Les Miserables

[Jondalar]

I just saw this movie. I liked it. Has anyone else seen it yet? I thought some of the cast were better than others. (Russell Crow sucked.) My favorite was Amanda Seyfried because she was the most natural.But I also liked Samantha Banks and Anne Hathaway did a great job singing I Dreamed A Dream.

Curious what others thought of it....

[WildHearted]

I saw it the day after Christmas, and I thought the movie was nearly flawless. Actually, it was one of the best movies I've seen in a LONG time. I can't very well describe how much and how heavily I cried, lol. Just know that it would have been embarrassing for most people.

I thought all of the cast did a really good job. Russel Crowe was fine acting wise to me, but his singing was not the best. However, everyone really put on a wonderful performance. I left the theater having felt every character's pain.

I Dreamed a Dream and the ending in particular killed me. I'm still recovering from this film.

[Nico]

I just saw it and it blew me away. I loved the fact that the singing was filmed live. There was something so authentic to that. And I really enjoyed Anne Hathaway's performance of "I Dreamed A Dream" because of the close-ups. They were not pretty, but that is what made her song so much more powerful.

My favorite thing about the film, though, was hands-down Hugh Jackman. He deserves an Oscar. I can not say enough good things about his astonishing performance. It made me a massive fan, whereas before I was just a regular one.

Also: Samantha was great, Sacha and Helena were funny, Amanda was sweet...I don't know if she was the most natural, but she was sweet. I liked Eddie as well, though some of the close-ups on him were jarring.

Russell Crowe looked really good in the film and I think he's a great actor, but his singing was definitely the most mediocre of all of them. JMO.

[CADreaming]

I just saw this last night and it was probably the single best cinematic experience I have ever been privileged to view.

I cannot even put into words how moved, touched and overwhelmed by this film. I didn't really know anything about the story going into it so I was able to watch it without any preconceived ideas. I knew the song, "I Dreamed a Dream" but not in context with the story, so to hear it in that setting was amazing. Also, I have to point out the cinematography was so vivid and beautiful - a true piece of art.

I thought everyone did an outstanding job in their roles and the singing was also fantastic - even if not totally perfect at times - it was so heartfelt in character that it is easily overlooked in favor of the scene(s).

This movie should win all kinds of awards.

[Jondalar]

The soundtrack is on itunes but not all the songs from the movie are on it. Notably missing is Little Fall of Rain and Lovely Ladies.

[Brad]

I thought it was great, too. I really appreciate that they included some things from the book that were left out of the musical (e.g., Fantine and the "dentist," Valjean and Cosette living in the convent, Marius' grandfather) since it helps explain things better. I'd highly recommend it even to people who never saw the musical or read the book. :thumbsup:

[TrueFaith77]

Jondolar, what is Amanda Seyfried's song? That wasn't on the soundtrack!! I want my money back :(

I have problems with the inept mise-en-scene, but ultimately they do not matter. For better or for worse, Tom Hooper clearly cares about the material, understands it, and elicited magnificent performances. Hugh Jackman, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne seem to be playing the roles they were born to play; imbuing ideals with overwhelming feeling and humanity! Superb!

I cried from beginning to end.

The book was my favorite when I was in high school (and I loved the 1995 French film modernization), but I was totally unfamiliar with the musical. I am so astonished at how well the music interprets the book and expresses the complexity of the characters.

It's not my favorite movie of the year (Unforgivable, Sacrifice, The Deep Blue Sea are the works of masters), but it will be a sign of hope for the culture if Les Miz sweeps the Oscars and finds the BIG audience it deserves.

[Jondalar]

Jondolar, what is Amanda Seyfried's song? That wasn't on the soundtrack!! I want my money back :(

I have problems with the inept mise-en-scene, but ultimately they do not matter. For better or for worse, Tom Hooper clearly cares about the material, understands it, and elicited magnificent performances. Hugh Jackman, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne seem to be playing the roles they were born to play; imbuing ideals with overwhelming feeling and humanity! Superb!

I cried from beginning to end.

The book was my favorite when I was in high school (and I loved the 1995 French film modernization), but I was totally unfamiliar with the musical. I am so astonished at how well the music interprets the book and expresses the complexity of the characters.

It's not my favorite movie of the year (Unforgivable, Sacrifice, The Deep Blue Sea are the works of masters), but it will be a sign of hope for the culture if Les Miz sweeps the Oscars and finds the BIG audience it deserves.

In My Life/Heart Full of Love were some Amanda songs. She was also in a bunch of casts songs like the Epilogue. I just thought she had the best voice and could hit the high notes. But all them were really good except Russell Crow in my opinion.

I did not love the movie. I fealt the closeups were too claustrophobic. I thought the director used too many closeups. You could practically see their tonsils. However, I liked the movie and I thought it was something different for Hollywood.

