By Mary Best
Editor-in-Chief
Mispronounced by most and adored by seemingly all, “Les Misérables” has been receiving rave reviews and irritating amounts of award buzz. While some claims of it being the greatest movie of all time are a little far-fetched, it proves impressive beyond expectation.
“Les Mis” is chock full of fantastic performances. Best all-around goes to Hugh Jackman (“X-Men”) as Jean Valjean, a prisoner who steals a loaf of bread and becomes involved in an incredibly complicated sequence of events tying into a student revolution in France. With an incredible vocal range and intensity, his Valjean seemed more real and raw than the tradition set by longtime Valjean actor Colm Wilkinson, who made a sentimental cameo as the Bishop in the early portion of the film.
What can be said about Anne Hathaway as Fantine? Perfection. Hathaway (“The Dark Knight Rises”) took advantage of Tom Hooper’s brave “singing live” concept and gave the darkest, most tragically beautiful rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream” ever recorded.
Vocal quality of the ensemble cast as a whole is just as wonderful as a live show, again thanks to the cast singing live. Broadway and West End stars Samantha Barks (Eponine), Eddie Redmayne (Marius Pontemercy) and the entrancing Aaron Tveit (Enjorlas) all dominated their hour of the film, proving that taking a chance on casting stage stars definitely paid off and should be done more often. Musical fans should also note the impressive cameos of Original Broadway cast member Frances Ruffelle and West End hottie Hadley Fraser as Whore #1 and Army Officer, respectively, showing off their talent in their six-line solos.
Other movie musical stars gave memorable character performances, including Amanda Seyfried (“Red Riding Hood”) in an appropriately frail portrayal of Fantine’s daughter Cosette, and “Sweeney Todd” stars Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen as the hilariously conniving Thenardiérs.
Newcomers Isabelle Allen (Young Cosette) and Daniel Huttlestone (Gavroche) fulfilled the adorable quota for the movie, both holding their own against blockbuster film stars and inducing tears during their tragic situations.
To round out the performance aspect, we have the constantly berated Russell Crowe (“Robin Hood”). He wasn’t terrible, but he shouldn’t make his Broadway musical debut anytime soon. While his character approach to Javert brought new grit to the vengeful police captain, it wasn’t all vocally there. He had his moments, especially during “Javert’s Suicide,” but I’m just 99 percent sure no one taught him how to breathe properly or pronounce vowels when he sings.
Production-wise, “Les Mis” is visually stunning. Utilizing some powerful wide shots and an amazingly synchronized opening sequence, it was just as beautiful to look at as it was to listen to, despite some frighteningly intimate close-ups during the powerhouse musical’s darker numbers.
The hair and makeup departments should receive all the awards. For a movie on such an epic scale, the impressive attention to detail had everyone, from the main characters to the background extras, looking like they belonged in 19th-century France; dirt, missing teeth and all. They should also be commended for a very believable aging of Jackman, as Valjean endures 17 years of running and self-discovery. Brava to an Oscar-deserving 24-person hair and makeup team.
Whether you’re a Broadway aficionado or looking for something to see with your $5 movie ticket, “Les Mis” is a must see. Go experience a piece of cinematic history, take in a whole new world and hear the people sing the song of angry men.
