Movie review: Les Miserables - cry me a river

Some may argue that nothing can come close to actually watching the play live. But Oscar winning director Tom Hooper’s treatment of Les Miserables offers a fresh, new perspective on the subject matter, while capturing everything from the glorious to the grotesque.

The film is based on the iconic West End Show that has become the world’s longest running musical to date. Since the action is no longer confined to the limited space of a theatre stage, it brings forth an even more immersive experience. We see panoramic shots of the Mediterranean Sea as it lashes over chained prisoners in Toulon and we see the majestic French Alps shining under the sun as the film’s hero, Jean Valjean, makes his life changing decision. The story is originally based on a novel by Victor Hugo. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, the movie depicts how the average man was disillusioned by the rampant poverty and injustice that prevailed even after the Revolution. The action of the film culminates with the failed uprising of 1832.

The story follows Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman), a former prisoner who is transformed through a sudden act of mercy by the Bishop of Digne. He changes his identity so he can escape his past, but he is persistently pursued by the ruthless inspector Javert (Russell Crowe).

Unlike most filmed musicals, the actors in Tom Hooper’s Les Miserables don’t simply mime along to music that has already been recorded at a studio, but actually sing live on set. This makes performances more spontaneous, detailed and honest. While Jackman has some powerful scenes, critics are arguing that Anne Hathaway’s brief but commanding performance stole the show. She plays Fantine, a single mother who turns to prostitution to feed her daughter Cosette (Amanda Seyfried). In contrast to the Princess Diaries character that shot her to fame, Fantine is dehumanised by poverty and has to sell everything from her beautiful hair to her front teeth in a struggle to survive.

Les Miserables has occasionally been dismissed as being over the top but one must not forget that even Victor Hugo’s novel did not sit well with certain 19^th century critics. However, it resonated well with people and enjoyed instant commercial success. Watch Les Miserables, and embrace this tear-jerking story that has clearly stood the test of time.

Published in The Express Tribune, Sunday Magazine, February 3^rd, 2013.

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