P.S. When the movie ended, the audience clapped in a good way. That was different. :)

[TrueFaith77]

I believe Cosette's number is "In My Life"... but it's only the duet version on the soundtrack not the solo. :(

[Jondalar]

:) This movie did cause me to research my ancestry more. I'm glad I did not live back in that time.

[Nico]

In My Life/Heart Full of Love were some Amanda songs. She was also in a bunch of casts songs like the Epilogue. I just thought she had the best voice and could hit the high notes. But all them were really good except Russell Crow in my opinion.

I did not love the movie. I fealt the closeups were too claustrophobic. I thought the director used too many closeups. You could practically see their tonsils. However, I liked the movie and I thought it was something different for Hollywood.

P.S. When the movie ended, the audience clapped in a good way. That was different. :)

Hmm...I don't agree that Amanda had the best voice. It's cool that you love her performance and singing, but personally I thought she was just 'good' whereas I think Samantha Barks had the most powerful of all the female voices in main cast.

I agree with you on the close-ups. But they worked for me when it came to Hugh and Anne's in particular. I got a little uncomfortable with Eddie's, but really that is a triviality because the acting all around was ON POINT- especially Jackman's. He needs to be nominated at the very least.

[TrueFaith77]

Hmm...I don't agree that Amanda had the best voice. It's cool that you love her performance and singing, but personally I thought she was just 'good' whereas I think Samantha Barks had the most powerful of all the female voices in main cast.

I agree with you on the close-ups. But they worked for me when it came to Hugh and Anne's in particular. I got a little uncomfortable with Eddie's, but really that is a triviality because the acting all around was ON POINT- especially Jackman's. He needs to be nominated at the very least.

Funny how different people respond. Anne's close ups were way too much for me. Whereas the Redmayne close-ups were completely not off-putting. Wow! Such feeling!! He was like a young O'Toole! Harris! somebody stop me!

[Jondalar]

Funny how different people respond. Anne's close ups were way too much for me. Whereas the Redmayne close-ups were completely not off-putting. Wow! Such feeling!! He was like a young O'Toole! Harris! somebody stop me!

That is great comparison.

[Jondalar]

Hmm...I don't agree that Amanda had the best voice. It's cool that you love her performance and singing, but personally I thought she was just 'good' whereas I think Samantha Barks had the most powerful of all the female voices in main cast.

I agree with you on the close-ups. But they worked for me when it came to Hugh and Anne's in particular. I got a little uncomfortable with Eddie's, but really that is a triviality because the acting all around was ON POINT- especially Jackman's. He needs to be nominated at the very least.

All the women had really good voices. The only disappointment in the movie was Russell Crow and I think he is a singer in a rock band. Go figure.

[Nico]

The only disappointment in the movie was Russell Crow and I think he is a singer in a rock band. Go figure.

Definitely. He's a wonderful actor, but his singing was far from wonderful and he had very little power/passion in any of his vocals.

[TrueFaith77]

Definitely. He's a wonderful actor, but his singing was far from wonderful and he had very little power/passion in any of his vocals.

I felt hte same way, but I actually didn't mind him on the soundtrack--so I think it has something to do, my reaction anyway, with the conception of the character and how he is directed. For me, Anne Hathaway ends up the weakest link.

Empty Chairs at Empty Tables haunts me.

[Nico]

I felt hte same way, but I actually didn't mind him on the soundtrack--so I think it has something to do, my reaction anyway, with the conception of the character and how he is directed. For me, Anne Hathaway ends up the weakest link.

Empty Chairs at Empty Tables haunts me.

I'm definitely buying the soundtrack. I'll bet I will have a different reaction as well. How is the soundtrack overall, in your opinion?

[TrueFaith77]

I'm definitely buying the soundtrack. I'll bet I will have a different reaction as well. How is the soundtrack overall, in your opinion?

I'm just beyond upset that it is missing Amanda's solo. So it kind of puts a pall over the listening experience for me.

Also, I think the live recordings service the movie-watching experience more than the album-listening experience. Les Mis is, I think, spectacle.

So I keep replaying this short list of songs:

"Red and Black"
"In My Life/A Heart Full of Love"
"Empty Chairs at Empty Tables"
"Epilogue" (in which I do think Anne Hathaway is magnificent)

Eddie Redmayne :o


You may find your own preferred way to listen to the soundtrack.

[Nico]

lol, yes I see you are an Eddie stan.

I actually thought Aaron Tveit, who played Enjolras, was amazing. His voice was incredible and he was super gorgeous and very commanding in his role. I was a little shocked because he definitely played a major part in the film and deserved a little more attention in the publicity round.

But, you know, all the actors were excellent.

[bluefox4000]

Ok......just got back from a showing. Being a fan of this show had to see it. First impression. It was good. Good. I thought Ann Hathaway was AMAZING. First time I nearly broke down with that Character. All the revolutionary parts were outstanding too. Aaron Tveit was beyond wonderful in his role. As was the Marius. Russell Crowe was very good, Save for being auto tuned to hell. I know the play, they made some awkward lyric switches so things didn't rhyme. which was awkward.

