So I think I am ready to actually address this film. I know that it has been talked to death by most people, but this is my blog and I can write about what I want. So I am going to cover this from a variety of different view points. And split this review into a number of posts.
1- Book Adaptation:
Pros : Now since this is a film of the stage Musical, one must consider how well the stage show adapted the source material. Being a student of French Literature, and having read the book in both French and English, I think the stage show managed to be the best adaptation of the story without making a BBC miniseries. The operatic formula allows for the songs to express a greater depth of emotion and plot than just a scene of dialogue. The music also allows for an easier way of telling the audience what they should feel for various characters. Now the film, I think they did a great job of using that same music and book to tell the story of Jean Valjean and Javert. I liked what Tom Hopper tried to do by having the actors sing live during filming. I think it managed to make the film feel even more like a stage show in some aspects. I also loved what they were able to do with the sets and costumes to express the grandness of the story. It was wonderful to be able to see the docks at Toulon, the barricades and the Palais du Justice.The movie was also the best at making sure to keep Javert from becoming the villain that he became in various other adaptations. Instead they were able to keep him as the foil to Valjean, while still making Javert a sympathetic character.
Cons: Like any adaptation, they cut a lot out of this book. It is impossible to do any visual adaptation of this book without cutting out major sections. The book does cover about 40 year of Valjean's life. The other problem is the characters other than Javert and Valjean were created as archetypes and manifestations of various plot devices for Javert and Valjean to respond to. The problem is that in adaptations it is hard for this concept to be well conveyed, therefore the other supporting characters become flat and underdeveloped.
Final Determination: For accuracy of adaptation and ability to covey the details of the novel I give the film a Thumbs UP
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