Les Misérables is one of those Broadway plays I still haven’t got around to seeing. The acclaimed musical based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 French novel will probably gets a surge with the release of this latest film adaptation.
This movie adaptation does seem to have a lot going for it. I mean the male cast alone will get me to the theater pronto, I do enjoy musicals and also have a thing for tragic love stories. Behold its first trailer:
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Prisoner 24601, Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman), is released from prison and breaks parole to create a new life for himself while evading the grip of the persistent Inspector Javert (Russell Crowe). Set in early 19th-century France, the story reaches resolution against the background of the June Rebellion, or the Paris Uprising of 1832.
You all know I adore The King’s Speech, which nabs director Tom Hooper his first Oscar. Will he nab another nom with a musical? Well, if we’re to judge from this trailer, it certainly looks VERY promising indeed.
I’m not a huge fan of Anne Hathaway, but I’ve got to give it to her, that girl CAN sing! Her stirring rendition of I Dreamed A Dream rivals that of … Susan Boyle? Just kidding, Anne’s self-sacrificing Fantine sounds quite heart-wrenching. They’re definitely going with the emotional appeal here with just her singing and no dialog. I’m already tearing up watching this so I better stack up on tissues when I go see it. Apparently Hooper had the actors sing the songs live on set [as you can see in this video], which explains that high level of authenticity in the way the actors perform the song.
Props for these good looking actors on going the *ugly* route for the roles they play. I mean it’s like a bad hair day all around on the set, especially Anne and the hunky Aussie Hugh Jackman. As you’ve probably seen at the Oscars a few years back, these two can belt out a tune, all right. I’m so looking forward to seeing Jackman and fellow Aussie Russell Crowe facing off here. Amanda Seyfried and Eddie Redmayne are also part of the cast.
This movie opens the same day as The Hobbit here on December 14th. Now, of course I’ll be first in line for the LOTR prequel but I’ll definitely be checking this out on the big screen. So it’s Catwoman, Wolverine and Maximus singing together, brilliant! 😀
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What say you, folks? Is this on your must-see list?
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It looks fantastic. Still not sold on Hathaway in this role, and she def. looks/sounds too young here, but oh well.
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I’m not super sold on her yet either, but she can sing. I’m most excited for the male cast, especially you know who 😉
Looks alright. I actually saw a musical at a friends house(She has the dvd of it) and liked it. Doing it as a musical again seems a bit unimaginative to me, but perhaps that is just me.
So you watched the stage performance on dvd you mean? Yeah I think it could work as a straight period drama instead of a musical, but I guess we’ll see how Hooper tackles this. At least he got the two leads can indeed CAN sing.
Yeah, dvd. Hooper certainly seems to love period pieces
Okay having just learned that this is the first musical film adaption i retract the unimaginative part of my statement
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I love the song ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ and its easily the most recognizable peace from the play now that Susan Boyle made it relevant again. I’m not sure how I feel about these actors singing the songs. I understand that Hugh and Anne can probably pull it off, but the others I’m wary about. I’m a big fan of the play after seeing it last year so I’m excited to see this.
Yeah, what a beautiful song. I always tear up when I hear it as it’s just so well, sad. I guess that’s appropriate given what the play is about. Yeah, I’m curious to hear how the others sing. I’m not worried about Hugh, Anne and Russell though. Russell is a singer, albeit more rock n roll, but he’s got a great singing voice I think.
I’ve never seen the play or read the book, it’s definitely not the type of movie I seek out. I think the only way I’ll see this movie is when my date drags to me to see it. Hopefully the lady I’m currently seeing is not into this kind of stuff. 🙂
Ahah come on Ted, where’s your romantic sense? I think this one will have a lot more going for it than just romance, I mean fans of war films will likely appreciate this, too.
Ever since my choir teacher back in grade school forced us to watch musicals, I just couldn’t get into this genre. It’s always strange to me when I see actors suddenly starts singing in certain scenes. Unless it has blood and guts like Sweeny Todd, then I probably won’t be seeing it.
I’m a Les Mis junkie as they say and just rewatched the 25th Anniversary performance (which I recommend if you want to get a feel for the story in advance). The trailer is a teaser so I can’t fault it although Hathaway’s performance of the song didn’t have the power one would expect. Again, it’s a teaser but still…wanted a bit more of a punch.
Oh are you? So how many times have you seen the play? I wish I had seen it when it was touring here, I hope it’ll be back next year as I’ll go see it for sure. Oh I think the singing did make quite an impact on me, but maybe the full trailer w/ the dialog will be more satisfying.
I’ve sadly only seen the play live once (I need to live near more live theater!) but I have followed the film’s progress, have all soundtracks (US and UK versions) AND have the 25th Anniversary DVD permanently stuck in my DVD player (wow my geek cred has been shown to the world). True, I think had this trailer been standard length it would have had more impact…either way I’m going to see this lol
I’ve already seen the trailer four times and I’ve teared up every time I’ve seen it. My sweet Anne has the voice of an angel but is also Catwoman. I’m so glad she’s one of my favorite actresses right now.
Hi Steven! Yeah me too. I’m afraid I’ll be a basket case when I watch this movie, better stock up on tissues! Well this looks to be a great year for Anne, she might even get some nominations for her performance here.
Not really my cup of tea. I know I have no should, but did I read correct that Pedro Almodovar has done the screenplay? That won my interest…
Oh I didn’t know that, I’m sure tons of people are psyched about that.
I’m definitely far from the world’s biggest musical fan but this looks pretty damn epic. Can’t believe that’s actually Hathaway singing! Do love a bit of tragedy too so I’m quite liking the look of this.
Yeah, Hathaway has a nice singing voice. Well if tragedy is your thing, then this is the movie for you Pete 🙂
I’ve not seen the musical. It’s been on my list of musicals to watch for a very long time! But this trailer was very stirring. Really surprised at how strong Anne’s voice was! I think I’ll be wanting to check this out. If just to be able to check out Hugh Jackman’s lovely singing voice!
Yeah, I think they’ll have a duet in the film. As some of us have seen in the Oscar, they both sing well together.
Can’t wait to see the movie! My favorite novel and I haven’t seen it as a musical so this will be a first 😀
Oh you’ve read the novel?? Oh in French too I’m sure 😀
Nah, believe it or not, in English! 😀 But it certainly helps to know French because the various translations of the novel keep some of the French words in there.
You should give it a read Ruth, it’s a great book! Certainly a bit overlong with entire chapters that don’t add much, if anything to the main narrative but those can easily be skipped.
I might do that Castor, even though I haven’t even finished Anna Karenina! I think I’ve given up and perhaps take on The Great Gatsby next as Tolstoy’s writing style is quite hard to discern.
This is on my cannot wait to see list! I love my musicals and I think this first trailer is a fantastic little peak into it!
Well all right, hope the film will live up to your expectations Caz.
I’d been a bit wary about the movie, but the trailer does make it look intriguing. To say the least, the costumes and sets will be lovely. Les Miserables is one of my favourite books.
I do need to correct the quote–Les Mis climaxes with the June Rebellion, not the July Revolution (which was in 1830).
Hi Beth, yeah the costumes and set pieces look good, that’s what I love about period dramas. Oh thanks for the correction, I got that from IMDb I think, I’ll fix it on the post.
Yeah! Favourite parts for me, as well. Love to be really pulled into a world/time through set pieces and costumes. Am a bit disappointed I’m in Scotland and not London, no trying to find the set/auditioning to be an extra for me!
And glad I could help, I’ve corrected some of my professors about that (and was told, ‘if you had said that in French, I’d’ve been even more impressed’). Most amusingly the correction being during a media theory class…
FANTASTIC trailer. I cannot wait!
Hope it’s released the same time as here in Mexico! 😀
I hope so. Dying to watch it!
Eddie Redmayne….. nom nom…..
I was pleasantly surprised by the trailer yesterday. Although I’m not sure how on earth shall we survive watching them make Ooooh Jackman and Anne Cataway so ugly? 😦
By the way you have an amazing trailer for something with JeremY Irons, Patrick Stewart and Tom Hiddlestud at my place today 🙂
Ahah, I actually admire these actors for not looking glamorous, I mean it’ll surely live up to the title that they look miserable 🙂
Great trailer Dezzy, man I wish I could see that one right away. Hope that’ll be posted online soon!
Oh no! not again! mon dieu! qu’elle dommage I would rather watch the new Dickens biography of sorts The Invisible Woman with Ralph Fiennes and Felicity Jones.
As I was sure I had seen another version of this I was right when I checked 2 times Les Miserables has done and like the Austen adaptations have been overdone I think. Sadly the BBC and ITV will not do other Austen adaptations on her other books Lady Susan and Sandition and some of her short stories. Both Lady Susan and Sanditon have been theatre plays. Not fair if you ask me but I am an Austen addict for some 30 odd years now and soon to graduate to Austenite status through Austen studies. I hope one day Ruth you will be reviewing these two gems as films.
I’ve never seen any Les Miserables films nor plays so to me it’ll be quite fresh. I can see how it can be viewed as ‘overdone’ by some though. So why won’t the BBC and ITV do any other Austen adaptations? Those are always welcome to me, though I have not seen Lady Susan and Sandition. So you’re saying those two haven’t been adapted to the big screen before? Well let’s hope it’ll happen one day.
3 Austen novels done as theatre plays but not in film
http://bing.search.sympatico.ca/?q=Lady%20Susan%20film&mkt=en-ca&setLang=en-CA
Both impressed and intrigued by this trailer. It just keeps my attention and I really can’t wait to watch it. You’re right, Hathaway sure can sing!
This trailer is such a tearjerker! I saw it before Snow White and the Huntsman last night and of course I’m crying again!
I’m a BIG fan of Les Mis – I’ve had the incredible opportunity to see the theater production in London and Chicago. Both wonderful performances (Chicago’s triumphed in my opinion).
I would agree that Hathaway has the emotion in the music down pat. I personally don’t care for her voice because she’s below pitch and they really have to edit her voice, but aside from that, I think she will do an excellent job in the role.
Was definitely cracking up at your comment about bad hair days all around. No kidding! Hathaway and Jackman especially – it’s amazing what the actors are giving to the roles. I’ll definitely be seeing this one in theaters, although I’m right with you in the front of the line for the LOTR prequel. Hey, we all gotta have priorities here, right? 😉
Hey Kris, welcome back! Oh that’s awesome that you’ve seen TWO productions of this, I envy you. The one in London, too? WOW!
Oh I’m sure compared to the real Broadway singer Anne’s voice is not as good, but to me, for a film adaptation, it’s the emotional performance that matters more than just the quality of the singing. Same with Gerry Butler as the Phantom of the Opera, obviously he’s not a trained singer so I don’t expect him to be as good as the Broadway actors, but his emotional intensity as he sings the songs gets me every time. So sexy yet heartbreaking at the same time. It’s such a soulful rendition that I’m turned to mush whenever I listen to it, ahah. So on that front I think Anne did a good job.
He..he.. very true about priorities. I absolutely CAN’T WAIT for The Hobbit!! 😀
I didn’t even realize she was singing at the beginning- she was a great voice, indeed! It looks good, but it didn’t impress me, I don’t know why!
Hey that’s ok Diana, trailers appeal to people in different ways. I could tell it was her voice from the singing she did at the Oscars, she is quite good.
Not much of a singer, is she? Eek. At least Jackman is a really good Musical Theatre performer and it will look nice.
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