Hi, People! It's been a while since I've done this, so A New Year is a pretty good time to get back into it, right? Anyway, I went to see Les Mis yesterday and I really really wanted to comment on it, so that's what I am going to do. Here are my thoughts on Les Mis, the movie.
I was going to tell the story in here, but that would just take too long. Suffice it to say, the story is heart wrenching. There is a reason Victor Hugo's novel has become a classic. The first thing that I want to mention is what a fantastic job Tom Hooper did directing this movie. It is simply gorgeous, and the orchestrations are stunning. The set is beautiful and the visual effects are phenomenal. Go see this movie if for no other reason than that. And, while the singing live for recording presented some very noticeable problems for a few of the, shall we say, more Hollywood members of the cast, it was a very ambitious thing to do and the ones who did it well, shone because they were live, and in the moment while singing.
The first person in the cast that I want to bring attention to in this movie (because I actually want you to notice him if you go to this movie) is Aaron Tveit as Enjolras (the leader of the revolutionary students). Now, it could be the bias that I have towards him (because he amazing), but he single handedly steals every scene that he is in. His insane vocal prowess comes through in every scene, and outshines everyone else in the cast. He is one of the few cast members who actually excelled having the live playback. His performance is amazing as well (SPOILER ALERT: his death scene is awesome!!). I loved the scenes with the male ensemble (students) as led by him because the harmonies that they sing are incredible.
Anne Hathaway was stunning as Fantine. I truly think that her performance in this movie will go down in Hollywood history along with Heath Ledger's Joker. Hathaway never ceases to amaze me with the amount of grit and grime she can actually bring to a role. If you have seen Rachel Getting Married you know what I'm talking about. No, she is not "pretty" in this role and no, "I Dreamed a Dream" wasn't pretty. But, you know what? It's not supposed to be. "I Dreamed a Dream" has, sadly, become known as a very "pretty" song. It's not. The character Fantine, at that point in the story, is completely giving up on life . She is resigning herself to becoming a prostitute. This is not a "pretty" or a happy time for her. She is desperate, sad, and all but dead. Hathaway hit the mark completely in my opinion. However, if you are expecting "Princess Diaries" or "Ella Enchanted" you will be sorely disappointed. Please do yourselves a favor and watch her with an open mind.
Amanda Seyfried, and her voice, make me want to punch a baby. Next.
Russel Crowe was eaten alive as Inspector Javert. Ok, just a bit of a background on me, or maybe a disclaimer, I love the character of Inspector Javert. He is the first character that I would play if I were a man, so I am naturally going to be a bit critical of anyone who plays this role. That having been said, Russell Crowe was obviously not comfortable with this character, or this music. It is a far cry from the rock that he typically sings, and it showed. "Stars" is a beautiful song and in the right hands (or voice) it can actually steal the show, but Crowe had neither the comfort level or vocal talent to effectively handle this type of music. What's worse, I can't put my finger on it, but he just seemed completely uncomfortable in the role. Javert is set up to be the antithesis of our merciful hero, Jean Valjean, in every way. His vocal score is baritone, and he is law. He has to be formidable, but likeable at the same time. I actually felt nothing when he committed suicide, and I am usually bawling like a baby. There are certain moments in the film where Crowe's acting ability shines through, but then he gets lost in the music again.
Hugh Jackman delivers an amazing performance as our hero, Jean Valjean. It is a beautiful and heartfelt performance.
Samantha Banks (pictured above)is stunning as Eponine. She hits her role with courage and heart. "A Little Fall of Rain" is one of the highlights of the movie.
Alright, that's all for now folks. Talk to you soon! ;-)
This time of year, as we step into a brand new year, is always a time of reflection and change for many people. The possibilities are endless. We start with a blank slate, and can make the changes we have always wanted to make. 2012 has been a very hard year for me. I have done some thinking, and there are some things that I am going to do to make 2013 a much better year. My New Year's resolutions, as it were. Here they are: