Les Miserables, Essay Example

 “Evaluation Essay Les Miserables, the Movie”

“Whether true or false, what is said about men often has as much influence on their lives, and particularly on their destinies, as what they do (Hugo, 1).” This statement was taken from the classic novel, Les Miserables, and was the basis of the story. Fortunately, for those who wish to watch the film version of this classic novel, there is a great film that portrays the story as well. Recently, I had the pleasure of watching, “Les Miserable”, a film adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel written in 1862. The movie version was made in 1998 and directed by Bille August. The main characters of the movie were played by Liam Neeson, Geoffrey Rush, Uma Thurman and Claire Danes. As in the classic novel, the plot of the movie follows the adult life of Jean Valjean, played by Liam Neeson, who was sentenced to prison for 19 years for stealing bread and then paroled. After release from parole, he is unable to find somewhere to sleep because no one will give an ex-convict a room; however, the character, Bishop Myriel, offers to let him spend the night. Valjean replies that he will be a changed man tomorrow. Valijean steals the Bishops silverware during the night and is later arrested. The Bishop tells the police that he gave them to Valijean and reminds Valijean that he must keep his promise of becoming a changed man. Valijean keeps his promise and becomes a changed man, he even becomes major with a successful factory and helps a single mother turned prostitute take care of her daughter after she passes; however, his past and his title as an ex-convict keep him from pursuing his promise to become a changed man as he is pursued by police Inspector, Javert. This story illustrates to the reader how one mistake can ultimately change your life, whether you are a good person or not. Can someone overcome their mistake and change their destiny? This storyline is what captivated me during the movie. I thought the movie was a great rendition of the book, especially in regard to the portrayal of the characters, costumes, music, and special effects. There were, however, some discrepancies between the book and the novel which could be argued as a bad portrayal of the book.

The main character in the movie, as mentioned previously, is Jean Valijean played by Liam Neeson. Liam Neeson brings this novel to life. His character has struggled with almost 20 years of imprisonment for stealing bread. We, as the audience, instantly feel compassion for him because we know he was only trying to survive. We can also see a change in his spirit after 19 years of cruelty from the prison guards. This is where the character of Javert, the town’s police inspector is introduced. Geoffrey Rush plays Inspector Javert. His character is immediately portrayed as a villain, as he cruel demeanor forces Valijean with slave-like work in the prison. Javert’s character personality is gruesome and dark and is obsessed with enforcing laws even with mistaken assumptions about the people he pursues. The fact that the villain in the story is more respected in society than Valijean’s character is also captivating. It made me feel angry and upset that a person who wasn’t particularly a criminal is treated severely, while the real villain, Javert, is respected in society.

The other characters in Les Miserables are also characterized in the same manner. For instance, the character, Fantine, played by Uma Thurman is portrayed as a nice woman who does everything to support her daughter, Cosette. Fantine was left by Cosette’s father to fend for herself and had to leave her daughter in the care of a couple who owned an Inn, the Thenardiers. The Thenardiers were cruel to Cosette and demanded excessive payment for her care. Fantine was forced into prostitution when she lost her job at Jean Valijean’s factory for being a single mother. I could not do anything, but feel for her character. Uma Thurman does a great job of portraying this character, in a way she is strong because she is doing what she can to provide for her child, but at the same time she shows a weak and absent minded side because we wonder why she leaves the child in the care of abusive people.

Valijean becomes close to Fantine after she is arrested and abused by Javert for prostitution. We again see the compassion in Valijean’s character and the inconsiderate character of Javert. Fantine becomes ill and dies during the time where Javert finds that his suspicions of Valijean’s true identity are real. Valijean is sentenced to life, but escapes Javert after saving a man on a boat. He himself falls into the water to escape. He finds Cossette and finds shelter at a convent from the man whom he rescued on the boat. There is a lot of irony to each character. If Valijean never was sentenced to life, he would have never been able to rescue that man who helps him find a job and shelter at a convent.

Cosette’s character is portrayed as curious and smart, but at the same time naïve. Although she grew up in poverty and fear and under the abusive care of the Thenardiers, she doesn’t become a cruel person. As soon as Valijean took her, she becomes a happy child and transforms into a well-educated young woman. That is the next scene in the movie, Cosette as a young woman who meets Marius, a rebellious character part of the French revolution. The irony in the characters is displayed here because you have Cosette who wants to be free in order to be with Marius. Valijean refuses this, even though he has spent his life not being set free.

The film was set in Paris, France during the 18^th century; however, the movie was filmed at Barrandov Studios in Prague. I think this was a good choice since the scenery and architecture are more gothic looking in Prague, which makes the entire movie more somber. In addition, the 18^th century costumes lack color in order to give a more somber appeal as well. Each character is dressed in mostly gray and black. In fact, there is no sign of color until Valijean and Cosette are in the convent where Valijean works as a gardener, a more happy time.

The music in the movie also plays along with the dark and somber mood. I felt that the music composition in the movie told the story itself. For instance, the theme song in the movie, Suite 1: Valjean’s Journey, is an intense and dramatic symphony piece. When you listen to it along with the movie, the song intensifies as Valijean struggles with his problems. Another example is when Cosette meets with Darius. The tone of the music is soft, signifying romance and love.

The movie was set in 18^th century France and the setting was composed quite astounding to exemplify this era. The architecture and the special effects used in the movie made it seemed as if the movie was recorded during this time. In addition, the special effects used toward the end of the movie during the French Revolution scenes with Marius were great. There was 18^th century weapons and cannon balls used during the war scenes, as well as sound effects to coincide with the war scenes.

Overall, I thought the movie was an excellent portrayal of the classic novel. In fact, the film received a 76% ‘fresh’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes with a critique indicating that the movie was intelligent, handsomely crafted adaptation of the classic novel. (Rotten Tomatoes) There could be some arguments against this rating, however, claiming that there were some major parts of the book left out. For instance, the film decreased the role of the Thenardiers, who were caring for Cosette. In the movie there are only in one scene; however, in the book they return to Paris after Cosette has grown and plot their own revenge on Valijean and Cosette. In addition, Marius is portrayed as the leader of the revolution in the movie; whereas, in the book he is only a participant. Furthermore, the movie ends with Javert committing suicide and Valijean walking away smiling. In the book, there are many more events after Javert suicide, such as Valijean’s death and the wedding of Marius and Cosette.

Besides the discrepancies between the book and the movie, overall the movie was a great portrayal of the classic novel, Les Miserables. For those who love dramatic movies with an excellent storyline, this movie comes highly recommended.

Works Cited

Hugo, V. Les Miserables (Signet Classics). Unabridged Version edition (March 3, 1987). 1488 pgs.

Rotten Tomatoes. Les Miserables 1998. Web. Retrieved on April 21, 2012 from: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1083326-les_miserables/

Works Referenced

August, B. Les Miserable. Film. 1998. Columbia Pictures.