Can we talk about the new upcoming Les Mis movie
Instead of Mary Poppins or Cats, the very first Broadway musical my parents took me to was Les Miserable. I was in the second grade when one of life’s biggest trials was not being able to go on a playdate with my best friend in school because of a looming book report on a Roald Dahl book. In short, a bumbling seven year old was in no shape or age to appreciate the masterpiece that is Les Mis. But for some inexplicable reason, I was beyond captivated. Perhaps it was the fact that it was my very first Broadway show more than the actual content of the musical itself. Maybe I was sugar high from candy. I don’t know. But what I do know was that I was obsessed. After an enthralling three hours, I begged my parents to buy me the cassette tape of the original soundtrack. I listened to it day and night. On my Walkman (lol). Before going to bed. I always rewinded the young Cosette song. Skipped through the crude, dark songs like “Dog Eat Dog.” Cried at Eponine’s dying song. And of course, “Bring Him Home.” It was so bad that my parents deemed it was inappropriate and a bit spiritually bad (in their Christian standpoint) for a kid to be engulfing her mind into these songs, some of which, weren’t the healthiest songs for children. So they took away my tape and forbid me to listen to it. But the damage was done. I already knew all the songs by heart. After years and years, I watched Les Mis again for the second, third and fourth times. The second was a production in Canada (nuff said), the third was a second-hand scale, off-Btoadway production in NYC, and the fourth was my high school senior year musical.
Now I’m seeing trailers for a new film adaption, setting to release near Christmas day. Umm, I thought it was Jesus’ birthday but it sure as hell feels like mine because- are you kidding me?! First of all, it’s directed by the dude who worked on The Kings Speech, which I mostly remember for the beautiful cinematography. Second of all, THE CAST.
When Anne Hathaway appeared in the trailer, I didn’t think she’d play Fantine and I didn’t think it was her voice singing I Had A Dream. But oh em gee, when that momentary cut of her getting her hair chopped off flashed on, I was like ok. I lose. You win. And who else but our dearest Hugh can make a better Valjean? Or a Russell Crowe Javert? And what!? Borat and Bellatrix are the mean but comical innkeeper couple!? This is too much. Genius casting director.
Call me a nerd, call me pretentious, but I don’t think any other Christmas present can top watching this movie. D-sixmoremonths!!!!!
