Originally Posted by
Mike Corey
First, a confession that would likely result in some tomatoes thrown my way: I had never seen Les Mis, and knew next to nothing of the plot before settling into the movie theatre on Tuesday.
Second: I found myself entirely wrapped up in this tale. I was stirred, in particular, by the aforementioned rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream," which I had never heard in its entirety. Hathaway's expressive face, large mouth and wandering eyes provided a jarring setting for this expression of a dream deferred. I say "setting" purposefully, as the camera pays no heed to anything around the actress. Her face, her remaining hair, her voice, all perfectly complement the lyrics. This is what makes going to the movies worthwhile.
In retrospect, this particular song and this particular performance will resonate in our tough economic times with far too many. Hathaway seems to channel what far too many are experiencing, and says and shows it all better than perhaps any of us mortals ever could.
Third: I will mention a scene and song that have stuck with me more than the rest. I don't know the name of it, but it was the back and forth between the schoolboys and Marius--"red" and "black" and the dueling points over revolution of the people or revolution of a young man's heart.
Fourth: I know little of acting beyond my own amateur opinions (as the above likely reveals), but I found Russell Crowe's performance to be so expressionless that I wondered how such a mistake could have been made. I understand the interpretation that he was playing a wooden character; but surely even a rigic policeman moves his brows and eyes when emotional.
I will close with a question for those of you that know the book and musical: what broader story is being told here? (Beware: Spoilers).
Was Valjean a prodigal son? Or a Jesus-like figure? I found myself attempting to navigate the religious imagery from the moment he is ordered to carry the flag, to carrying the burden of raising the young girl, and sacrificing the freedom he might have had.