I really liked this. While I’ve seen this on stage in at least three versions, the film ‘filled in’ parts of the story that I was either unaware of, had not understood, or had forgotten.
The acting is generally good but the vocal performances are diverse. I thought Russell Crowe (whom I like, see my Good Year review) was hollow and weak vocally and just average as Javert. Anne Hathaway (The Dark Knight Rises) is incredibly strong (Oscar-worthy?) and there was absolute silence in the theatre as she delivered a gut-wrenching ‘I dreamed a dream’. Eddie Redmayne (pictured, whom I’m not familiar with) has a good voice and does well as Marius. Hugh Jackman, whom I also like, (Australia, which has grown on me) acts well but his voice is only passable and he doesn’t have the top range. Sacha Baron Cohen (Hugo) and Helena Bonham Carter (The King’s Speech) are hilarious and excellent choices as the Thenardiers.
The unusual technique of singing 'live' to camera (as opposed to the 'normal' recorded studio delivery) is very effective. The movie is long, but moves well and I would see it again.
I thought the movie version of this story was pretty well done. It was somehow raw and edgy and urgent and moving. A solid 4/5 for me. Singing was generally not very good, but I thought that was still handled well by having a lot of sort of 'talk-singing' throughout that worked for me. I thought Anne Hathaway was over-rated and the newcomer Samantha Banks was unfairly passed over--I thought she stole the show whenever she appeared on screen. Generally a good movie, worth seeing, although don't go for the singing-you'll be disappointed. Go for a great story, strong believable acting and characters, and fantastic filmic technique.
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