite music pieces a week later. AND, I was inspired enough to finally buy Victor Hugo's 1200 pg. novel and plan to learn much more about each of these compelling characters and Hugo's greater themes of justice, redemption, and always love.
Tomorrow's a rainy day. A good day, I think, to delve into great literature inspired by great film inspired by great literature.
I hope you will enrich your soul by seeing this movie.
I was surprised at how emotional I got over parts of this movie... I didn't love every moment but what I loved made all 2.5 hours worth it. One moment I'm thinking, "Ugh, Anne Hathaway is so annoying," and three minutes later I'm sobbing at her solo song.
ReplyDeleteI think part of it is the sheer, raw power of music. Unlike a regular musical, where characters just break into song, this opera is (as you note) all music. When you get used to all lines being delivered musically, it's easier to allow yourself to get swept up with emotion when those truly tragic moments happen.
I agree that the key element to this production was the live singing - it truly brings the maximum amount of acting to the forefront and allows you to feel as though you're right there with the characters, or at least right there at the opera.
Hi Valerie and Jenna: Sounds like you had a "moving" movie event! From your descriptions, I MUST see this one. The story is eternal, grabbing us from the moment a poor man steels a loaf of bread. I must admit that I, a French LIt guru, never read this great novel. Could have been that the 1000 pages scared me away! But like you, Valerie, I am now interested in reading the real deal. I have not missed seeing Anne Hathaway in any movie, so I hope to continue the trend! Thanks for your thoughts.
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