New Les Misérables film draws attention
A new adaptation of Les Misérables, directed by Fred Cavayé, has drawn attention for its portrayal of Jean Valjean, played by Vincent Lindon, and its approach to the historical and social context of Victor Hugo's novel.Departure from social realism
The film has been noted for its departure from the social realism that has historically characterized previous adaptations of the work, which have featured actors such as Jean Gabin, Lino Ventura, Jean-Paul Belmondo, and even Gérard Depardieu in a television version.Lindon's antitheatrical portrayal
Lindon's portrayal of Valjean, a character who navigates various political regimes in 19th-century France, has been described as antitheatrical, bringing an anachronistic perspective to the character's interactions, particularly in a scene where he challenges the punitive justice system with a speech on equity.Trend in contemporary cinema
The film has been compared to a trend in contemporary cinema often referred to as the "blockbuster of heritage," a production style that blends the aesthetics of television series with grand historical costumes.Criticism of character construction
This approach has been criticized for constructing characters as repositories of backstories, with historical details often omitted or simplified. The film's narrative timeline is described as vague, making it difficult to understand how Valjean's experiences are shaped by the political regimes he encounters.Lack of historical context
The portrayal of the Thénardiers, played by Camille Cottin and Benjamin Lavernhe, has also been noted for its lack of historical context, with their rise to the petite bourgeoisie depicted without explanation of the social changes in early 19th-century France.Abstract dichotomies in the film
The film's handling of historical events has been criticized for relying on abstract dichotomies such as good and evil, the rich and the poor, and darkness and light, leading to what some describe as one of the film's most ridiculous scenes.Depoliticizing Les Misérables
While the film has been accused of depoliticizing Les Misérables, it has also been noted for its narrative approach that places structural issues on individual responsibility.Simplified character development
This is exemplified in the portrayal of Javert, the inspector played by Tahar Rahim, who is depicted as the son of a gypsy woman who forced him to steal as a child. Despite this complex background, the character's psychological development is simplified, reducing his actions during the 1832 insurrections to a personal trauma rather than a systemic issue.Criticism of social portrayal
The film has also been criticized for representing the poor as brutish and incapable of articulating their own demands, with the only character expressing revolutionary ideas being Marius, a bourgeois character. This has led to calls for a more radical adaptation of Les Misérables that would address these issues more directly.
