So, we saw the first showing of
LES MISERABLES this morning, and despite some reservations, we enjoyed it.
I think the critics have been overly harsh on it.
Russell Crowe may not have had the singing voice for Javert, but he certainly had the presence.
However, for us, the biggest problem was a carry over from the stage version (i.e. the book).
The story lacks focus...as does the story in
LINCOLN.
The core story of
LES MISERABLES is the chase, but that story virtually disappears for most of the film (and play's) second half in favor of the revolution and the love story. Yes, some of the show's most memorable songs may center around these events, but that is a separate issue and has nothing to do with good storytelling.
Truly, almost everything that occurs [
SPOILER AHEAD] after Javert's death is anti-climatic.
On the other hand, my wife and I both teared up at the end.