Also the use of extreme close-ups EVERY solo with no variation was jarring. The biggest Put off was Hugh Jackman's awful vocal tone. too Nasally. and he ALWAYS belted full out most of the time. Every time he opened his mouth, Thought......sigh Here it comes. Wonderful acting wise though. But the vocal tone..oh the tone. Just....nails on Chalkboard. I did enjoy the film. Really. Just not the best I've seen. Would I see it again....Dunno.

Mick

[KarmaContestant]

Eddie Redmayne is too cute for words. And...he looks like an orange cat.

That's what I took from the movie, sadly. :laugh:

What an awful time to live. Thank goodness for democracy, equality and labor laws.

[Jondalar]

Eddie Redmayne is too cute for words. And...he looks like an orange cat.

That's what I took from the movie, sadly. :laugh:

What an awful time to live. Thank goodness for democracy, equality and labor laws.

Right on sister! That is what I thought after I watched - I woudn't want to live back then.

[Macfanforever]

I never got a chance to see the play.Maybe I should catch the movie.

[CADreaming]

It gathered 8 Oscar noms. A fair showing but Lincoln got more - which was just a snooze fest to me. Also, Les Mis was sadly not nominated for cinematography, one of the biggest oversights if you ask me. So, eh.

[WildHearted]

It gathered 8 Oscar noms. A fair showing but Lincoln got more - which was just a snooze fest to me. Also, Les Mis was sadly not nominated for cinematography, one of the biggest oversights if you ask me. So, eh.

I'm just glad both Anne and Hugh got their nominations.

[Nico]

I'm just glad both Anne and Hugh got their nominations.

I don't care if I'm in the minority with this opinion, but I want Hugh to win over DDL. I like DDL and always have. He's a very accomplished, outstanding actor. But I just never have loved him, ever. Even though I thought he was wonderful in "There Will Be Blood" and he definitely deserved to win, I can't really say that he's ever touched me on the same level that Hugh did in this performance. I know DDL embodied Lincoln, but I can't ever imagine anyone playing Hugh's character to that same level. He was amazing.

But everyone in "Les Mis" was really fantastic. It's a masterpiece.

Ok, my opinion is totally biased. Sorry not sorry.

[Jondalar]

It gathered 8 Oscar noms. A fair showing but Lincoln got more - which was just a snooze fest to me. Also, Les Mis was sadly not nominated for cinematography, one of the biggest oversights if you ask me. So, eh.

My brother and sister walked out of Lincoln. They hated it and a couple of people at my job hated it too.

[KarmaContestant]

It gathered 8 Oscar noms. A fair showing but Lincoln got more - which was just a snooze fest to me. Also, Les Mis was sadly not nominated for cinematography, one of the biggest oversights if you ask me. So, eh.

I can see why fans of the movie think this, but honestly, the cinematography wasn't really exceptional or groundbreaking. I'd say it was just OK, but certainly not award winning. Much like most of the performances.

[Jondalar]

I can see why fans of the movie think this, but honestly, the cinematography wasn't really exceptional or groundbreaking. I'd say it was just OK, but certainly not award winning. Much like most of the performances.

I didn't think it was outstanding. I liked it. Nothing is outstanding anymore. Chicago was better, but Chicago had talking. I thought this movie was sort of brave. I give it kudos for that for no real dialogue.

They don't make great movies anymore. I'm a child of the 70s and 80s. We had event movies that really made your mind go awe! This stuff is just retread. Hollywood is sucking.

[Fireflies]

loved it. thought russell crowe was great.

[TrueFaith77]

I can see why fans of the movie think this, but honestly, the cinematography wasn't really exceptional or groundbreaking. I'd say it was just OK, but certainly not award winning. Much like most of the performances.

The camerawork work and lens choices were poor.

The lighting, however, was superb.

I wish it was going to sweep the Oscars rather than... as I predicted:


My brother and sister walked out of Lincoln. They hated it and a couple of people at my job hated it too.

Here's my review. Pardon the dangling participles. I wrote it rather quickly :-/

http://cityarts.info/2012/11/14/two-lincolns/

But to summarize: I think it is Spielberg's worst-ever film. And I love him.

[TrueFaith77]

Saw "Silver Linings Notebook" yesterday. It is the only movie with a chance to defeat "Lincoln." I hope it happens. It wasn't my fav movie of last year, but it was sweet--and well-acted. Jennifer Lawrence is so great. I didn't realize. I love her.

[Jondalar]

The camerawork work and lens choices were poor.

The lighting, however, was superb.

I wish it was going to sweep the Oscars rather than... as I predicted:




Here's my review. Pardon the dangling participles. I wrote it rather quickly :-/

http://cityarts.info/2012/11/14/two-lincolns/

But to summarize: I think it is Spielberg's worst-ever film. And I love him.

very well written review