I would like to start a conversation about the masterpiece, Les Misérables. I just saw it again on HBO, and although it should be seen and heard on the biggest screen you can find, I must admit, seeing it for a third time on my 47” tv, gave a different perspective on the intimate scenes. As someone who has been in his share of stage musicals, I have often wondered why movie musicals always were lip-synced. Think about it! This was the first time everyone was singing live on screen. I think it was the beginning of a new art form...they were doing more then just singing, they were acting to music. For those critics who sloughed off this accomplishment by giving the argument that all stage performers have to sing live, you totally missed the point. Even performers who wear microphones don't ever achieve that intimate quality that this movie did. I think one the best three minute performances ever on screen was the “I Dreamed a Dream” sequence, not just sung, but lived, by Anne Hathaway. It is as good as any soliloquy or monologue you will ever see. What do think?
Anything Goes : Thoughts on Les Miserables by Jack Kearney
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Jack, I love this topic...Thanks for posting it! As a fan of the stage play I was reluctant to support or endorse the latest on-screen rendition with Hathaway, Crowe and crew. As I saw the previews begin for the film leading up to the release, I couldn't help but notice how gritty some of the shots were, so it peaked my interest. By opening day (Christmas) I was at the theater for a midnight showing and sobbing like a baby as much as I do for the stage play. Much has been criticized about the way Hooper filmed so close up to the actor's faces as they sing. But I agree with you on your opinion- I think they did a brilliant job with having the actors sing for real. You have a true, raw performance not masked by lip-syncing. It made for very powerful viewing. How did you feel about the real stage actors they cast? I fell in love with Eponine and Marius. Les Mis is so special that once you are bitten by it, any time you hear even just a few notes to the songs it becomes an extrasensory experience. I get goosebumps every time.
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Oh! I completely forgot to say that I 100% agree with you on Hathaway's performance. Her tears, her voice, her acting... So intense. Heartbreaking.
Andrea, Thanks for the comment. Great minds do... As for the casting, I too thought it was the right way to go. Id had just seen SAMANTHA BARKS in the 25th Anniversary production a month before, and fell in love with her. Crowe was the only weak link, but his passion made up for his lack singing ability, says one who feels I would've been a star had I possessed a better singing voice I like seeing more actors who can sing, rather then singers trying to be actors. I have a website you might be able to find some free tips on called Blueprint to Acting http://blueprinttoacting.myrecommanndations.com/ Thanks again for your honesty, and we'll be in touch. Jack
After seeing Alfie Boe nail John ValJean, Philip Quast and his intesity of Javert, it was very hard to allow the film to resonate as much with me. I loved it though - It's hard not to love Les' Mis'!
Paul - I see you're in the UK - did you ever see Norm Lewis play Javert? I saw him on the West End and was blown away by his performance. I agree with you, it's hard not to love Les Mis in any way, shape or form!
I was very lucky and got tickets for the 25th at the 02! He was fantastic!
Ah - very cool (jealous)...and at the O2, even better.
I, too, loved the movie. I'm a great fan of the stage show and have had the privilege of working with some of the London cast on other projects. Graham Bickley (whose version of Empty Chairs at Empty Tables is widely praised as one of the best in the history of the show) gives a stunning rendition of one of our songs from the new show 'Ivanhoe—the Musical' which you can hear a bit of here if you're interested: https://soundcloud.com/ivanhoemusical/15-what-feeling-is-this
The only negative I felt was that, in getting such dramatic, realistic, performances from the actors, some of the beauty of the music was lost. But it's great to have the film version to compare and contrast with the stage shows. For me Alfie Boe is the best JVJ ever. His voice is liquid gold.
Mike - I agree with you on Alfie Boe. Truly amazing. And, as for your professional experience - what great stories you must have!
I saw Les Miz in theaters, and have seen it twice more on HBO. I love it. The way Tom Hooper shot it, how he edited in the sound, was tremendous. It's extremely underrated by the critics. Hooper has been overlooked. Jackman and Hathaway were great, but I was so impressed with Samantha Barks. This really ought to be a huge springboard for her.
Anne Hathaway, GREAT! Hugh Jackman, good. Russle Crowe, abysmal. His singing ruined the entire film for me. But the directing and everything "behind the scenes" was also phenomenal
Jacqueline - I agree with you on Amanda. She doesn't do it for me either. Ketorah - great call on Jackman's dying scene. Heartbreaking.