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Post by njr on Feb 5, 2013 16:05:43 GMT -5
I don´t even know who this Adam Lambert is. While Hugh is known world-wide, this Lambert, whoever he is...is not. It is too bad that some people let their jealousy over the success of the movie cloud their judgment. Especially when some of them are acclaimed stage actors...also known only for theater fans, even hardcore fans, since about 60% of people of Earth don´t speak English... I learnt to ignore it. I just enjoy Hugh´s nomination, who we always wanted. He wanted a GG and now things can be only better for him. Academy members or producers or directors don´t care what some no-name guy says. Or what an internet bloggers or "movie fans" on the internet say. I spoke to about five people at work, some of them even didn´t know Les Mis musical (or had a vague idea about the story from school) and loved the movie. Also, my hard-core musical fans loved it. I think it is all just the bad wibe from internet boards, that just isn´t reflected into the real world. You probably don't care, but Adam Lambert came in 2nd a few years back on American Idol (he should have won--the kid who came in 1st was never heard from again) And now he sings lead in the band Queen. Nancy |
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Post by jo on Feb 5, 2013 19:01:33 GMT -5
Lenka, Yesterday, I was ordering "macarons" at a local French eating and pastry shop - and I remarked to the young cashier that I wanted to try again the "sweets" which I saw a young boy steal from a monumental cake of macarons in a movie! I told her it was a musical -- and she had excitedly that said that she had seen it. And that she cried when the little boy who stole the macarons died...And also when the old man died at the end! She did not know the story or many of the stars, but she said it was a beautiful movie!! See -- that is the kind of reaction I am most pleased about. Not from oldtime fans but from new fans who were absorbed by the storytelling and the characters! That was what Adam Lambert failed to appreciate -- that the movie is actually masterful storytelling, expressing itself via singing! And if he had seen this clip from 1997 ( check out Hugh singing Advance Australia Fair at around 1'38"), he would not have accused Hugh of pretending to know how to sing. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayX9jY0l18Q&feature=youtu.beHe is due in Manila for a concert -- I guess he needs "outrageous" comments like he said re the Les Mis leads to make sure people still remember him from his 15-minutes of fame in American Idol. Btw, another AI runnerup is also here for a Valentine Day concert - Jessica Sanchez, of Filipino parentage. Now, that one can sing! But she never makes outrageous comments . Les Miserables, the movie, is still showing here. It is now on its fourth week run - amazing - since most blockbusters usually stay for only 2 weeks or so! The appeal of the movie is universal and the singing is, I guess, only incidental to many! And we are a people who love music ( We have given Lea Salonga, Joanna Ampil and the budding Jessica Sanchez as examples of our love of music!). Look - the Oscars and the Golden Globes and all the awards bodies never said anything about weak singing performances when they gave the nominees their recognition -- it is the overall acting, complemented by singing choices, which projects the movie's universal themes! Btw, the macarons were ultra-good , although I shouldn't be eating them ( health issues - so I just ate half of a tiny one)! Jo |
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Post by alma on Feb 5, 2013 23:23:33 GMT -5
Oh, that was fun to watch, Jo! How timely your link was, since Hugh talked about it just last night in Leno! Here's that part on the Show's website: www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show/ If it's available for me down here, you can probably watch it over there. And because he mentioned holding that last note for a loooong time, to show that booing crowd what was what, when I clicked on your link OF COURSE I turned up the volume to check it out! Alma |
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Post by jo on Feb 5, 2013 23:38:33 GMT -5
I was able to catch the replay here of the Leno show, but this is the first time I could download the links ( not all, though). So, thanks, Alma  Jo |
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Post by luzie on Feb 6, 2013 5:12:50 GMT -5
