Review: Les Misérables

Les Misérables is more than just a film, it is a motion picture event and something that theatre-obsessed individuals (like myself) have been waiting for since the first whispers of an adaptation and the announcement in 2010. The good news is that Les Mis doesn’t disappoint; in fact, it lives up to the extremely high precedent set by the stage production in a way that I could never have expected.

Tom Hooper’s stroke of genius in making his actors sing completely live adds so much to the film, it heightens not only the emotional connection in each song, but also the authenticity of the whole film. There is never a sudden “burst into song” but a gradual build up of emotion and music, and a transition from talking to singing that feels nothing but natural. The other strength in this film is its cast; by choosing an ensemble of actors not particularly recognised for their singing ability, it often comes as quite a shock to see an actor so surprisingly good at both.

Obviously, there are some exceptions such as Samantha Barks of I’d Do Anything fame, Amanda Seyfried (the girl from Mamma Mia) and of course the Tony Award winning Hugh Jackman. I expected Jackman to be an excellent Valjean but I must say I was taken aback by just how well the role suited him and his rendition of ‘Who Am I?’ was one of my favourite parts of the film. However, I am largely speaking of Eddie Redmayne when I say I was shocked; he is a revelation as Marius and expertly plays the lovestruck revolutionary. He is also one of the most natural singers in the cast and there are nuances in his performance that are hard to forget. Indeed, I find it difficult to listen to ‘A Heart Full of Love’ now without thinking of his version. His admirers in the film, played by Barks and Seyfriend also put in solid performances.

It is Russell Crowe that is arguably most out of his depth in this film and I admit, I didn’t have the highest of expectations when I heard he had been selected for the role of Inspector Javert. He does, however, formidably take on the role and, whilst not the strongest singer, he is intimidating and believable throughout.

At the helm, Tom Hooper also makes use of some stunning visuals and shots, particularly in the film’s opening scenes, and the opening shot itself is very powerful. One of his bravest decisions is filming Anne Hathaway’s ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ in one intimate close-up; it completely pays off and almost secures Hathaway her Oscar. Her portrayal of Fantine is one of the greatest performances I have ever seen and lingers throughout the entire film. It is raw powerful and utterly heartbreaking.

It’s not all misérables though, some excellent comic relief is provided by Sacha Baran Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter...I simply cannot praise the performances in this film enough, from Jackman to Tveit, everyone is wonderful. And it goes without saying that the music is stunning; the swelling songs and beautiful visuals are married together perfectly. The end result tugs on your heartstrings and will make you want to applaud by the time the credits roll (even if you aren’t one of those people).