I've seen the stage show many times and the film is nowhere near as good, in my opinion. Most of the singing is awful, especially by Russell Crowe. I can only imagine people who've not had the theatre experience liking this. What do you think?
I've seen the stage show more times than I can remember. I thought SOME of the singing was good, although agree that RC was terrible. I thought it was a nice touch having Frances Ruffelle as one of the prostitutes and very touching to give Colm Wilkinson the last word.
I liked the film. A lot. I thought it was well done. But I will never love it as much as the stage version.
I like film musicals but this was a grey sludge of mostly tuneless warbling. However I preferred how Crowe sang to the others because they couldn't hold a note without sinking into tremolo.
Well I never seen/saw it all - just through the years bits here and there - trailers here and there but it never urged me to want to see it - thought to myself - maybe it lives up to its name Les Miserables - the miserable - I don't even know what it is about in case one of you jump on me.
Anyway want to say I thought both the stage version and the film of Mama Mia were absolutely terrible. Hated both of them. Different strokes for different folks.
Even Hugh Jackman, who sung beautifully in Oklahoma!, is hard to listen to in the Les Mis movie. It's filmed like a pop video and the camera movements almost make me feel sick.
Absolutely loved the stage production of Les Mis. Cannot afford to travel to London, buy a ticket and stay overnight. Film version not perfect but better than nothing and I can afford the DVD.
I think the role of JVJ is quite a difficult one - requiring a big vocal range. I thought Hugh Jackman almost pulled it off. All in all I thought it was well done. However, if you CAN afford to see it on the stage, do. I was bought tickets well over 20 years ago and thought it sounded "miserable". Within 10 minutes I was hooked and I have loved it ever since.
FGT if you re-read my post I did put my hands up as to not seeing it - I was only giving an opinion on what I did see bits and bobs over the years. You are accusing me of giving a review based on what you have read - I too, giveup!!!!
It was nominated for Academy Awards, including Best Film, in the US and UK. I don't like any of the singing in it. Makes Pierce Brosnan in Mamma Mia sound like a dream.