Few musicals adapted to the big screen are considered equal to the stage performance, and Tom Hooper’s Les Miserables is no exception. Still, the film is still a beautiful and heart-wrenching depiction of a soul’s search for redemption from a life of misery.
Victor Hugo’s five-volume story, originally published in 1862, took the stage in 1980 when Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg co-composed it. Critics of the musical and movie have complained that it was condensed into a vague, generic, and melodramatic story. To these critics I say that Les Mis carries just as much dynamic depth and awareness as any other serious musical.
Ambiguity is certainly a fault in these adaptations; after all, the roots of the revolution are addressed vaguely. But the heart of the story does not suffer; these revolutionists are boys fighting for a desperate cause in a confused world.
When criticizing the film adaptation of Les Miserables I would first ask whether the cinematography adds to or detracts from the production. Film hinders Jean Val Jean’s trek across the countryside by depicting it through short, incoherent and seemingly random intervals. Also, some ensembles like the trio, “A Heart Full of Love” are a bit jarring since the camera skips back and forth between the soloists.
In the musical, there is an intermission after the exhilarating and triumphant delivery of “One Day More” sung by numerous cast members as they prepare for the Revolution. Since there is no intermission in the movie, this song doesn’t quite swell and build like it does on stage.
Hopper decided to cut certain parts of the score from the movie; the duet of “A Heart Full of Love” sung only by Marius and Cossette was cut completely, and part of “Drink With Me Two Days Gone By” was omitted. I agree with the first choice since Cossette and Marius, though essential to the story, are less engaging characters. However, cutting the second song short took away an important depiction of vulnerable young men drinking their sorrows away before their short lives in this unfair world would come to an end.
On the other hand the production was improved by numerous aspects, such as the intimate filming done with the camera throughout. This intimacy lets “I Dreamed A Dream” be sung as a bitter prayer instead of an uncontrollable rant and enables Jean Val Jean’s personal conversion to be delivered through a helpless whisper. Film also captures the horrific end to the Revolution in a way live production has never previously been able to. This is best conveyed when Enjolras’ limp body falls while still grasping onto the ragged flag of freedom.
On top of the quality filming the acting was impeccably done. Due to open-tryouts the all-star cast was comprised of well-known Hollywood names, professional London performers, and young new faces. Hugh Jackman was the lead role needed to capture Val Jean’s amazing strength as well as human weakness. Anne Hathaway stole the show with her portrayal of the hopeless Fantine, particularly in “I Dreamed A Dream.”
And though not possessing a strong voice, Russell Crowe rose to the occasion in his soliloquy before plunging to death amidst angry waters below. Outrageous comic relief overflowed through the eccentrically crass and hysterical performances of Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter in their roles as Mr. and Mrs. Thenardier most notably in “Master of the House.” Other characters such as Marius, Cossette, Enjolras, and Eponine delivered strong singing and acting performances as well.
In conclusion, after reading the book myself, I agree with critics that the plot was condensed and relationships appear melodramatic at times, but the portrayal of the story is not weak. It still carries the heart of the book; a man fallen from grace journeying through hell towards a heaven.
When Les Mis opened in New York in 1987 it earned eight Tony Awards including Best New Musical, and now the film has garnered eight Academy Award nominations including Best Actor, Jackman, and Best Supporting Actress, Hathaway, and Best Picture for a reason. The film is overall a well-adapted version of a beloved novel and musical that I highly suggest you do not wait one day more to experience.