Les Miserables

Wow.

Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. 

WOW. 

I feel like almost anything I say about this film will sound half you-know-what and washed up. But I have to try. Its a moral imperative. I can't simply watch such an incredible production and NOT gush about it. So you shall just have to listen as I stumble my way through an attempt to give this show justice!

Favorites...

Helen Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohnen

Can the woman do no wrong? She's creepy. But amazing. I wanted to hate her, but by the end, I kinda felt a tinsey bit sorry for them. Plus they were both hilarious. Three cheers for you, Helen and Sacha! 

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Daniel Huttlestone... 

And little people know

When little people fight

We may look easy pickin's but we got some bite

So never kick a dog . . . because he's just a pup . . .

You better . . . run for cover . . . when the pup . . . grows u--

I cried.

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"A little drop of rain . . . can hardly hurt me now . . . and rain . . .  will make the flowers grow."

Such a beautiful, sad moment. And, in general, I think Eddie Redmayne and Samantha Barks killed it as Marius and Eponine. 

 

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Another Eponine moment . . . 

"In the rain, the pavement shines like silver. . ."

I read online that before she was cast, Smantha Barks was competing against Lea Michelle, Scarlett Johansen and Taylor Swift for the role. Thank HEAVENS she got it instead of them. I can't imagine any of those three even coming close to doing as good a job as Samantha. 

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Anne Hathaway's performance as Fontaine . . . Especially during the whole "Lovely Ladies" and "I Dreamed a Dream" sequence. Wow. 

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Of course, Hugh Jackman . . . though, I feel stupid, because before last night, I had no idea he could sing. He did amazing. I'm positive there will be an Oscar nomination. 

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"Do you hear the people sing?"

I got some honest to goodness, spine tingling goosebumps during this song. So, SO well done!

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But I have to admit, out of all the Oscar-worthy moments in this amazing production, I give it to Eddie Redmayne for stealing the show. For me, at least . . .  

. . . his rendition of Empty Chairs was awe-inspiring. It was possibly my favorite moment of the show. I keep trying to write a description of how tragically beautiful this piece was . . . how emotional and raw he portrayed Marius's grief . . . but every time I try, my words come out sounding empty and hollow. I suppose you just have to see it yourself . . . It is hands down the best rendition I've ever heard or seen of Empty Chairs. Supporting actor nomination? Pretty please? Methinks we'll be seeing a LOT more of Mr. Redmayne in the near future . . . 

"Empty chairs at empty tables . . ."

 I went to Les Mis, feeling I already knew the show. I left knowing I never had.

I don't know if it was the big production budget . . . seeing on a big screen (where the emotions are more detailed and precise), or a combination of both, but seeing this production of Les Miserables was different. Like seeing it the first time. The way it was meant to be experienced. 

This was emotion. It was real. It was dirty and sad and inspiring. And it was nothing like the times I had seen it before. I loved every sad, tragic, happy minute of it, and want to see it again!

Your thoughts? Comments?