Watching Les Misérables on stage back in the late ’80s (was it that long ago?) was one of the most soul-stirring experiences I’ve ever had in the theatre.
I’d already heard the soundtrack but it was especially poignant and visceral witnessing those songs and the incredible story, set during the French Revolution, brought to life by the award-winning cast.
So I was beyond excited when I heard about the film musical version of Les Misérables, 30 years in the making and already generating serious Oscar buzz after wowing audiences from Cannes to New York.
Directed by Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech), it stars Anne Hathaway (Devil Loves Prada) whose performance in indie flick Rachel Got Married blew me away and who already has critics raving about her performance as Fantine. Amazingly, Anne Hathaway’s mum understudied Fantine in the original US tour of Les Mis. On the first day of filming, Rachel wore her mum’s Les Mis cast jacket from years back!
The film also stars Hollywood heavyweights Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean, Russell Crowe as Inspector Javert and Amanda Seyfried, Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter among others.
I’ve used a lot of superlatives in this post, so you can tell I’m a bit keen and I’m especially delighted to announce our competition — details below!
Win £25 Odeon Cinema Voucher to watch Les Misérables (or any film of your choice)!
The lovely folk promoting the movie Les Misérables have offered Babes about Town readers £25 to spend on a night at any Odeon Cinema across the country. Take the kids or your partner on a date night to catch Les Mis when it opens, or if you fancy seeing another flick, that’s ok too!
Simply answer the following question: What word does director Tom Hooper use to describe Anne Hathaway’s performance of ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ in Les Misérables ?
a) Breathtaking
b) Breathless
c) Breathalysing
Visit this MTV preview story for a very big clue!
Please send your answer along with your name and address to editor@babesabouttown.com by Jan 11. Winner will be picked at random and notified via email.
Watch a clip!
Les Misérables opens in UK cinemas on January 11, 2013
Breathtaking and I can believe it-love Hathaway and Hooper’s work on the King’s Speech-he started directing on Eastenders and ended up winning an Oscar: what an inspiration! x