tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795601141833900338.post8307204685364606211..comments2023-04-03T05:11:10.672-07:00Comments on THE MOVIE PROJECTOR: Richard Boleslawski's Les Misérables: An Exemplary Hollywood Literary AdaptationR. D. Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045080274131718843noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795601141833900338.post-23244117041812306222009-09-18T20:10:19.076-07:002009-09-18T20:10:19.076-07:00Kim and R.D.:
As I stated in my original comment,...Kim and R.D.:<br /><br />As I stated in my original comment, I still LOVE this version very much. You penned a terrific review, and brought into focus the full scope of artistry.<br /><br />At the end of the day, that's really all that counts here.Sam Julianonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795601141833900338.post-26766203900171294592009-09-18T15:32:27.671-07:002009-09-18T15:32:27.671-07:00Sam, thanks for your comments. Not having seen the...Sam, thanks for your comments. Not having seen the previous French version, I could only judge this one on its own merits and in comparison to similar Hollywood adaptations I have seen. In fact, aside from a handful of well-known French films from the 30s, this is one area of my film viewing which is lacking. Someday I'll have to take steps to remedy that gap, and I'll be sure to keep in mind the version of "Les Miserables" you prefer.R. D. Finchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05045080274131718843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795601141833900338.post-68660442472928897062009-09-18T11:23:02.529-07:002009-09-18T11:23:02.529-07:00@ Sam Juliano
I have not seen the Bernard Version...@ Sam Juliano<br /><br />I have not seen the Bernard Version yet (although it actually is at the top of my Netflix Queue) but I have heard it is the definitive version if the story. Of course it has the advantage of being about 5 hours long. <br /><br />This version is less than 2 hours. And while partially I think it is ridiculous to turn such a long novel (and it is one of my favorite novels) into such a short length. I feel the director did an admirable job with the time he did have. So despite many changes and cuts I do still think it is an excellent adaption of the novel. Even if it is more of a cliff notes version, I still feel it keeps many of the themes of the novel in tact.Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01798552679871435314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795601141833900338.post-37452444186164228682009-09-17T13:49:59.822-07:002009-09-17T13:49:59.822-07:00Did I say that this was a tremendous essay? Well ...Did I say that this was a tremendous essay? Well it is!Sam Julianonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795601141833900338.post-74028322704615926082009-09-17T13:47:44.696-07:002009-09-17T13:47:44.696-07:00I have the greatest admiration and respect for Dav...I have the greatest admiration and respect for David Thomson, and moreson for our wonderful friend Dave Hicks, and I am surely to be counted as a longtime deciple of this exceedingly entertaining and deeply-moving film, but it is NOT the best film adaptation of a novel that I consider the greatest in all of world literature (one I was inspired to read cover to cover twice in my life.) Of course I am a LES MISERABLES junkie, and have seen the marvelous Broadway musical five times.<br /> The definitive version of the great novel is Raymond Bernard's French epic (1933/34) with Harry Bauer as Valjean, which is now a Criterion?Eclipse release. This version is far more comprehensive than the lamentably truncated version you feature here, and includes deeper characterizations (instead of the "hints" of this version) and a general understanding of the sprawling narrative that is vital to understanding this most emotionally overwhelming of all stories. In every department--acting, screenplay, psychology, philosophy, music, cinematography and set design, the French version is far superior. It's in fact one of the 3 or 4 greatest films of the 1930's and a glory of the French cinema.<br /><br />Now, does that mean that I am trying to play the snoot with my dear friend R.D. Finch? Or that I might be trying to show him and the wonderful readers of The Movie Projector up? Ha! of course not! Heck I LOVE the version R.D. gives such exquisite treatment to here, and in fact as I've stated I love everything Les Miz. I love March, Laughton and Hardwicke, and always have found myself mesmerized by the film's abundant and engrossing individual scenes. One can only imagine with a broader canvas where this would have gone. As it is it's a superlative film. But I do not agree that this is an "excellent" adaptation of the book. It is anything but. But with time constrictions, it's almost miraculous that it succeeds as well as it does.<br /> As fine as March is, Bauer makes for the derfinitive Valjean, though Laughton may still win in the Javert sweepstakes. I agree with everything you say there about Toland of course.Sam Julianonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795601141833900338.post-71437434824274861652009-09-14T11:53:31.608-07:002009-09-14T11:53:31.608-07:00I've been meaning to see this film since readi...I've been meaning to see this film since reading Dave's review, and after reading yours it is now even more of a must. I think it sometimes comes on one of the satellite TV stations in the UK but so far I've managed to miss it - something I must remedy. Must agree that Fredric March is a wonderful actor who seems to be too often overlooked compared to other 1930s and 40s stars. JudyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795601141833900338.post-35339353771996877802009-09-14T04:55:46.340-07:002009-09-14T04:55:46.340-07:00I agree this was an excellent adaption of the book...I agree this was an excellent adaption of the book. At less than 2 hours you know they were going to have to cut and change things since the original novel is massive but I think they kept the themes and thus spirit of the novel intact. My only real disappointment were the changes on what the students were protesting about & Jean Valjean's ending (it actually made his decision at the end not as strong). March & Laughton's portrayals of Valjean & Javert were also excellent.<br /><br /><br />I am also really glad to see you highlight Fredric March. He is one of my favorite classic actors but for an actor who had a lot of critical success (winning both Oscars & Tony Awards) he doesn't seem to get much attention & love today as other stars from the period.Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01798552679871435314noreply@blogger.com