Mild spoilers for Les Mis movie

[merylmarie]

I got to see the first screening of "Les Mis" Friday, thanks to a friend in the Screen Actors Guild. Afterwards there was a Q & A with Anne Hathaway, the director Tom Hooper ("The King's Speech"), Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne and Samantha Barks. Tom Hooper said he'd just finished the film the day before

Comments

[gilli_ann]

Oh Meryl, lucky you!! This is the movie I'm looking most forward to this winter, so that's saying something given which other movie is on the horizon. I love Les Mis and cannot count the times I've seen it on stage, including with Colm Wilkinson as Valjean, so that *is* a nice touch. Thank you so much for the review, I read it like lightning. I have been worried about Crowe's Javert and you confirm my misgivings.... But of course it's better to be forewarned. In general, my anticipation levels couldn't be any higher!

[merylmarie]

I wish you could have seen it with me, Maeg! I know you'll love it, being a Mis-head. The director was wondering how Les Mis purists would react, as the movie juggles the songs and adds things here and there to compensate for lack of dialogue. The casting is very good all down the line, and the designers did a great job with the sets and costumes.

I hope you're well. Who's the guy in your avatar?

[gilli_ann]

I just came down with a cold and am feeling a little under the weather, but hopefully it'll soon pass. I hope you are well, now December cold is soon upon us....

I shall take your warning and sit way back in rhe cinema so as to not have the emo close-ups right in my face. I remember seeing Les Mis in London with a couple of friends back in the day, and as we left the theatre one of them blurted; "I'm a mess! I couldn't have taken one person more dying!" To which the other promptly replied; "But there weren't anybody left to die!" And that's not very far from the truth so I expect two and a half hours of non-stop emotion.

I envy you getting to see Anne&co and hearing them talk about the film.

The guy in the avatar is a one-off Dr. Who character called Jethro... A very emo young man. Also known as Colin Morgan when he's at home. :D

[merylmarie]

*Hands you a tissue* Now blow! :D

Yep, there certainly are a lot of folks in this film who kick the bucket. Tissues and bladder control are a must. ;)

Stealth Colin, eh? I might have known! :))

[sixth_queen]

That sounds like a VERY interesting cast...

[merylmarie]

You're right! They all are well-suited to their roles and act up a storm. :)

[ramalama]

I'm looking forward to this movie. I love Jackman and am fond of Hathaway. I suspected that Crowe was not much of a singer, but it wouldn't be the first time that's happened in a movie musical. Although after seeing anniversary concert at The O2, he might suffer too much in comparison to the wonderful Norm Lewis.

I was happy to hear before that the singing was live and not dubbed. I much prefer the authenticity to the slick, over-processed stuff. Thanks for the warning about its length--I shall gird my loins (and pack plenty of tissues).

[merylmarie]

Do make the proper preparations, and avoid consuming undue amounts of liquid beforehand. Otherwise you might have to dash out to the ladies' and risk missing two or three tragic demises. ;)