NEW MUSIC
'Les Miserables'
Just one item this week and it's one part film review and one part music review. After catching an advance screening of the movie adaptation of 'Les Miserables' this weekend, I couldn't wait to declare my thrill at what director Tom Hooper has done. The director of 'The King's Speech' has re-tweaked the theatrical version and audiences can now enjoy the epic musical on the big screen. The changes serve to keep the storyline fresh and exciting. The art direction, costume design and cinematography are all impressive.The big musical numbers sweep you away and, even though you know it's a film, you will want to applaud each song. Hugh Jackman carries the film throughout, portraying Jean Valjean with his obvious experience at both singing and acting. Russell Crowe proves to be perfectly cast as his nemesis Javert. But it is Anne Hathaway who steals the show and your breath as she sings show-stopper "I Dreamed a Dream".
The only drawback is Eddie Redmeyne, miscast as Marius. This becomes especially evident when he sings "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables", usually the most poignant moment in the show, but that is completely lost due to his flawed vocal and diction. On the other hand, Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Cater add much needed comic relief to this interpretation as the Thenardiers, particularly singing "Master of the House".
It is a long film, most of it sung, but it is already one of my favourite movies and one I will want to watch over and over. The singing was performed live while filming, an extraordinary feat with a movie of this scale.
The soundtrack will be rush released this week and will be a fitting souvenir of a moving and exhilarating movie experience! Best witnessed on the big screen for maximum effect. Enjoy!
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