I don´t even know who this Adam Lambert is. While Hugh is known world-wide, this Lambert, whoever he is...is not. It is too bad that some people let their jealousy over the success of the movie cloud their judgment. Especially when some of them are acclaimed stage actors...also known only for theater fans, even hardcore fans, since about 60% of people of Earth don´t speak English... I learnt to ignore it. I just enjoy Hugh´s nomination, who we always wanted. He wanted a GG and now things can be only better for him. Academy members or producers or directors don´t care what some no-name guy says. Or what an internet bloggers or "movie fans" on the internet say. I spoke to about five people at work, some of them even didn´t know Les Mis musical (or had a vague idea about the story from school) and loved the movie. Also, my hard-core musical fans loved it. I think it is all just the bad wibe from internet boards, that just isn´t reflected into the real world. I second that!  I don't know Lambert either and can't take guys like him seriously. He obviously isn't so world-wide known like he believes. I can't stand people and all those self-proclaimed "experts" who try to get attention by dissing others or bash others out of jealousy - that's so low level. And how he considered it necessary to repeat "his opinion"! I don't care either what he thinks, but he was rude, stupid and arrogant - and cowardly to mention those by name who he liked but to not have the balls to name the others. The same goes to some of the Broadway actors. But I loved Cameron Mackintosh's remarks about him. ;D The movie is a global success and the majority of people loves it. It's nominated, Hugh is nominated - that says it all! BTW, I only know one Queen lead singer: The memorable Freddie Mercury! |
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Post by jo on Feb 6, 2013 6:12:53 GMT -5
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Post by klenotka on Feb 6, 2013 15:01:37 GMT -5
American Idol. No wonder I have never heard of him. Our newest Les Miserables production (Czech) is now very popular as well. It premiered in June (the first premiere ever was in 1990 and there are, I think, three Czech versions so far). Even in Czech, the lyrics are great and vocally equally challenging. You may not know that, but there are many Czech original musicals, some of them getting attention elsewhere. "The Hamlet" (which I love, btw.) premiered in South Korea last year The first musical I saw here was "Dracula", which is also original Czech production Les Miz is also still in our movie theaters, so I am thinking to go to see it for the third time |
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Post by njr on Feb 6, 2013 15:05:24 GMT -5
Jo,
Do you mean "macaroons"? That is a type of cookie here.
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Post by jo on Feb 6, 2013 18:23:46 GMT -5
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Post by jo on Feb 6, 2013 20:38:15 GMT -5
I had another chance to see the movie again -- and this is likely my final one in a cinema! Six chances all in all >  *I concentrated on the musical score - the film scoring and the orchestrations were excellent! All the creatives should be complimented for their work -- no matter how good the orchestras were during the theatre stagings or the live orchestra in the anniversary concerts were -- they could not set the mood as it did in the movie musical version! The poignant moments, the triumphant ones, the moments of reflections, the weary and sad scenes, even the anxious ones - the music stood so well in its role! If only they would also release a CD ( audio only) of the entire movie. Maybe someone can get an audio-only version from the DVD/Blu-Ray when it comes out? *There was always one moment, in all six times I had seen the movie, where my eyes would start to sting when it came up -- this was the exact moment when Enjolras raises the red flag in his left hand before he was shot down! I guess the first impact of the musical to me in 1988 has stayed the same even 25 years later! *I studied the whole Valjean singing parts. Valjean has a lot of recitatives and even some of his solos do not really have tuneful melodies ( Soliloquy, Who Am I, Confession) -- hence, people generally did not think much of Valjean's musicality as much as they did of musical parts with very strong melodies ( I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own, Stars, Empty Chairs at Empty Tables, the anthems Do You Hear the People Sing and One Day More). But observe the acting ( especially his facial expressions) and the singing inflections and they do strike you as excellent interpretation of that part of the Valjean character arc that he was focusing on. I noticed for the first time the way he initially treated his first encounter with Javert as M le Maire - it was nonchalant, including the singing but you can note the wariness in it! Just impressive! His main melodic anthem was Bring Him Home -- but we have Hugh's different interpretation of the musical prayer. It also became clearer to me why he chose to sing Bring Him Home to reflect the strong inner turmoil about Marius and how he came to changing his regard towards him at the end, as he ended his impassioned plea with an almost insistent soft prayer! Suddenly, on the other hand, sneaks in and grows on you! When you hear it reprised by Cosette