Les Misérables
Directed by Tom Hooper
Starring Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway
Rating: A
This is a beautiful movie with excellent set design and costuming. There was a lot of production that went into such an elaborate period piece and it was all done well. The direction was pleasing as all elements of the story came together in execution. The casting was exceptional, except for Amanda Seyfried. The decision to cast her as Cosette is the only negative critique I have. She is one dimensional and lacks ability to show emotion. She only plays characters that are supposed to be cute, ruddy faced girls who smile a lot. Her presence bothers me and I was joyed when I realized she would be absent from several scenes in a row. Anne Hathaway was terrific in the role of Fantine. She has a marvelous voice and her emotional delivery of "I Dreamed a Dream" was breath taking. Hathaway's character did not monopolize screen time; she was around only for a short time in the beginning of the film and very briefly at the end. Still, her performance was very memorable. Before seeing this movie, I read a critique of Russell Crowe that his singing was laughable. I do not agree with this assessment. I feel Crowe held his own among a cast of great singers. His voice was not the best in the film, but it was very fitting for his character. It was refreshing to hear such great voices from Hollywood actresses and actors. Les Misérables met all expectations and is worth watching. It is the best cinematic interpretation of the story yet.
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