Postscripts to Les Miserables

[mamaleh]

I just wish they had illustrated the article with Valjean instead of Fantine.

Ellen

[jo]

Someone on ATC called Les Miserables " Les Missed Opportunity " smiley-rolleyes010

He must be one of those whom Todd McCarthy of THR referred to as --

Some theatrical purists possess a reflex muscle that makes them automatically object to any liberties taken with stage material; these are the people who will say, “Oh, but you should have seen it on Broadway” (or in London).

Jo

[jo]

Fond memories!

[jo]

Have you watched the TIMESTALKS conversation with Hugh Jackman and Ian Rickman?

timestalks.com/detail-event.php?event=hugh_jackman_and_ian_rickson

In one part of it, Hugh elaborated on how he approached the role of Jean Valjean, how he thought the persona connected with the audience, and how Valjean saw himself. He approached it not simply as a musical theatre role ( where the singing would play the most important part) but he viewed it as a key character development using his acting depths to portray the role, complemented by the appropriate singing choices.

I wonder if everyone who ever played the role on stage approached the characterization with as much passion coming from how an actor approaches his craft, especially for those who never had any actor's training before?


Jo

[jo]

www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlny/dave-karger-access-hollywood-fandango-frontrunners_b231141

Dave Karger Adds Fandango to the Access Hollywood Mix

By Richard Horgan on October 30, 2014 3:45 PM



After joining Fandango in the fall of 2012, chief correspondent Dave Karger quickly began entertaining the ticket-buying masses with The Frontrunners, a look at actors and artists in the thick of film awards season. The distinguishing feature of the show, one of several Fandango series hosted by Karger, is a handicapping of the trophy hunt through the prism of a single, chosen scene from each guest’s contending film.

When Karger kicks off Season Three of The Frontrunners next month, he will have another stellar guest and a synergistic new broadcast partner. The conversation with Emma Stone (Birdman) will be prominently featured on Fandango, per usual, starting November 12 and highlighted on an edition of NBCUniversal sister franchise Access Hollywood. The plan is to have Karger drop by weekly on the show to frame and share excerpts from The Frontrunners.

“Access Hollywood is a show that I have been very involved with for over a decade,” Karger tells FishbowlNY via telephone, following our attendance of an intimate Tuesday night soiree hosted by Fandango in the Penthouse Bar of LA’s Soho House. ”I’ve appeared as an analyst, a guest and as the Oscars lunch correspondent for the past four years.”

“It’s a relationship that is very important to me and Access Hollywood is a show that I really personally like,” he adds. “So to have an even more official affiliation with them this awards season is really exciting.”...



Asked to name a couple of highlights from the first two seasons of The Frontrunners, Karger does not hesitate. “Hugh Jackman was utterly fascinating,” he recalls. “The episode was for Les Miserables, and we picked the song “Who Am I?” He was so excited by the single-scene concept of the show that at one point, he stood up and started singing. He was technically out of frame, so we had to use the behind-the-scenes camera to capture him.”

I need to look that up again


Jo

[jo]

I need to look that up again

I found it! Thanks GOOGLE

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rub_ceq2s08

*Wow - seeing this again ( I couldn't recall the particulars of that interview seeing what a deluge there was of promotional activities for Les Miserables there was at that time)  makes me feel so much attuned to the wherefores and whyfores of the cinematic vision of Tom Hooper...and the acting skills of Hugh Jackman ( that different treatment of "I'm Jean Valjean" to show that he was at peace at last with himself - that really gets to me!)

*The musical theatre purists were so blinded by their " devotion" to the stage musical that they could not see how much better a character portrayal Hugh had embued into the character of Jean Valjean...and that the singing was simply supporting the acting choices!

* I will never forgive the Academy Award voters for choosing DDL ( no offense meant, but I thought that was more of the nation's affection for Lincoln and the Academy's desire to put another record in the books!) over Hugh Jackman's contribution to the hallmarks of acting performances!!!!!!!!!  Nobody ever talks about Lincoln ( the movie) or the Oscar-winning performance by the lead actor, sorry!  Hugh's tportrayal is once again celebrated in this feature on that Karger interview!

*Maybe I am biased, but even if Hugh wins the Oscar for another performance, his portrayal of Jean Valjean will always be my sentimental favorite!  As Karger said, the name Jean Valjean will always be suffixed to his name and fame as an actor!