and as background music to the signs of Valjean's aging - it strikes such a poignant note. I really hope the AMPAS sees its strong fit into the storytelling ( and even to the entire musical score) and gives it its blessing as the year's best! *I had the luxury of observing what a consummate actor Hugh was in this role! He is truly impressive in his portrayal of the character arc, with their different aspects of the Valjean persona as the story progressed. His portrayal has to be taken in totality -- the acting choices, the complementing singing choices, the interactions with the other characters, the way his persona changed over the years! I have not really paid attention before to his duet with Cosette on In My Life. But this time -- it is obvious that he was showing moments of anxiety at the changes in their life ( Cosette's eyes shining at the thought of a new life - a romantic one! Valjean with his wary eyes and later on with his clasped hands showing concern at what these changes may mean to their close filial relationship). His eyes were so sad! And his Confession to Marius - again, his eyes reflected the wariness and the sadness with the realization and self-imposed decision that his life was coming to a close, without Cosette! This was his final moment of sacrifice on his road to redemption! *And paying such close attention to the Finale -- the resignation in his eyes, the wariness in his aged voice, the droop of the shoulder, but the acceptance of what is to come -- this was excellent acting from Hugh. Very muted - hence, it was very compelling! I hope I am not disrespectful or sacrilegeous - but when he hang down his head to the side at the moment of death -- that reminded me of the image of the crucified Christ at the moment of consummation. I wonder if Hugh took inspiration from that? I wouldn't mind seeing another movie version of Les Miserables! This time, without the music, as it was intended by Victor Hugo. Just the dramatization of his story of fascinating characters during a slice of French history! Hugh Jackman would still be my Jean Valjean and I imagine he might even bring another equally impressive interpretation of the role! Russell Crowe can still be Javert *wink* What can I say -- Les Miserables is such a wonderful and powerful story to behold -- and its execution as a movie musical is such a welcome accomplishment to this Les Mis fan! That it was led by the riveting and amazing performance by Hugh Jackman is something I still have to really and fully sink within me! I still couldn't believe the dream I had of seeing this musical on screen had actually happened they way it did. My dream and the realization of it is truly a gift for the ages!Jo |
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Post by israruth on Feb 6, 2013 21:06:40 GMT -5
Jo,
Thank you so much for your deep understanding of Les Miserables and especially, Jean Valjean.
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Post by jo on Feb 6, 2013 21:32:56 GMT -5
Thanks for your kind words, Israruth We have been all the richer for the experience of seeing Les Miserables on screen! Hey, checking back on your older posts - you mentioned being at the Curran during the tryout of Back on Broadway. I saw it during the last 4 performances there! Wasn't that remarkable and a great forerunner for the Broadway run? Jo |
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Post by israruth on Feb 6, 2013 21:55:48 GMT -5
Jo,
It occurred to me after I posted my last message that I should also have thanked you for your tremendous contribution to this message board.
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Post by israruth on Feb 6, 2013 22:01:05 GMT -5
Jo, After I posted at 9.55pm, I realized that I hadn't read the last sentence of your posting at 9.32pm. I thought that the show was good in San Francisco but immeasurably improved in Toronto. The theater in Toronto had a very large stage so there was scope for more and better dancing. I enjoy watching Hugh dance just as much as I enjoy his singing.
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Post by jo on Feb 6, 2013 22:06:55 GMT -5
I didn't have a chance to go to Toronto ( too far - I live halfway across the world - too expensive, too!) -- but I did have a chance to see the revised show in New York!
I did love his addition of I HAPPEN TO LOVE NEW YORK!
Back on topic -- I wonder if in new incarnations of the one-man show, elsewhere in the world, whether he would now make one or two songs from Les Miserables as part of his personal musical soundtrack. Like he did in Philadelphia - with WHO AM I!
Jo
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Post by jo on Feb 7, 2013 9:48:58 GMT -5
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Post by alma on Feb 22, 2013 1:22:40 GMT -5
I've seen it!! I've seen it!! And I LOVED it.
As far as I'm concerned Hugh had won the Oscar by the time Jean Valjean tore up his parole papers.
