Review of Les Misérables (1998) by Stuartfernie S — 18 Jan 2009

Les Misérables 1998.

The most recent English-speaking version, Bille August?s film is spectacular and lovingly produced, but the director has taken various "shortcuts" (even liberties?) with both the characters and events.

Apparently filmed entirely on location, there is a coldness, even at times an unpleasantness, pervading the film.

The tormented but determined Valjean is well played by Liam Neeson, indeed the acting is of a high standard throughout ? my main quibble is with the "shortcuts" (made, perhaps, due to considerations of time and commerce?).

I find it hard to accept that Valjean would strike the Bishop ? in the book he considered violence but shrank from it.

There should be no hint of romance between Valjean and Fantine ? both are lacking in self-esteem, and Fantine is far too ill!

Javert would not beat Fantine ? this is quite unnecessary as he is the law, and he would not allow such personal weakness to affect his duties. Furthermore this encourages the audience to hate Javert, therefore losing audience sympathy and understanding at his death.

Marius does not have the strength or ambition to lead the student revolt.

Thénardier has all but disappeared! This is a mistake common to most English-speaking versions. The removal of Thénardier only accentuates the contrast between Valjean and Javert, diminishing our sympathy for Javert who is seen as Valjean?s evil enemy rather than the principled (if mistaken and flawed) defender of society he is.

The film ends with Javert?s death, and there is little sadness or regret as Valjean witnesses the event. It is probably wrong to have Valjean witness the event at all ? Javert?s suicide is the result of inner turmoil which is weakened by having him explain himself to Valjean. It should also be recalled that Valjean had spared/saved his life at the barricades, and so he is unlikely to accept Javert?s death without argument or some attempt to dissuade him from committing suicide.

Having said all that, I found the film enjoyable in its own right, but I don?t regard it as a very true or complete version of Hugo?s tale.