Les Miserable: One Day More!

Director Tom Hooper is finally bringing the musical Les Miserable to theaters December 2012.  As a fan of the musical, I couldn’t be more ecstatic.  It has been 14 years since it was in theaters starring Liam Neeson, Geoffrey, Rush, Uma Thurman and Claire Danes.  The movie was well done, however it did seem lacking without the passionate and notably famous songs.

If for whatever reason you have not heard of Les Miserable, written by victor Hugo, the story is set in 19^th century France.  Honestly there are so many sub plots, it is hard to summarize the story.

“Prisoner 24601, Jean Valjean, is released from prison and breaks parole to create a new life for himself while evading the grip of the persistent Inspector Javert. Set in early 19th-century France, the story reaches resolution against the background of the July Revolution of 1832.”{1}

Interesting tidbits of trivia:

• Amy Adams, Jessica Biel, Marion Cotillard, Kate Winslet and Rebecca Hall were considered to play Fantine, before Anne Hathaway was cast.
• Geoffrey Rush was considered for the role of Monsieur Thenardier before Sacha Baron Cohen was cast.
• Frances Ruffelle, the original Eponine on Broadway and in the West End, will be returning to Les Mis as a prostitute. When producer Cameron Mackintosh made the announcement, Ruffelle’s character name was “The Most Fabulous Whore”. Ruffelle also appeared in the 25th Anniversary Concert for Les Miserables taking the stage with the original London cast.
• Paul Bettany was considered for the role of Inspector Javert before Russell Crowe was cast. {2}
• Emma Watson, Shailene Woodley, Miranda Cosgrove, Emily Marie Palmer Lili Reinhart, and Portia Doubleday auditioned for the role of Cosette before the role went to Amanda Seyfried. {2}

Looking at some of Hooper’s past film credits, I don’t think we will be disappointed with Les Miserables.  He directed The King’s Speech, John Adams, and several other mini-series.  Here is an excerpt from the 10th Anniversary cast singing “One Day More.”  *goosebumps*

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxo0OFl6FM4&feature=related

Please join us for an open discussion Monday, June 4-Tuesday, June 5.

Tags: Hugh Jackman, Les Miserable, movie musical