Jo

[jo]

LOL - what attention to detail by Tom Hooper! Hugh mentions "bearer bonds" as part of the documents that Valjean was packing up, which action was probably meant to symbolize his flight from the law once more -- until his soul-searching told him to do something else! I like how Hugh said that Valjean's decision was not necessarily purely altruistic, and that the hesitation he displayed mirrored what was written in the novel by Victor Hugo.


Were there even "bearer bonds" in early 19th century France

Also, the branding on the chest -- the film adaptation's treatment also reflected what the novel said about prisoner branding, which made more sense to Hooper. Too bad the stage musical version sticks to the branding image - maybe for stage theatricality purposes - LOL!


Jo

[carouselkathy]

Of course I wanted Hugh to win, and in any other year he might have won. Unfortunately, Daniel Day Lewis gave the definitive performance of Lincoln the same year. There are many deserving performances in Oscar history that were overlooked, but still remembered. Sometimes an overlooked actor wins a "consolation Oscar" for a later performance that is not as memorable. Sad, but true. ARGO was a very good film, but to win over LINCOLN and LES MIZ? It was a political jab to the Academy for not nominating Ben for best director. These things happen in the politics of awards. It's still hard to take. I'm still mad that ANNIE HALL won. It had some good moments, but best film? TITANIC? Worst screenplay ever, but the special effects trumped writing.

[jo]

To each his own

I join Russell Crowe on the reasons why Hugh Jackman deserved the Best Actor award --

Jackman's Les Miserables co-star Russell Crowe announced via Twitter he has voted for Jackman, declaring his performance in the musical as more difficult than Day-Lewis's portrayal of US President Abraham Lincoln.

"Voted Hugh Jackman as Best Actor for the Oscars," Crowe tweeted.

"The character arc, the degree of difficulty, way more responsibility than any other nominee."

Did any movie actor( of other nominated roles) rehearse for as long as nine weeks? Did as many as 14 takes to get one song delivery and acting performance right, and sing the whole day long in a difficult live singing situation ( complementing the acting choices)? Portray a character whose story arc spanned practically a lifetime, with all of life's trials and triumphs? Create a portrayal that was fresh, innovative, and different from many other film adaptations of an iconic piece of literature and from many stage productions? The Karger interview validates the effort that went into one song like "Who Am I". That was definitive and extraordinary acting and performance!


Of course it is all water under the bridge now , but I am immensely grateful and pleased that Hugh did deliver on this role of a lifetime!


Jo

[carouselkathy]

Jo,
I agree that Hugh deserved to win. DDL did not have to sing the Gettysburg Address live on camera. Both gave great performances, but Hugh accomplished something extraordinary in his JVJ. My point was that many voters saw LINCOLN first, made up their minds, and voted accordingly. Sometimes it just happens that way. If LINCOLN had been released a different year, the vote may have been different. How many times have we watched a classic film on TCM and wondered why a particular actor was overlooked for the Academy Award? How was it possible? Timing? Politics? Meryl Streep winning for playing Maggie Thatcher? I wouldn't have voted for her, but Mr. Weinstein "encouraged" academy members to do so. Illegal? Yes, but he got away with it. Hugh gave an Oscar worthy performance and so did Daniel. Daniel had already won twice before, I believe. I really hoped Hugh would win. JVJ is an iconic role and the performance was beyond great. Someday, Hugh may win for a less iconic role.

[jo]

SUDDENLY was a song that was not done full justice by the Oscar voters, either. How can a song with so much meaning and emotional weight ( within the context of the storyline, and inspired by one of the best passages from the novel) and with such inspired delivery from Hugh be set aside in favor of the title song from SKYFALL??

inthenews.thetalkingsloth.com/les-miserables-soundtrack-suddenly-ost-hugh-jackman/

Listen to it again --

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lvi-ylOHRP8


Some of the comments on the song --

Mary Skywalker November 2, 2014 Reply
Im glad they put this song in I love it personally. it shows that not only
did Jean save Cosette but Cosette saved him


Jasmine Carlson November 2, 2014 Reply
this is going to be my first dance song if/when (hopefully) my bf and I get
married minus a few lyrics here and there <3


upstander18 November 2, 2014 Reply
From your review, I’m seriously considering of reading Victor Hugo’s
masterpiece. What a beautiful song! Huge Jackman does this song (and Jean
Valjean) justice. I’m weeping as well, so you’re not the only one. Another
great performance? Anne Hathaway’s “I Dreamed a Dreamed” now that songs
will make you weep.


