Comments on Les Miserables movie

[Kad]

His word of mouth was decent, but the film has been seen as boring and formulaic. And there's a scene in which FDR gets a handjob, which rubbed a lot of people the wrong way. Pun unintended.

Right now, I think the roster will be Day-Lewis, Phoenix, Washington, Jackman, and John Hawkes (of The Sessions).

Cooper may sneak in over Hawkes. Hopkins may, if the Academy is feeling nostalgic for the real Hitchcock and wants to honor a workhorse actor (even if his prime is behind him).

[Plum]

Best Actor is so crowded with perennial favorites this year, plus Cooper and Hawkes...I'm as big a Jackman fangirl as anyone, but I don't rate his chances at a nomination that highly. That said, yeah, he'd probably be a great campaigner. Does anyone not like him?

All that said, overall I believe the "buzz" at these early screenings about as much as I believe political talking heads, and this is a field that's way more subjective than election coverage - we don't even have poll numbers to look at. It's all pretty much BS and the BS that passes for intuition at this point, isn't it?

[Auggie27]

Field's role is on its own terms substantial, with varying scenes of power, humor, emotional depth. To measure it quantitatively, solely in terms of screen time is a mistake. It isn't comparable to the Dench part in Shakespeare in Love, which is more of a rarefied cameo. Mary is her husband's intellectual and emotional partner, her grief informs his, her ideas contribute mightily to his positions and indirectly his strategy. Her role's economy is due in part to the narrow focus of the film's screenplay. Parsing the performance's reception and award potential based on its size seems off point. And as recently as last summer Field was discussed in the industry as a Best Actress possibility.

[dreaming]

John Hawkes will nail the nomination, I think. Too bad "The Sessions" isn't a better known film-he'd have a shot at winning. He's marvelous in the film and is a highly respected veteran.

I do think Jackman may get a nod but I'm not convinced he'll win. When was the last time a musical won leading actor or actress? (Zeta-Jones was supporting). Day-Lewis has some momentum.

I will grant that Washington is a safe bet for a nod. Phoenix ruined his chances.

I don't recall if it's 4 or 5 nominees. If it's 4: Jackman, Hawkes, Washington, Day-Lewis. Add Murray if it's 5.

[best12bars]

Her role's economy is in due in part to the narrow focus of the film's screenplay.

I absolutely agree with that. I'm not faulting Field's work at all.

I maintain the part isn't "big" enough. You can define "big" however you want to with either screen time or impact.

[Kad]

I think you're in the miniority on that one, Besty. Field makes up for the part's small size with the impact she has created in audience and critic alike.

That being said, I do feel, while her nomination is assured, she will lose to Anne Hathaway- who may be Les Miz's surest bet at an acting award.

[best12bars]

I may be in the minority or I may not, but it's still my opinion, and I don't need "the masses" to tell me otherwise. Nor does a tally sheet total negate my opinion.

I haven't seen Hathaway's work, Kad, but it would be great if she's that good.

[dreaming]

Kad-That's what I think. They'll want to reward Les Mis in an acting category.

I think Day-Lewis may win actor and...Lincoln best picture.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Yeah, Hathaway will absolutely win, based on her situation alone. She's very well- liked in the film world, she's a previous nominee, she underwent a "body transformation" for the part (which the Oscar voters LOVE), and she's the perfect combination of indie and mainstream (RACHEL GETTING MARRIED/THE DARK KNIGHT RISES). Plus her performance is apparently the acting highlight of the film, which doesn't hurt.

The only thing that may be held against her is lack of screen time. But I think she's a pretty sure bet to win the award this year, just based on buzz and pedigree alone.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

I don't think lack of screen time is that detrimental to winning an Oscar, though I think you guys are coming from the point of view that so many people have won "supporting' Oscars for leading roles and vice-versa.
Besty, I get what you are saying about Field. I actually think she gives a winning performance (the scene with Tommy Lee Jones is so good and her big dramatic scene with Daniel Day-Lewis is one of my favorite moments in the entire movie), but I also agree that she'll easily get overlooked for other actresses whose roles are much meatier. Anne Hathaway apparently takes over her film when she's in it and it seems like "I Dreamed a Dream" is a highlight of the movie (or for some critics it's *the* highlight of the movie). Helen Hunt is arguably the lead of THE SESSIONS, which gives her an edge over Field. I think Amy Adams is in a similar situation as Field, though Field is given more to play with.
Tommy Lee Jones has to be one of the best performances of the year, but I'd say Philip Seymour Hoffman was equally brilliant in THE MASTER, though again, he has a lead role and not a supporting one, but he's being campaigned for supporting.
Regarding the LES MIZ screening, I contend that there's something about the buzz that feels much bigger than fans screaming and clapping for their favorite movie. I trust Dave Karger, he called THE KING'S SPEECH as the Best Picture winner as soon as he saw it and never changed his prediction, all the pundits had their baskets on THE SOCIAL NETWORK throughout December as the film kept winning the critics' prizes. We know how that went. That's just one example of Karger's predictions working out really well; I'm not saying the movie's gonna win picture but I do think the buzz is legitimate.

