Les Misérables (2012)

So last night I finally got round to seeing Les Mis at the cinema (I know it’s terrible it took me that long) and I only just feel I have recovered my emotional stability enough to write this blog post. I shall warn you early on in this post, this film is not for the faint hearted. It will emotionally drain you to an extent you have never experienced before. Well, that is if you’re a sap like me, if you’re cold hearted (or normal) you will probably be able to keep yourself together. All I can say is, I have never cried so much or so ardently in a public place before.

If, like me, you are already a great lover of the storyline and the musical productions, I am pleased to say you will not be disappointed. I admit, at points the singing does leave something to be desired. Russell Crowe, as expected, has probably the weakest voice in the cast, but he fulfils his role as Javert very well with his deep tones. Now, as much as I love Hugh Jackman and his voice,  I have to say he is no Alfie Boe. Then again, it seems slightly unfair to compare him to someone as great as that. Otherwise, he plays his role as Jean Valjean perfectly. I really do feel sorry for him having had to endure 36 hours of dehydration to look the part for the first few scenes of the film. Another cast member who went to extreme lengths to do their part justice is Anne Hathaway. Not that she needed to do much after her incredible rendition of ‘I Dreamed a Dream’, but she allowed her luscious, brown locks to be hacked off on camera! So when you see that, you should realise, they’re probably real tears.

It is amazing the amount of raw singing talent in this film, especially from those it isn’t expected from. After Mamma Mia, it isn’t surprising that Amanda Seyfried was cast as Cosette, and a fantastic job she did as well. But Eddie Redmayne was surprisingly good! He played the love struck student very well, not particularly surprising though considering his previous roles including Angel in ‘Tess of the D’Ubervilles’ and young Colin in ‘My Week with Marilyn’. Something I was very pleased with was that Samantha Barks was cast as Eponine which, considering she was so amazing in the stage production, was the right choice. In her final scene, I wept like a child. 

But don’t worry, this film isn’t all about doom and gloom and dumbfounding musical performances. There is some light relief in the form of Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter as the nibble fingered landlords of a tavern. Both of their performances are brilliant with Carter adopting the cocky accent as seen in ‘Sweeney Todd’ and Cohen being his usual hilarious self. 

Even if you don’t like musicals or don’t think you can sit through 2 and a half hours in the cinema, go and see it. It is part cinematic history that is necessary to your cultural education. Trust me. 

Picture from: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1707386/

Dangerous Liaisons (1988)

So as I said before, I have watched the film version of Choderlos de Laclos’ Les Liaison Dangereuses after reading the novel. The first viewing of the casting for certain characters is always interesting, and I was especially excited to see who would be cast for the Vicomte de Valmont and the Marquise de Merteuil! I think that John Malkovich and Glenn Close were perfect choices. Close was the perfect age during shooting to help her achieve, as well as through her acting ability, the social butterfly with the dark secret that is Merteuil. Also, John Malkovich is both charming and diabolical.

However, what was interesting to see was the director/producer’s take on the relationship between these two character. Laclos’ ambiguous style as a writer makes it difficult to make out in the novel so we are merely presented with a variety of options. Interestingly, this adaptation takes on the idea that the Marquise is still in love with the Vicomte after their affair and throughout his later exploits. Also, the leave no possibility of ambiguity as the Vicomte states his love for Madame de Tourvel as true. Although I like that they decided on one possibility and went with it, I would have rather they left a little more to the imagination as they made it seem like the Marquise was the villain in this case whereas the Vicomte made great personal progress which I do not agree with. I did not get this image of them at all when I read the book as they seemed to me equally confused as to their feelings and what path they must take. 

Also, there wasn’t enough investigation into the rest of French society at the time as the book explored exploits of other people of the likes of these 2 characters. However, this is only a slight negative and apart from that I enjoyed the film though it may be of an acquired taste and seem more understandable if you have read the book yourself. 

Life of Pi

I have been long awaiting this film and I am pleased to say that I was not disappointed. We arrived at the cinema and realised I had accidentally gotten the time for the 3D version rather than the normal 2D. I am so glad I made that mistake. This film is one of the most visually breathtaking I have seen. It focuses on the details and delicacies of nature, specifically the Pacific ocean. If you are going to see this film it should definitely be for the visual as that is where you will find the most pleasure.

As for the storyline, it was a good idea. I had read about 80 pages of the book before going to see the film and had liked it up to that point. This merely encompassed the first 30 minutes which establishes ‘Piscine Molitor Patel’s’ childhood and background for the story. This is portrayed magnificently as it is done with intense colour and vibrate sounds. The setting of India will always lend to a delightful visual experience.

The whole film works well together, however, the storyline does begin to drag as it reaches its middle. With the setting of the Pacific ocean and the only speaking character being Pi in his teens, accompanied by a Bengal Tiger, it is easy to see why. However, if you use this time to appreciate the visualness of the film and stick with it then you will come to appreciate it more.

Also, another aspect of the film that I enjoyed was the colourful way religion is portrayed and Pi’s innocent willingness to accept every religion he can get his hands on. This is a fresh view on religion that I think everyone should appreciate, especially if you read the book as his arguments and descriptions around his chosen religions (Christianity, Hinduism and Islam) are invigorating.

The only thing that upset me about this film was the ending. Though do not let this harm your opinion of the film as it is merely me being a bit childish and wanting everything to have a fairytale, Disney ending. Although the facts of the ending seem to give you a finite answer, it doesn’t actually say it is so. Therefore, keep your childish imagination running free and you will be able to believe the happier ending! Get your eyes ready for this visual extravaganza.

Picture from: http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_Review.aspx?id=762