Charles Lee November 2, 2014 Reply
But the music was absolutely fantastic!


Lauren Katz November 2, 2014 Reply
Read it, it’s absolutely amazing, when i get to the part where this song
would have played in the movie but in the book, it made my heart swell,
such a sweet moment.


xxminixkittyxx November 2, 2014 Reply

I love this song and scene it’s my favorite song in the movie, next to One
more day. The reason being that it shows how much that how much she needed
him and how much he needed her. He may have improved his life but it was
still a very lonely life for he still feels guilt, how ever having this one
tiny little girl love and trust made him feel complete again… being once
a convict he felt he could never be loved but now he is. DANG HE SHOULD
HAVE WON A BLOODY OSCAR!


laurel ann Hardy November 2, 2014 Reply
i’m an adoptive mom and this song just about killed me… it may not match
the rest of the musical, but it’s still beautiful.


SpectorCj November 2, 2014 Reply
Les Miserables is one of the finest films ever made


approp November 2, 2014 Reply

This song sounded like an insert for me. It just didn’t gel with the rest
of the music. Having said that HJ was brilliant. I don’t think there is
anyone like him for finding riches within song lyrics and giving old music
totally new interpretations. If you’ve seen him in Oklahoma he does it
there brilliantly too.


kelseypotter181 year ago

Adele, I am very happy for you, and Imma let you finish, but "Suddenly " is the greatest original song of ALL TIME!

The last comment -- in the context of appropriateness to the movie and its storyline, I would have to say that it ranks among the best! Some Oscar songs are beautiful ( Windmills of Your Mind, Shadow of Your Smile, etc) but do they really fit the film story and characters to a "T"?

Jo

[mamaleh]

My take: It is a lovely melody with heartfelt lyrics, and it fit the moment in the movie perfectly. "Skyfall" won because it had a more contemporary sound and was sung by pop singer Adele.

Ellen

[Jamie]

I think that Les Miserables got run over by politics. They thought having Adele sing would guarantee viewers so "Skyfall" needed to win. A fourth Oscar for DDL was desirable to set a record for the same reason. Twenty years from now, Lincoln will be an entry on DDL's filmography than no one watches and Les Mis will have a 20th anniversary release of what has become a classic. So two Oscars lost and film legend gained. Not all that bad a trade.

[jo]

Not strictly Les Miserables -- but Hugh Jackman hosted a special screening in NYC for Eddie Redmayne's new movie about physicist Stephen Hawking, The Theory of Everything :

BespokeRedmayne ‏@bespokeredmayne · 1h1 hour ago
So good to see #EddieRedmayne & @realhughjackman together again as Hugh hosted #TheTheoryofEverything screening in NY

Deb was also there --





Eddie is getting very good buzz for Oscar honors for his portrayal of the famed physicist!


Jo

[jo]

Remember the concert at Joe's Pub with Russell Crowe and his merry men?

There were uploads of the moments when he invited Hugh up the stage and they sang " The Letter" and "The Confrontation"?

But not an upload then of this closing number " FAIRY TALE OF NEW YORK" - he acknowledges his Les Mis co-stars, the lovely Sam Barks and "24601"

www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoVHclTIJjQ&sns=tw


Jo

[jo]

Another fun moment, Hugh as backing vocal, for Russell Crowe and his band's singing of BREATHLESS --

www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJDw4sHbyV4

[jo]

The singing (THE LETTER) has probably been posted before but I don't remember seeing the pre-singing banter. Hugh introduces Russell's singing teacher (Roberta Duchak who is wearing the Hugh Jackman fangirl signature look ), who also coached Hugh during the Les Mis filming.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3I27MHG0bx8

[jo]

And their classic THE CONFRONTATION, sung almost like a song on a rock concert stage --

www.youtube.com/watch?v=n51PtM7sEVU

or this upload ( with the comments)--

www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fB6LIsntpg


I grow sentimental -- I have been thinking of rewatching LES MISERABLES ( in between pre-Christmas preparations) again. But last night, since it was on cable, I watched REAL STEEL once more - LOL!