[little_sally]

I'm hoping for a lot of award success for Les Mis but I am really, really pulling for John Hawkes for Best Actor. Such an underrated actor whose done great work for years.

[dreaming]

ray-I think the buzz is legitimate. However, I think Lincoln did really well critically, and musicals are tougher sells. I also think films are a reflection of the times and Lincoln coming when it is...isn't an accident...and it's poised to win. (I say actor, supporting actor and screenplay along with picture.)

[tazber]

Here's an early roundup of what some of the trades and "experts" are saying about Les Miz regarding it's Oscar chances:

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Reactions to the first screenings of "Les Miserables" are rapturous, all of them confirming that it's a strong Best Picture contender. Many sources seem to suggest that it's now clearly the frontrunner. "Les Miz" was seen by a large audience Saturday at Lincoln Center in New York and it unspooled to a small, select group at the academy's theater in Beverly Hills.
Latest Oscar predix from top experts


"Truly, the crowd was over the moon for the film," wrote Kris Tapley (HitFix) about the Manhattan event. Separately, he Tweeted, "Hathaway wins. GOD. I wept. Film’s a triumph. They’re on their feet here. NYC crowd ate…it…up."

Dave Karger (Fandango) Tweeted, "First #LesMiserables screening went over extremely well. I'd call it a sure thing Picture nominee for Oscar and the probable Globe winner."

HUFFINGTON POST: "The first-ever screening of Tom Hooper's 'Les Misérables' received a rapturous standing ovation …. If other audiences prove half as enthusiastic, Universal Studios could have its first Oscar winner for Best Picture since 2001's 'A Beautiful Mind.'"

DEADLINE HOLLYWOOD, Pete Hammond: "'Les Mis,' one of the few remaining unseen contenders, is now fully in the conversation for real, if not quickly vaunting near or to the top of Best Picture favorites (along with 'Argo,' 'Lincoln,' 'Silver Linings Playbook' and 'Life of Pi') …. I would venture those could include Picture, Actor (Jackman), Supporting Actor (Russell Crowe and/or Eddie Redmayne), Supporting Actress (Anne Hathaway and maybe one of the other women), Director, Screenplay Adaptation, Cinematography, Art Direction, Costume Design, Film Editing, Sound Mixing and Editing, Song (for Suddenly, the one new tune written for the film) and Makeup. It could rack up quite a total if everything falls into place."

MOVIELINE, Frank DiGiacomo: "'Oliver!' was nominated for 11 Oscars in 1969 and won six, including Best Picture and Best Director. 'Les Misérables' is poised to do the same."

HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, Scott Feinberg: "At the very least, 'Les Mis' joins 'Argo,' 'Lincoln' and 'Silver Linings Playbook' in the top echelon of this year's contenders, and puts Universal back in the thick of the race for the first time since 'Frost/Nixon' (200 was in contention five seasons ago. If it wins, it would be the studio's first best picture winner since 'A Beautiful Mind' (2001) …. Hathaway, a Hollywood darling since she blossomed from an ugly duckling into a princess in her breakthrough role, is probably now the frontrunner in the best supporting actress category."

FILM EXPERIENCE, Nathaniel Rogers: "I Dreamed a Dream That The Film Version of Les Miz Would Be Awesome. It came true."

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I'm with Besty though. I'm not making any predictions until I see it myself. Maintaining my expectations.


Link

[dreaming]

sally-I'd love to see Hawkes take it. He is a well established, highly talented actor and nails a tough role.

[little_sally]

dreaming, it'll be tough for a relatively unknown actor in a smaller film to beat such big names in such huge movies but a girl can hope.

[tazber]

My opinion (which counts for nothing because I usually guess wrong!) is that it's between Day Lewis and Hawkes.

It's an interesting year as there is no clear front runner in any category. Once the critics awards start flooding in come December things will clarify a bit, but I think they're gonna be all over the place too.



Also, both actors in Amour have gotten early buzz and I expect them to gain traction as the film screens more.