Not that I believe he'll get it. Like you, Ellen, and so many other Ozalots, I'm still holding on to hope by the slenderest of threads, but only because it hasn't happened yet. There are so many hidden agendas, and so little objectivity, in my opinion.
I had never seen any other version of the Musical, ever, and for me it was an advantage, because I saw it with completely fresh eyes. Oh, I'd read all the official reviews and ALL Ozalot's reviews, spoilers and all, and they spoiled nothing for me!!!
And by the time the end credits rolled around I was convinced it is absolutely outrageous that Tom Hooper was not nominated for an Academy Award. I don't pretend to know a lot about directing, but I believe that none of the nominated directors could have ever achieved what Tom Hooper did with this opus. I don't think they would ever even consider undertaking such a project. Beyond their scope. And absolutely superlative.
And the music!!! Oh, Jo, now I understand why this is your absolute favorite musical. Hats off to the composer and lyricists. Sure, I'd heard I Dreamed a Dream, and On My Own, and Castle on a Cloud, and just recently Do You Hear the People Sing. But I loved all the songs, and darn if Hooper didn't bring out the absolute best in EVERYONE.
Well, I take one thing back; I didn't really love one part: Master of the House. Not that I object to it musically or anything like that. It's just that for me that scene of "comic relief" was not really comical. Corruption, lying, cheating are just too much a part of politics in my country, so I'm overly sensitive to that. Sure, I know it's not exclusive to my land, it's a world-wide scourge, but believe me, that's very small consolation.
And as a mother and teacher, I am very, very sensitive to child abuse, and I can never shrug it off as comical. Perhaps I'm exaggerating, but I hate it when Hollywood doles out stuff like the films Matilda or Lemony Snicket and brandishes them about as "kids' movies". And parents shuffle off their kids to the cinema because Hollywood tells them to. Have you ever watched a classroom of Third Graders watching Matilda? Not a smile in the place, kids with pained expressions on their faces, holding on to their seats in tension... And Lemony Snicket? Crude child abuse. And then we have campaigns to try to end bullying in schools, but we're telling children that films like these are "fun" and "great entertainment"?!?
But I digress. I watched the Master of the House segment with interest the first time around, but by the second time I saw the movie, I was ready to fast-forward through that song. Plus I can't stand Sasha Baron Cohen, and though I believe Helena Bonham Carter is a good actress, I don't like her very much either. I can understand the need to change the tempo or flow of a musical, and I guess it works that way okay. This is just a very personal feeling. Sorry for the rant.
Like I said before, I think Hooper brought out the very best in all the actors, but I don't feel like Anne steals the movie, like they're treating it. She does a great job, but she doesn't hold a candle to Hugh.
I also don't think Amanda/Cossette is flat or uninteresting. I think that she plays her character very well, specially after finding out (from Hugh's interviews) what she's like in real life! I think both of the children are excellent, and I was particularly impressed with Aaron Tveit's job. I look forward to watching him in other roles. I loved Eddie Redmayne too and did anyone else chuckle during his particularly sad and wonderfully heartfelt Empty Chairs at Empty Tables? I found myself wiping away a tear... and chuckling because it dawned on me that, like Hugh, Eddie's got no earlobes either!
Yes, I agree Russell's voice is not as good as Hugh's, but I think it fits his character, and that he is excellent as Javert. And I loved Bring Him Home, as high as it was. And Valjean's dying scene, oh, wow...
Hugh... oh, my. Hugh has got every second of the movie down pat.
I'm planning a couple more trips to the movies this weekend, with friends this time. Yup, I've watched it by myself so far. Wanted no distractions.
It's showing in 21 cinemas around town, but I stick to two or three malls close to home. The movie has been selling out! Last Saturday I couldn't get a ticket to the showing that I managed to schedule in (I've been swamped with work). And the first time I watched it I had to opt for the IMAX theater because the regular one was sold out. No sacrifice there, haha. The newspaper even had a note mentioning that tickets to Les Miserables have been selling almost as well as to The Avengers...
I am going to feel so, so upset for such a long time when Hugh doesn't get his Oscar next Sunday. Okay, okay, miracles do happen. It ain't over till it's over.
