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Tuesday, February 24, 2015

L2 Thème : suggested translation for a passage we worked on a few weeks back.

Les Misérables: in English and in song


Welcome to the world of Victor Hugo, or at least the world of Victor Hugo as reimagined by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel’s Schonberg in their 1980 musical Les Misérables. This musical has been a huge hit throughout the world for the last 33 years: everywhere, that is, except in France.

Even if he admits to having re-read Victor Hugo, it is most definitely the Broadway success that Tom Hooper has adapted to the cinema in his new release. Feeling confident, after the well-deserved success of The King’s Speech, the British director decided to take up a challenge which was reminiscent of one of the twelve labours of Hercules. As a result of his determination and his courageous angles of attack, the film-maker has won his prize with full honours.

From the outset, everything is larger than life, more realistic and at the same time completely theatrical. The director films the quays of Toulon in an over-the-top fashion, rather like an antique arena straight from an epic like Ben Hur.

No surprises in the scenario then. Jean Valjean serves his 19 years in prison. He is endowed with Herculean strength. The incorruptible Inspector Javel (Russell Crowe is excellent in his terrifying obsession) presents him with a parole document. The stage is set for an epic confrontation between the two.



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