Review of Les Misérables (1998) by Matt O — 12 Sep 2008

I knew better than to expect that Hollywood would be faithful to Victor Hugo's original intentions. Though the meteoric performances of Liam Neeson as Jean Valjean and Geoffrey Rush as Inspector Javert nearly save this film, there were just too many things cut to call this a good interpretation of Victor Hugo's epic novel.

First, there are several characters that were cut, minimized, or whose names were misspelt in the credits (I mean of course Grantaire, who was known as 'Grantier' in the credits. If you're going to have his character at all, spell his name right!). The story of Eponine Thenardier, a hapless waif who sacrifices herself for Marius Pontmercy, is completely cut out. Marius Pontmercy's character has been altered so that he is a selfless leader of the revolutionary cause. In the book he in fact supports Napoleon, and another character, Enjolras (who was reduced to two cameo appearances in this film), should have been the altruistic rebel leader.

I would say other things, but I feel that would be nitpicking. But before I leave, I would like to say that the finale is incredibly unsatisfying, brutal, and does not do either Neeson or Rush's characters any credit.