I wish I could be even just a little bit more like Hugh: I'm sure he's upset and disappointed by not being appreciated fully, but he lets it go and moves on. So excellently. And that's one of the reasons why he is such a special human being.
Can't wait to get the DVD and CD.
Alma
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Post by mamaleh on Feb 22, 2013 7:17:01 GMT -5
Alma, I'm so glad you were finally able to see LES MIZ and that it's doing well. Your comments are very cogent and incisive. One addendum: I don't think there's a government anywhere on earth that's totally free of corruption, lying and cheating--so take heart. Perfection someday, maybe--but certainly not in our time. As to Sunday, go, HUGH! Ellen |
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Post by birchie on Feb 22, 2013 8:52:05 GMT -5
Alma, Love your review. I'm guessing the movie just opened in your country, what a long wait you had. You're not alone in your disdain for Master of the House & SBC! I also agree with you about Tom. People keep talking about Ben Affleck being snubbed...I think Tom Hooper not getting a nomination for Les Miserables is the biggest snub of all. Glad you're getting to see the movie several times. Hope your friends/family members enjoy it with you. Can you tell us your impressions of watching it in IMAX vs regular screens? I don't have access to IMAX here so I'm curious what the experience is like.
Will you be able to see the Oscar show live Sunday night where you are? We all are hoping for a miracle for Hugh! He is the most deserving of the nominees but unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be the main criteria for voting anymore. Fingers firmly crossed here though!
Sue
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Post by jo on Feb 22, 2013 9:10:25 GMT -5
www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-21545320Michael Ball, in an appearance on a talk show ( presumably to promote his new album which includes his cover of SUDDENLY) talks about his experience about the movie musical. At around 2'30" or thereabouts, he talks about what Les Miserables means to many people -- and then says what he thinks of the movie which he saw twice ( if you don't know Michael, he is a very candid person ). He said the movie is brilliant and a perfect film and that he cried his eyes out. He said that while some moments were not so good, many things were breathtaking and were a better experience than the stage musical. When asked about Russell Crowe's singing, he says that while RC does not have the voice for musical theatre he thinks RC provides the perfect protagonist to Hugh Jackman ( whom he describes as hugely charismatic, powerful, and CAN sing) with his screen presence. He says he enjoyed RC's performance more the second time he saw the show. I hope Adam Lambert can read what Michael Ball ( "the Marius", a multi-gold/platinum recording artist, and considered the leading musical theatre leading man in the West End) what MB had to say about Hugh!! Jo
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Post by jo on Feb 22, 2013 9:29:05 GMT -5
Alma I'm glad you finally saw the movie!! It is quite a cinematic experience and it will definitely be one of our favorite memories of Hugh as a film actor! He gave it his full commitment and the movie is truly his best work. No one can take away the fact that he carried the movie on his back - not even snippets of memories of IDAD. Jo |
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Post by klenotka on Feb 22, 2013 10:34:34 GMT -5
Not a review (I have seen it twice already and everything I could say was told ten times here by you ) but I just watched a document about Barbra Streisand. She talked about herself and there was something that reminded me of the critics´(and not only theirs´reviews. She spoke about directing for the first time. She talked about Yentl and how the critics literally nitpicked every piece of it. They critizised even costumes and analyzed every inch of the movie just because a woman was a director and it was very unusual (if not one of the first ones?) so they were ready for the smallest fail. It reminds me Les Mis situation. They tried something new and new things are not always popular. They also nitpicked and overanalyzed everything but people found their way to it and obviously, at least movie fans and "ordinary moviegoers" love the movie. |
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Post by alma on Feb 24, 2013 1:21:34 GMT -5
I'm so sorry it took me so long to get back here, but I've been really busy. Not just with work, but at the movies! I've watched it two more times, yay!
I was sitting in the theater before it started (time #3) and thinking to myself, "What's wrong with you, Alma? You've seen it twice already. A THIRD TIME? C'mon. Don't you think you're going a little overboard, even for you?"
But then it started, and by the time it was over I was so glad to have seen it a third time, and KNEW I would go back as many times as I could before it leaves the cinemas.
