The Unmatched Magic of “Les Misérables”

It does not take a theater enthusiast to appreciate the recent remake of “Les Misérables,” the stunning winter film done in the style of the popular Broadway musical.

The film took the Golden Globe for Best Picture and is up for eight Academy Awards, which include Best Picture, Best Original Song, and Best Costume Design.

With stars who delivered impressively, such as Anne Hathaway, Best Supporting Actress nominee for an Oscar, the reception of the film is no surprise.

Hathaway as the desperate and tragic Fantine, who resorts to prostitution as a means of supporting her daughter, delivered performances in her renditions of “I Dreamed a Dream” and the final Epilogue that left the sound of sniffles and tissues throughout the theater.

As some of the most tragic characters in literature, it should not come as a surprise, but Hathaway, along with other cast members, opened their mouths to perform with voices not known in their respective worlds of cinema.

Perhaps the on-set musicians can account for the emotion which Hathaway, as well as her fellow cast members, were able to emanate. The music for each song was played live on set, lending a genuine Broadway quality to the film.

Amanda Seyfried’s charm and charisma as Cosette, daughter of Fantine, shone throughout the film. Her birdlike voice reached a range that few sopranos can boast of possessing with such ease and pleasantness.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of the film is Cosette’s relationship with Jean Vallejean (Hugh Jackman), who raises her as his own child.

Jackman’s ability to portray the ex-convict was not the most surprising part about his performance. His voice is a wonder, especially in his version of “Bring Him Home,” a song that many classically trained male vocalists struggle with due to its range.

On the opposite side of the spectrum is Russell Crowe, whose acting was satisfactory and whose voice may have been better had he opened his mouth and done away with the nasal quality.

Director Tom Hooper’s entire film was a marvelous masterpiece, inspiring, heartbreaking, and worth the three hours spent in awe. It is unlikely that many subsequent films of its kind will be capable of rivaling “Les Misérables.”