I am reading mixed reviews on les Miz. It seems that the only one who can really sing is Eponine.
Since I am a VOICE TEACHER, I might find myself being EXTREMELY critical, knowing that any one of my teenage students could do a better job! LOLOLOL
I doubt that any of your students are more talented than Hugh Jackman.
People are more drawn to the big name stars than the singing.
Let’s be realistic, out of millions of movie viewers, only a handful are technically inclined when it comes to vocals (How many really listen to the fine art of vocal pedagogy?). As long as you can sing in tune and not crack and be believable when you act, THAT’s what people want.
I’ve not seen the film yet ( but have seen the Broadway show more than once in NY, London and Australia ), however my friends and family who went to see it yesterday told me there was not a dry eye in the theater after the movie was done.
BTW, for those who don’t know, the vocals in the film were performed LIVE ( not the usual way where they record the vocals first and then lip sync it ).
The Director Tom Hooper’s approach with Les Misérables may prove somewhat divisive for musical theater lovers. On the one hand, singing live does allow for more spontaneity in terms of performance; thus, the characters can behave in a more instinctive manner than they would striving to match pre-recorded vocals.
On the other hand, some hardcore Broadway fans prefer stage musicals that feature the talents of dedicated singers, rather than performers who are actors first and singers second. It’s for that reason that some music specialists take issue with films like Sweeney Todd and Mamma Mia!, where celebrities and acclaimed stars were cast over people with proven professional musician chops.
My my, aren’t you full of yourself...
There are others that can sing. The ones that are broadway actors are all very good! I really liked Aaron Tivet as Enjolras. I also liked the song Empty Chairs, but I liked that more for the acting.
I did not like Russell Crowe at all. My son was in his high school’s Les Mis, and I thought the kid who portrayed Javert in the high school show was better than Crowe.
Hugh Jackman was very good. Anne Hathaway sang her song very differently. Not sure what I think about her.
I enjoyed the film, but I prefer the stage version. It’s worth seeing.