Les Miserables. Go see it now.

It has come to my attention that not yet everyone has gone to see the newly released movie Les Miserables…

I find this unacceptable. If this is you, please turn off your computer and go to the cinema straight away. Seriously, what are you waiting for? Power down and go watch it now.  Don’t worry, we’ll wait for you until you come back…

[Three hours later]

I know, I know, you’re welcome…  Wasn’t that wonderful?! Aren’t you glad you watched it? You cried your eyes out too, didn’t you? 😉 Now that you’ve seen the movie, I’ll feel free to continue with spoilers…

The latest incarnation

Victor Hugo’s novel has made it to the silver screen many times before, but the latest incarnation is truly something special. Both Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean and Anne Hathaway as Fantine deliver superb performances and I expect to see them both win many awards for their respective performances. Although, seriously, what else would you expect from Wolverine and Cat Woman?!

The rest of the cast is also superb: Helena Bonham Carter, Amanda Seyfried… Even Sacha Baron Cohen, better known for his outrageous characters Ali G and Borat, delivers a surprisingly good performance as the Monsieur Thénardier, the innkeeper. It was also a lovely surprise to find Colm Wilkinson, who was the first West End Jean Valjean (and made singing falsetto cool), playing the role of Bishop Myriel:

In fact, I would say that the only real weak link in the cast was Inspector Javert, played by Russell Crowe:

Javert needs to have a really intimidating presence. His voice needs to be booming and powerful but unfortunately Russell Crowe’s voice was just not up to the challenge 🙁

Law & Grace

Aside from the wonderful music, the reason why I really love Les Miserables is that it is packed with Catholic themes. Given this, it’s rather amusing that the book was once on the list of “banned books” by the Vatican 😉

Les Miserables is a story of Law and Grace. Although he is a Christian, Javert is unforgiving and cares only about justice for its own sake. This is no better summed up than when he arrests Fantine and delivers the line:

“Honest work, just reward, That’s the way to please the Lord” – Javert

Javert’s justice is not tempered by mercy. Compassion has no place in his life. In contrast, Jean Valjean is a man of mercy and grace. However, he was not always so…

Sin & Redemption

Jean Valjean is sent to prison for stealing some bread for his sister’s child. Nineteen years later he emerges and finds that, because of his prison record, the world continues to treat him brutally. He then encounters Bishop Myriel who gives him food and a bed for the night. Valjean responds by stealing the silverware and disappearing into the night. When he is captured and returned to the scene of the crime, the Bishop tells the police that the silverware was a gift and that, in fact, Valjean forgot to take the more expensive candlesticks which he then gives to him. Through the Bishop’s act of gratuitous love, Valjean is restored:

“But remember this, my brother
See in this some higher plan
You must use this precious silver
To become an honest man

By the witness of the martyrs
By the Passion and the Blood
God has raised you out of darkness
I have saved your soul for God!” – Bishop Myriel

For more details on the spiritual narrative of the story, I’d invite you to watch Fr. Robert’s review of the film.

The Movie and the Musical

The movie is extremely faithful to the broadway musical. There were only some minor changes. A few lyrics were tweaked and some songs such as “Valjean Arrested” were removed and others like “Turning” were (thankfully) truncated.

There was one change in the movie version which showed me something which I had never noticed before when seeing the stage production. I had previously not seen how how the work of grace which began through the Bishop’s kindness was catalyzed through the presence of Cosette in Jean Valjean’s life. This was emphasized in the movie through the introduction of a beautiful new song, “Suddenly”, which Valjean sings as he and Cosette journey to Paris.

My complaints

As much as I loved the movie, I do have a few complaints, a few things which I would have done differently had I been the highly paid Director instead of Tom Hooper:

• The singing in the open scene was too quiet and indistinct
• Hugh Jackman’s singing, although very good for the vast majority of his performance, was a little off at times.
• A more intimidating and vocally competent actor was needed to play Javert
• I’d scrap the “Santa sex scene”
• I would have reinstated the “Little People” song
• In “Bring Him Home” Jean Valjean should have ended kneeling in prayer rather than placing his hand in blessing over Marius
• I thought the confrontation scene with Javert when Valjean leaves the sewers was unnecessary. They should have cut it and instead gone from the sparing of Javert’s life to his suicide – far more dramatic.
• When Javert jumps off the bridge, he should have just disappeared into darkness rather than showing the audience his landing
• During “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” I would have had Maricus’ friends appear in the background, perhaps blurry and out of focus
• When the Thénardiers (innkeepers) get thrown out of the wedding party some silverwear should have fallen out of Mrs. Thénardier’s dress (which happens in the stage show)
• Oh yes, and Jean Valjean should be bearded 🙂

Most of these changes are fairly minor and mostly subjective, personal preference. For such an delicate undertaking I’m surprised my list is this short!

Finishing Strong

I don’t want to end this post with complaints, so here is my favourite song from Les Miserables. This is the 25th Anniversary celebration performance of “Bring Him Home”, performed by four different actors who have played Jean Valjean on stage: