Warning: This contains spoilers limited to the basic characters and plot. No specific movie spoilers, just what you would get by reading the wikipedia page for the book.
I have to admit, the CG at the beginning was underdone. It was hard to get into that scene, and it left me hoping the rest of the movie wouldn't be that distracting.
Thankfully, it quickly redeemed itself.
Two words: Bring Kleenex. Even if you don't end up using it, it's better than ending up like me...
Despite my best efforts not to, I actually had an audible sob at the end. I blame my allergies. :)
Normally, I see something once, I've experienced it, and it's time to move on to the next thing. Not this. I've never been able to get enough of Les Mis. Truthfully, I am OBSESSED, and this movie just made it worse. I have several Les Mis channels on Pandora... and luckily there are so many different recordings of Les Mis that Pandora thinks they're adding variety, when really they are just giving me the International Symphonic Cast recording or the 2010 Cast recording instead of the Original London Cast recording. HA! When they finally start diversifying beyond my taste for the day, then I'll click on my 2010 Cast recording channel, and start them over.
You have no IDEA the self control I demonstrated by not singing along with the songs.
Even though I have a majority of the songs memorized, and a good idea of the plot - I was still on the edge of my seat. I was also surprised at times. Can you believe I have never seen it performed live? That is truly an injustice.
Throughout it all, I wondered... This story has such wide appeal because, like a true artist, Victor Hugo made these people so diverse. Nearly everyone can relate to a character in one way or another, and everyone interprets the characters differently. Cosette and Eponine used to speak to me, but not anymore. Now I've moved into a different part of my life, so which one portrays who I am now? Who do I relate to?
I knew immediately that I'm not Valjean. I don't have his quiet courage, his discretion, his strength of character.
Colm Wilkinson will always be Valjean to me - 2. 4. 6. 0. 1111111111!!!! - Though, I have no complaints about Hugh Jackman.
- I'm not Javert, so unerringly honest, loyal, and dedicated to his interpretation of what is right. However, I LOVED Russell Crowe as Javert! His voice was so unique (some people just say he can't sing, but I think his voice was perfect for the part).
- I'm not Marius. I never realized how much I dislike Marius... there are parts that made me like him again temporarily, but overall I have a problem with what he represents. Another reason I could never be Valjean - I can't even forgive Marius for who he represents, though I would still save him...
Some people say he represents man conquering poverty. He abjures his family's old money and takes pride in earning his own way. That's good, but he never acknowledges that it was his family's money that got him to that point. He got to grow up with the education, nutrition, privileges, healthcare, connections, and confidence that comes with having money - which gives him a distinct advantage over those who were brought up in poverty. And as soon as reality sets in, before the graves of his friends are even cold, he goes running back to the girl and the good life. I know, I'm probably being a bit harsh...
- At first I thought that I was the nameless brunette helping to lead the rebellion (far right). He even has curly hair. Reckless. Not the main leader, but also fully dedicated to the cause. Dying with a bang... (PS, his name is Grantaire) - don't you dare say I can't be a boy.
- Then I saw the women cleaning up the blood, and realized I also deeply felt their need to cradle the reckless boys who fought. I also observed the nurses in the hospital, quietly tending - shocked that people would be fighting so near the defenseless.- I am part Fantine. I would give everything that I am and more to help my child survive. I think that I've always known this about myself, and it terrifies me. Being so completely responsible for, and tied to, another human being. Along with the knowledge that there is very rarely a Valjean, and if I failed, there would be no one to pick up the pieces. I fail, I fail a lot, I'm growing more okay with my failures, but I can't bear the thought of failing my child.
On a side note... I completely adored Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter as the Masters of the House!
No comments:
Post a Comment