Les Misérables (2012)
Stars: Hugh Jackman, Russel Crowe, Anne Hathaway
Runtime: 158 minutes
Synopsis: In 19th-century France, Jean Valjean, who for decades has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert after breaking parole, agrees to care for a factory worker's daughter. The decision changes their lives forever.
Performances: 3/5
Screenplay: 2/5
Costumes/Makeup: 3/5
Editing: 2/5
Cinematography: 3/5
Score/Soundtrack: 4/5
Verdict: Victor Hugo's book is a classic. I've heard great things about the stage musical. Tom Hooper's movie, however, is unfortunately not very good as it's pretty much exactly what you'd expect a big Hollywood studio's adaptation of such an amazing story to be.
First of all, let's focus on the positive aspects the movie had to offer. The recreation of 19th century France was pretty nice overall despite at times lazy costume designs. The score was also pretty well handled, and Anne Hathaway's performance was pretty damn impressive. The same cannot be said about her costars (aside from a few of them), who despite delivering decent physical performances, were let down by their vocal ranges and singing abilities. It's a classic case of casting famous actors just because they attract people and not because they're the best fitted for their roles, which is shame considering how big the songs are. Narrative wise, the movie pretty much takes the stage musical and just throws it in a more realistic setting achieved thanks to the magic of filmmaking... But the jump from theater to screen isn't one that landed too well as it highlighted the many flaws of its story. Hooper's creative input was limited to a couple of awkwardly inserted dutch angle shots and distracting framing techniques that really don't add much to the overall tone of the film.
"Les Misérables" is a story that needs to be experienced by everybody, but I don't think that this movie gives it the justice it deserves. I decided to give the film a rewatch since Hooper's adaptation of "Cats" is just around the corner, and now I'm more nervous than ever about it.
First of all, let's focus on the positive aspects the movie had to offer. The recreation of 19th century France was pretty nice overall despite at times lazy costume designs. The score was also pretty well handled, and Anne Hathaway's performance was pretty damn impressive. The same cannot be said about her costars (aside from a few of them), who despite delivering decent physical performances, were let down by their vocal ranges and singing abilities. It's a classic case of casting famous actors just because they attract people and not because they're the best fitted for their roles, which is shame considering how big the songs are. Narrative wise, the movie pretty much takes the stage musical and just throws it in a more realistic setting achieved thanks to the magic of filmmaking... But the jump from theater to screen isn't one that landed too well as it highlighted the many flaws of its story. Hooper's creative input was limited to a couple of awkwardly inserted dutch angle shots and distracting framing techniques that really don't add much to the overall tone of the film.
"Les Misérables" is a story that needs to be experienced by everybody, but I don't think that this movie gives it the justice it deserves. I decided to give the film a rewatch since Hooper's adaptation of "Cats" is just around the corner, and now I'm more nervous than ever about it.
FINAL GRADE: 4/10
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