But I am sure Les Miserables will be in my playlist today or in the next few days


PS: I hope someday Hugh and Russell will find another worthy film project to be involved in once again.

Jo

[jo]

Another energetic singing at the Garden Party - with special guest Hugh Jackman as backing vocal!

Man in the Mirror!


www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cn4RHPAI5sA#t=30



I wonder if they are going to compile all the numbers and release it as a video?



Jo

[jo]

An old but previously unreleased photo from the set of Les Miserables.


Hugh with the reindeer named Thor.

[jo]

Craig Zadan ‏@craigzadan · 5h5 hours ago
#OSCARS 2013
@realhughjackman #AnneHathaway rehearse One Day More from #LesMiz @ telecast's movie musical celebration pic.twitter.com/DFMakA78wD

[jo]

I think I saw the second ACTORS STUDIO interview only once, but seeing it again was very valuable in appreciating his insights on the film adaptation of Les Miserables --

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ho-tF_7LaDM

At around 11'43" - the part about Les Miserables starts in this interview.

*I have always read about his moments of insecurity when he was filming the movie and how Deb counselled him wisely about continuing with the portrayal. But I have never known that the scene involved the finale, Valjean's death scene! That was a truly remarkable moment - many people admit that it was the scene that made them cry. Even Tom Hooper, in his commentary, admits that when he was editing the movie, Valjean's death scene got to him every time and that he cried everytime that scene came into view ( not sure, but I think Tom did mention that he related that scene to his father). Physically, that was a difficult scene to commit to film -- he had to look old and sickly without putting on prosthetics, just a little makeup and a further greying of the hair, and a stooped posture! What was more amazing was how his voice seemed to have aged, too... Emotionally, I thought it was a very hard scene to portray -- he was facing his own mortality but he seemed prepared for it ( after a hard life marked by two epiphanies), the appearance of Cosette while sad seemed to free him from his fears that his past reputation might cause some emotional damage to her, and in the end when he utters " It's the story...Of one who turned from hating...A man who only learned to love...When you were in his keeping", he has fully expressed his feelings towards his adoptive daughter. The scenes with Fantine and then with the Bishop finally lay his mortal body to rest, but with the words " To love another person... Is to see the face of God!", he was triumphant and at peace!

That must have been a really difficult scene to portray -- now I realize that it took so much of him as an actor, even more so than the Soliloquy which was very emotional as well because the latter took him from a path of self-destruction to one of redemption!

Those were his Oscar moments ( The Finale and Soliloquy), if only the voters had been more discerning and more fair!

Russell Crowe did recognize that - " I voted for Hugh Jackman because of the character arc and the degree of difficulty".


*He discusses the physical requirements of acting versus singing...and how they can run into conflict with each other. In acting, he has to deal with conflict...in singing, he needs to open up to express himself. This drives home the point, that what they did with the live singing concept is even more remarkable!

Interesting stats from Hugh directly : Nine weeks of rehearsals, 21 takes for SOLILOQUY, 19 takes for BRING HIM HOME. No mention of how long it took for his most difficult scene - the finale! But I do remember from tweets from the set that it was a bitterly cold night ( in Winchester) when they filmed the scene that night/midnight/dawn ( it was filmed halfway during shooting, maybe for practical reasons --Anne had completed most of her Fantine scenes...and Amanda/Eddie were just coming into the filming schedule, it was Amanda's first shooting day).

*He really wanted the part of Valjean so much!


Jo

[jo]

Congrats to Eddie Redmayne for his GOLDEN GLOBE win!

The cast and creatives of Les Miserables are shaping up to be a much-recognized pool of talent.


Jo

[jo]

Before they started filming LES MISERABLES, these two Aussies were presenters at the BAFTA.





Russell responded to the upload --

Russell Crowe ‏@russellcrowe · 3h3 hours ago
@richhphoto @bafta @realhughjackman you took some great shots of us in 2012 , I have one of the two of us walking toward camera in my office

[jo]

Could this be the other photo?

Posted on March 19, 2013 --

rich hardcastle
‏@richhphoto @realhughjackman Hi Hugh, thought you'd like this shot I did of you and @russellcrowe backstage at last years BAFTAs

And this is what they said for their presenting duties --

www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDN8Q5kqnqQ