Someone commented in the newspaper that a couple (who had their own tickets but wanted to get some last-minute ones for some friends) were assured at the ticket counter that they were completely sold out. Then when the lady took a bathroom break she counted 28 empty seats? But I guess the best sign that it's doing really well and word-of-mouth is getting around very positively is that on "Opening week" it was showing in 21 cinemas. This second week it's showing in 26.
Of course I don't understand why people can't plan their "intakes and outputs" to avoid leaving their seat in the middle of a movie... and then waste time counting seats??? Go figure...
Thank you, Ellen, for your encouraging words. And yes, GO HUGH! It sounds as if the Oscars will be very "musical"! I'm betting that the week after, all those voters who didn't even watch Les Miserables will flock to their screeners or whatever to catch up on what all that fuss was about and see what they've been missing!
Yes, Sue, the movie opened in Latin America on Valentine's Day, a VERY long wait for us. To tell the truth, I hardly ever go to the movies... I'm extremely picky! I'll rarely see drama, and I'm not really a fan of action movies--too violent, and I get enough of the real thing in the daily news. As for comedies, some are a bit too silly, so I'll either skip them or wait for them to be available at Blockbuster. So it's not till Les Miserables that I've been able to compare IMAX and regular. You know what? I think it IS worth the higher price. The screen is a little larger, but most importantly the picture is much clearer, they tell me because its HD. Really? I thought everything was HD nowadays but apparently not.
What I noticed most is that in "darker" scenes, for example "Stars", it's a bit TOO dark in non-IMAX. Another thing I noticed: when they show the students at the barricade--bird's eye view-- and you can see how they're being surrounded by scores of approaching soldiers, in the "regular" theater you couldn't really see the soldiers! I guess it's just like on TV, everything is in much sharper focus on HD. So when I go back (and I WILL!) I'll take the IMAX option, if I can.
And YES, Sue, I'll be able to watch the Oscars LIVE!!! I'm so lucky to have ABC, CBS and NBC on cable. I can't wait!!! I've made up my mind to feel positive and optimistic...
And thank you, Jo! You've been in my thoughts when I've watched it, because of all your helpful information. I totally agree that this is Hugh's best work so far. I must confess I have not loved every one of Hugh's movies. NOT because of his acting, definitely not, but for different reasons. For example, I watched The Prestige only once, and that was enough for me. I think his acting was great, and Christian Bale's also, but the movie was just too "dark" for me. Films like that depress me, and I prefer to watch only movies that leave me a good feeling.That's one DVD of Hugh I'm NOT getting. Sorry, just my take on it; overly sensitive, I guess.
Which reminds me of why I CHOSE to stay away from Les Mis the Broadway show: because it was "too sad". That was the impression I had without really being acquainted with the plot, having only a general idea. And what do I think now? That it IS extremely sad.
But I recommended Les Miserables whole-heartedly to all my friends and family (none Hugh-crazy like me) telling them that it was an extremely well-made movie, entirely sung through, with the most superb performances by every member of the cast, the most beautiful music, staging (sets?) and cinematography... and very, very, very sad, because all the injustices Victor Hugo had denounced 150 years ago are with us today, and even more sophisticated and therefore worse. We humans can't seem to learn. But it leaves you with a feeling of hope because throughout history, there have always been persons who will strive to do the right thing. SO DON'T MISS IT.
That's what I told them.
Oh! And I forgot to share with all of you one other important thought: I LOVED THE CLOSE-UPS!
I totally agree with Hugh's description of them as "having the best seat in the house". They give us a chance to see the depth of feelings with no theatrics, but instead, with the most effective, wonderful nuances. Case in point (one not Hugh-based): when Valjean confides in Marius about who he really is. I love how Marius is listening to this with a look of contained excitement and anticipation (the rebel student eager to hear a story of social injustice). And the oh-so-subtle change in his eyes and half-smile when it dawns on him Cossette's father is telling him about his own dark past.
Kudos to Tom Hooper for aiming at this, AND GETTING IT!
