I saw Les Miserables on Broadway and although it was good it wasn't my favorite play. The actors (I can't even remember who they were), were good, Broadway caliber to be sure, but overall it was just..eh.
Now all we hear about Anne Hathaway is how she's up for an Oscar or Emmy or whatever they give the movie actors. Yeah, I'm that far out of the loop on these things. My movie going experience has never been a match for whoever is giving out those awards. I mean, after all, they liked Titanic-who had a main character I couldn't stand. She was the downfall of two men because of her selfish ways.
But here I'm going off topic. Back to Les Miz...
Yes! Anne Hathaway deserves the Oscar, Emmy or whatever because her short but soulful part in this movie was amazing. She had the entire audience n tears. Fontaine, a woman forced into prostitution, is portrayed by Anne with absolute perfection. We saw Fontaine as a good woman forced to do the unspeakable to save her child. Your heart broke because of her situation. Anne's acting was excellent. If you go for no other reason, go to see Anne Hathaway's Fontaine.
The photography, set design and wardrobe were all very well done. You were there, in the bitter bowels of the early 1800's with the poor and the suffering. The dirty alleys, people doing whatever they can to fetter out an existence all come together to set the scene where Hugh Jackman, aka Jean ValJean, and Fontaine's lives collide.
Without giving away the plot to those who have no idea what this show is about I have to say along with a great setting and photography, the casting was perfect. Of course we know Hugh Jackman as a versatile and talented actor, but I didn't even recognize him in the opening scene until he opened his mouth. And yes, this man can sing! Russel Crowe stepped up to give a great performance as well. He played the stoic and unforgiving Javert. I would have liked to see his part expanded upon but that's just not in Les Miz.
I was greatly impressed by the show as a whole and thought it a better experience than Broadway. From the unforgettable Anne Hathaway, to the battle scene, to the end where we see Jean Valjean ....well, you'll find out....go see it!
I didn't even feel like snoozing on this one. One of the best musicals I've ever seen.
