After seeing the movie 7 times through, the credits a whopping 4 times, the "Making of Les Mis" 3 times, and listening to the soundtrack almost religiously, I believe I am in some position to deeply analyze this film. So, how do you properly analyze this film? Through the eyes of a teenager? An adult? A play/movie critic? All of the above. How do you keep viewers entertained while reading about a movie that came out on Christmas? Choose a Les Mis "Zombie Apocalypse" dream team? Analyze every song/character of the film? Give the (they come easy to me) negatives of the film? Or, compare the characters to professional athletes? All creative ideas when going about writing a much deserved/needed Les Mis column.
HughJean JackmanValJean- The lead in the film was just dandy. Not exceptional, not great, better than okay and much better than Crowe-esque. Jackman began his career on Broadway-down under (Australia). Am I the only one who couldn't wait for claws to extrude from his knuckles and save France all in all and his newly acquired friends of the barricade? Or, were we too busy waiting for a werewolf sighting at midnight? The rumors going around are that he actually starved himself for days on end without water. If that is, in fact, true than he went from "just dandy" to a "dedication and experience laden valuable performance" review.
RussellJavert Crowe- There were moments in this film when Crowe was "singing", where I wasn't clenching my fists or holding in my laughter. How many of these moments were there when I wasn't ready to shut off the film entirely? About 2. Crowe's voice compares to Sanjaya protecting France. Seriously, if your town was ever in danger would you feel comfortable with Russell Crowe protecting you? Don't answer that. If Tom Hooper was trying to minimize the damage of Broadway to big screen and add comic relief, he did an admirable job allowing Russell Crowe to sing. Anyone that doesn't agree Crowe is a horrific singer is not familiar with the play and what Javert should sound like. I could go on and on about Crowe and his voice, or lack of, but the fact is, I would only begin to scratch the surface of just how awful he really was. The best part of Javert in the film was when he lost his voice and had to have his vocal cords clipped. Oh, wait, that never happened? Well, there wasn't a notable positive from his performance then.
AnneFantine Hathaway- Last year an actor in a silent film won "Best Actor", so I guess I have no argument when I say Anne Hathaway shouldn't have won "Best Supporting Actress". She performed admirably for a Geneva princess turned singer. I can see few other actresses actually excelling in the role of Fantine. So, bravo Anne, bravo. She made us all believe that she wanted the best for her daughter and was sad to see herself lose all sense of self pride. She also provided us with a rare live-on-set hair cut. It was moving. I have heard three rumors about Anne Hathaway's dedication to the film (I only made one of these up):
1. She lost 20 pounds in 2 months for the film.
2. The two teeth she had removed were actually her wisdom teeth she never had pulled as a kid.
3. She provided energy and rambunctiousness on the set. She was thrilled and honored to be the newest Fantine.
EddieMarius RedmaynePontmercy- The kids (Marius, Cosette and Eponine) stole the show. If you are running short on time (heaven forbid) and must fast forward, these three are the elite singers of the cast. Redmayne sounds like what Marius should sound like and sings like Kermit the Frog. Redmayne provides us with the moments of the film when we are laughing, but at the same time bewildered because he is so talented. His facial expressions are classic as he shows nervousness throughout the film. His rendition of "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" is arguably the best vocal solo performance in the entire film.
AmandaCosette Seyfried- It takes a lot to be known by one name only and if you accomplish it, you are in some pretty elite company. Lebron, Kobe, Jordan, Gretzky, Tiger, Messi, Cosette. BOOM! Quite the list. Cosette (Seyfried) is no slouch from stardom however, as she won the lead (and our hearts) in Mamma Mia. Her performace in Les Mis, however blows that ABBA heavy film out of the water. Seyfried has a very interesting voice. It is soft and delicate, yet flows like a bird. Like the bird in Shrek, on the tree, that Fiona kills while singing, in fact. So, the bird on the tree in Shrek sounds strikingly familiar to Cosette. Coincidence? I think not.
SamanthaEponine BarksThenardier- No character had to stand in the rain for longer periods of time than Eponine. For that, I applaud her. She also deserves recognition for her role as one of the three elite voices in the film. Her performance of "On My Own" and her unforgettable note in "A Heart Full of Love" of, "Every word that he says is a dagger in me!!!!" Gotta love it. That note alone kept me singing Les Mis for weeks on end. The hopes that I could someday match that "sent from Heaven" note kept me ambitious. Just kidding, I really do love that song and her performance, though.
The rest of the characters deserve credit as well, especially "Master of the House" himself Sacha Baron Cohen. He was perfect for his role and alike Russell Crowe, provided comic relief. My list of top 5 songs were incredibly difficult to narrow down to. However, after debate and shuffle, here they are:
1. One Day More
2. A Heart Full of Love
3. Red and Black
4.Empty Chairs at Empty Tables
5. Drink With Me
I like Les Mis a lot. So much that, I sing all the songs on the go, in class, in the shower, my apartment, in the car, and while sleeping. And I hope every American (I can't speak for the French, Asian or Latin communities) does as well.
Could be your best column yet. Really inspiring
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