And my tears just flow so much faster with the prolonged look Valjean gives Marius when he is dying and Marius has just given him credit for saving his life and bringing him back to Cossette. What a gift from this boy, to raise Valjean to the highest possible level in his daughter's eyes and heart. That look the dying Valjean gives Marius speaks volumes! Is it odd to have Valjean's death as a favorite part of the movie?
I'm picky, but when I love a show (like a few years back in which our excellent company Ballet de Monterrey presented a SUPERB "Giselle", I watched it eight times. Yeah, yeah, I know. Of course I watched it from different seats in the house (10th row center; balcony left right and middle, and even front row!). My friends tease that if I'm not careful I'll be sprinkled by the dancers' perspiration when I sit in the front row. But you can "catch" details there that you can't from further back. And in every seat except front row I used my binoculars if there was a solo dance or pas de deux. So close-ups are right up my alley!
Tom Hooper nailed it.
Okay, so let's keep our spirits up and win or lose, watch Hugh SHINE tomorrow!
Alma
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Post by birchie on Feb 24, 2013 11:17:57 GMT -5
<snip> ...Case in point (one not Hugh-based): when Valjean confides in Marius about who he really is. I love how Marius is listening to this with a look of contained excitement and anticipation (the rebel student eager to hear a story of social injustice). And the oh-so-subtle change in his eyes and half-smile when it dawns on him Cossette's father is telling him about his own dark past. Kudos to Tom Hooper for aiming at this, AND GETTING IT! And my tears just flow so much faster with the prolonged look Valjean gives Marius when he is dying and Marius has just given him credit for saving his life and bringing him back to Cossette. What a gift from this boy, to raise Valjean to the highest possible level in his daughter's eyes and heart. That look the dying Valjean gives Marius speaks volumes! Is it odd to have Valjean's death as a favorite part of the movie? <snip> Tom Hooper nailed it. Okay, so let's keep our spirits up and win or lose, watch Hugh SHINE tomorrow! Alma I'm so glad you mentioned those scenes with Marius & Valjean! I forgot to mention it and I agree totally. I was very struck at how perfectly those scenes are played by both Eddie & Hugh. In the death scene I was especially impressed with the look of loving surprise when Valjean reaches up and touches his face, and the love on Valjean's face towards his new son. During the rest of the scene Marius has a look of someone filled with loving admiration and the last look, at the body of Valjean made me think he was a young man realizing that he will never see this man he now loves again. :'( You said it all with "Tom Hooper nailed it." There are so many perfect nuances in that death scene that Tom could have been nominated for that scene alone! A lot of these subtleties are missed on the first viewing and that's unfortunate. The movie truly reveals itself to be a masterpiece on subsequent viewings. Too bad many people (like snarky critics) will never have that experience because they saw it only once. Thanks for the info on IMAX too. Now, if we ever get one around here I'll be looking forward to seeing a good movie the IMAX way! Sue |
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Post by alma on Feb 24, 2013 18:34:29 GMT -5
I agree, Sue! Tom could have been nominated for Valjean's dying scene alone!
When you watch the movie over and over again, you can appreciate what a labor of love it was, and that Tom Hooper aimed for perfection in every little detail. As for the snarky critics (exactly the right adjective) I really wonder if they actually watched the movie through. I have a feeling that they glance at it every few seconds, while they're busy texting or checking their email or something.
I'm amazed when I'm in the cinema and people walk in and out to go to the bathroom (I can only guess that's where they're going). A young woman actually went in and out FOUR TIMES during the first half of the movie one time I was there. She was sitting right in front of me. Others are constantly looking down into their phones and texting, or they are talking all through the movie--and not really whispering--with whoever they're there with, even when shushed by others... This is not "watching a movie"! People (kids and grownups) today have the shortest attention spans. They can only concentrate on something for under 10 seconds.
I guess those critics and these people really need action flics where there's explosions, car chases and shootouts every other scene, and then they keep their eyes glued on the blood and gore and consider it way cool!
Les Miserables is a true work of art.
In a perfect world, tonight Hugh would win Best Actor, Les Miserables would win Best Picture, it would get re-released to cinemas world wide... and you could get to watch it in IMAX!
Alma
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