Diane and I have seen the stage version Les Miserables four times: three Toronto performances and one touring company performance in Buffalo. We love the music (we have the CD of the Colm Wilkinson version of Jean Valjean from one of the Toronto performances). The music seems to be the biggest criticism of this movie version. Director Tom Hooper had the stars, Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, and Amanda Seyfried sing their parts instead of lip-syncing. That may have affected both the acting and the singing. No matter. I enjoyed the film. One of the highlights for me were the unscrupulous Thénardiers (Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter) who provide comic relief. The big surprise was newcomer Samantha Barks who plays the love-sick Éponine. I’m hoping Les Miserables is successful so more musicals will be made. GRADE: B+
I saw this last weekend and loved it. Never seen the stage version though I have the CD. When it was over, I asked sandi “How can a film this depressing also be so uplifting?”
And I also read the 1000+ page Victor Hugo novel, Scott! The film version of LES MIZ captures how deplorable the economical and social conditions were in France at that time. But, amid the despair there’s also hope. LES MIZ is just a great story!
We’ve also seen the musical four times – all in London, the first time with Colm Wilkinson. We’ve also watched the PBS version more than once and the 25th Anniversary special. I supposed we’ll get around to the movie in due course as well, though I doubt it will have the emotional power of the stage version.
We saw Colm Wilkinson as Jean Valjean in two of three play versions in Toronto, Jeff. For me, Colm Wilkinson is the actor I’ll most associate with Jean Valjean. We also saw Colm as the Phantom of the Opera three times. The man is an amazing singer and actor.
I read the book too, years ago.
I see Penguin Books has released LES MIZ in a trade paperback edition, Jeff. At BJ’s Warehouse, it goes for about $15…a bargain in my book.
I agree on Colm Wilkinson. No one else has come close, in my estimation.
I hadn’t realized this:
Wilkinson appeared as the Bishop of Digne in the 2012 film production of Les Misérables.
I recognized Colm Wilkinson right away in the film version of LES MIZ, Jeff. His voice gave it away despite the make-up. Hugh Jackman says Colm helped him prepare his approach to playing Jean Valjean.
Just checked on Amazon and there is a free Kindle edition of the unabridged edition.
I may download it.
That Free Kindle edition of LES MIZ is tempting, Jeff.
I’ve heard all the praise and criticisms, seen trailers, etc. Yet After reading about half of the book before I tossed it, I think I’d find the whole business boring and depressing. I know, I know, uplifting, hope in sadness, a triumph )of sorts) at the end, and all of that. Still, not for me. I would like to hear the music sometime, though.
The music to LES MIZ is very good, Rick. I tear up every time I hear “Bring Him Home.”
Rick, we have the [2 CD] original London cast recording of Les Miz, which I recommend.
Mary and I really enjoyed the film. I’ve seen it once on Broadway and twice in traveling shows (Tulsa and Kansas City) and it is one of my favorite musicals. Such an emotional show. The movie had some flaws that I think are in part just because of the transition of a stage show to film but I thought it captured the look and feel of the show beautifully.
I’m hoping LES MIZ makes a lot of money, Carl. I love musicals and I’d like to see more movies made from them.