And never count out Tarantino. Jamie Foxx, Cristolph Waltz, and Leonardo DiCaprio could all very squeeze in if Django Unchained is a hit.

[everythingtaboo]

The US promos for Les Mis are driving me nuts. It makes it look like it'll be a great Anne Hathaway movie - until she dies twenty minutes into it.

[little_sally]

I told my brother she probably dies about 20 minutes in and he's like, "That's it!? They're showing her like she's the star."

[Someone in a Tree2]

Belated replies--
DAME: There was only one line at the Academy Screening in North Hollywood, no separation by guilds. We were there an hour early but a number of empty seats suggests everyone in line got in.

TAZBER: Samantha Barks was a competent Eponine, with almost no surprises, grit or uniqueness in her portrayal. She spoke at our screening's Q&A, lovely girl in person, but I think a year playing the part in the West End hurt her chances of finding new insights for the big screen. Also, it's REALLY a thankless part, no?

As for handicapping the cast's chances at the Oscars, Anne Hathaway is a shoo-in for the win for Supporting Actress, besting Sally Fields' formidable job in Lincoln. Eddie Redmayne has my vote for a Supporting Actor nom, but I think both he and Tommy Lee Jones will get whopped by Philip Seymour Hoffman for the win. Poor Hugh Jackman might manage a nomination for Best Actor, but he practically disappears from the second half of the movie, except for that brief episode rescuing Marius. My humble take is he falls short of making the lasting impression that would insure a win. No-one else onscreen will get a mention.

I'm certain Les Miz will get noms for nearly every technical category, with every chance of winning Production and Costume design. I think Tom Hooper will fail to get a director's nom, but a Best Picture nom is certain. (I will be surprised if it wins, however.)

[Someone in a Tree2]

Since everyone seems to be threadjacking the conversation with Oscar chat outside of Les Miz, here's my guess for Oscar noms:

PICTURE: Argo, Lincoln, Les Miserables, Zero Dark Thirty, Life of Pi, The Master, Beast of the Southern Wild, and (wishful thinking) Moonrise Kingdom. Suspect either Lincoln or Argo will win.

DIRECTOR: Ben Affleck, Steven Spielberg, Ang Lee, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Kathryn Bigelow. Guessing Spielberg to win, though I'd prefer Ang Lee.

ACTOR: Daniel Day Lewis (to win), John Hawkes (brilliant), Hugh Jackman, Joaquin Phoenix, Denzel Washington. (Hopkins was embarrassing in Hitchcock. Sorry, Tony.)

ACTRESS: Jennifer Lawrence (to win, and the life force behind Silver linings Playbook), Emmanuelle Riva, Jessica Chastain, Quvenzhane Wallis, and ... God knows, maybe Naomi Watts. Helen Mirren was adequate in Hitchcock but really deserves Supporting if anything.

SUP ACTOR: Philip Seymour Hoffman (to win), Tommy Lee Jones, John Goodman (for Argo), Eddie Redmayne, and Robert De Niro.

SUP ACTRESS: Anne Hathaway (to win), Sally Field, Helen Mirren, Helen Hunt (who should really be in the starring category for The Sessions), and ... Scarlett Johansson who was the best thing in Hitchcock.

[TBFL]

Best - Judi Dench WAS and still IS a living legend. maybe not in the film world, but her theatre work IS the stuff of legend!

But i agree that she won the academy award because she was just spellbinding, which happened because she is a theatre legend :)

[Movidude742]

Just remember that when it comes to Sally Fields and the Academy . . . They like her . . . they really really like her

[Brave Sir Robin2]

I still cannot wait for this movie. Having seen LINCOLN, I think Fantine is a more substantial role than Mary Todd Lincoln, but I think that Sally Field did such an incredible job (especially the "People love my husband" scene!) that she could get an edge. I feel like they will both walk awa with a major award (SAG or GG) then the Oscar will be a toss-up.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Sidenote: I would imagine there is virtually no way LES MIZ won't win the Golden Globe for Best Picture (Musical or Comedy). The Golden Globes love awarding musicals.

[Auggie27]

I've enjoyed the serious debate among all posters, and have to agree with Brave SR, that the Fields-Hathaway contest may be down to the wire. Let's see how Hathaway's reviews land. Sally Fields isn't making a comeback in this film, but she's been on TV in recent years. She could still end up the sentimental favorite, even if Hathaway pulls focus during early awards (Globes, SAG). For a deadly dull year at the movies, the year's end is compelling.

[Fan2]

Everything I've read, especially since the LM screenings, says Hathaway should just prepare her acceptance speech. There's not even a mention of Field.