Les Misérables: in English and in song
Welcome to the
world of Victor Hugo, or at least the world of Victor Hugo as reimagined by
Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel’s Schonberg in their 1980 musical Les Misérables. This musical has been a
huge hit throughout the world for the last 33 years: everywhere, that is,
except in France.
Even if he admits
to having re-read Victor Hugo, it is most definitely the Broadway success that
Tom Hooper has adapted to the cinema in his new release. Feeling confident,
after the well-deserved success of The
King’s Speech, the British director decided to take up a challenge which
was reminiscent of one of the twelve labours of Hercules. As a result of his
determination and his courageous angles of attack, the film-maker has won his
prize with full honours.
From the outset,
everything is larger than life, more realistic and at the same time completely
theatrical. The director films the quays of Toulon in an over-the-top fashion,
rather like an antique arena straight from an epic like Ben Hur.
No surprises in
the scenario then. Jean Valjean serves his 19 years in prison. He is endowed
with Herculean strength. The incorruptible Inspector Javel (Russell Crowe is
excellent in his terrifying obsession) presents him with a parole document. The
stage is set for an epic confrontation between the two.
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