David AllsoppLes miserables (1998)
February 4th 2010 12:25
Translated from French as 'the miserable ones', Les miserables is an epic tale springing from the mind of French writer and poet Victor Hugo. In a bold attempt to transform this all time classic onto the big screen, Director Billie August assembled a band of well known actors and headed off to Prague to create a modern adaption of this well known story.
Les miserables, a story full of fervour and rich in historical description, is set in the earlier part of the 1800's, spanning a 20 year time period. The principal character of the tale is Jean Valjean, a man who took to stealing a loaf of bread out of hunger and desperation. For this he pays dearly, spending the next 16 years of his life as a convict in chains, where bitterness over the injustice of society wells up inside his being. Jean Valjean comes out a changed man, full of rancour, until he meets Father Madeleine, who changes his life. It is here that Jean Valjean finds forgiveness and compassion before heading off to Montreuil-Sur-Mur, where he becomes a rich and successful town mayor. Redemption appears sweet, until the implacable detective Javert enters the scene. Javert, who recognises Jean Valjean, believes a man can never change, and is determined to expose his past and incarcerate him for life. Thus a chase begins over 20 years across France, during which Jean Valjean encounters other principal characters, changing their lives along the way.
The story, which is essentially about transformation and forgiveness, has been altered substantially in parts, (historical events and characters have either changed or are absent entirely) which is understandable, given time constraints and change of medium. However, some changes worked to unnecessarily compromise much of the story's essence. The added hostility in the relationship between Cosette and Jean Valjean worked only to reduce the significance of Valjean's actions toward Marius at the film's end. Also, the character development of Javert is rushed, which diminishes the effect of his affliction during the finale, where he performs his final actions.
Giving this version considerable merit, however, is the acting. Liam Neeson was cast into the lead role of Jean Valjean, to which he is well suited. He comes across as a hardened yet compassionate man, who has the air of someone who has seen all that he has. Geoffrey Rush does an excellent job of playing Javert, the tenacious detective with the mind of black and white. Likewise, Uma Thurman, does a credible job of displaying the crazed and hopeless Fantine, in one of her better performances to date. Claire Danes, who plays Cosette, Jean Valjean's surrogate daughter, also shows she can act. Whether they were strongly under his influence or not, Billie August managed to draw some solid performances out of his cast here.
As for the music in this...well, um, it’s just a notch above crap. Yes the tale is solidly dramatic, but it didn't need the highly produced cheese coated grandeur that smothers the audience in something that could have been used in a Frank Marshall and Kathleen Kennedy production of the 1980's.
In any case, for a die hard fan of the novel, it's best look to at one of the mini series versions. Although, if you’re looking to get a better idea of this classic story and want it condensed into a two hour feature, then this could be the one to watch. Regardless, it’s worth your time for the fine performances.
Three revolutionary bananas out of five.
Giving this version considerable merit, however, is the acting. Liam Neeson was cast into the lead role of Jean Valjean, to which he is well suited. He comes across as a hardened yet compassionate man, who has the air of someone who has seen all that he has. Geoffrey Rush does an excellent job of playing Javert, the tenacious detective with the mind of black and white. Likewise, Uma Thurman, does a credible job of displaying the crazed and hopeless Fantine, in one of her better performances to date. Claire Danes, who plays Cosette, Jean Valjean's surrogate daughter, also shows she can act. Whether they were strongly under his influence or not, Billie August managed to draw some solid performances out of his cast here.
As for the music in this...well, um, it’s just a notch above crap. Yes the tale is solidly dramatic, but it didn't need the highly produced cheese coated grandeur that smothers the audience in something that could have been used in a Frank Marshall and Kathleen Kennedy production of the 1980's.
In any case, for a die hard fan of the novel, it's best look to at one of the mini series versions. Although, if you’re looking to get a better idea of this classic story and want it condensed into a two hour feature, then this could be the one to watch. Regardless, it’s worth your time for the fine performances.
Three revolutionary bananas out of five.
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