The first cut of Les Misérables, a new screen adaptation of the stage musical from The King's Speech director Tom Hooper, debuted over the weekend at a variety of US venues in special screenings for critics, punters and – most crucially perhaps – awards voters.
The Daily Beast was quick to label it the new front-runner for the best picture Oscar, with critic Marlow Stern saying:
Hooper's film is one of the most joyous, epic experiences you'll have in a cinema this year. It's vaulted past other contenders like Lincoln, Argo, and Silver Linings Playbook in the Best Picture race, and proves that the director's Oscar-winning previous effort, The King's Speech, was no fluke.
The editor of awards site In Contention was similarly effusive.
Hathaway wins. GOD. I wept. Film's a triumph. They're on their feet here. NYC crowd ate...it...up. #lesmiserables
— Kristopher Tapley (@kristapley) November 23, 2012
EW.com's pundit Anthony Breznican sang from the same hymn sheet.
Russell Crowe in #LesMiserables has a Jesus Christ Superstar rock-opera thing going on. Others talk-sing through movie, but he sing-sings.
— Anthony Breznican (@Breznican) November 24, 2012
And a chorus of agreement could be heard right across the pond.
First #LesMiserables screening went over extremely well. I'd call it a sure thing Picture nominee for Oscar and the probable Globe winner.
— Dave Karger (@davekarger) November 23, 2012
Anne Hathaway could easily win supporting actress. Her "I Dreamed a Dream" is the showstopper. #LesMiserables
— Dave Karger (@davekarger) November 23, 2012
For those who are theater purists, you will LOVE #LesMiserables! Hooper did it right. Having Barks play role again but on film was great!
— Wilson Morales (@blackfilm) November 23, 2012
Hugh Jackman delivers his career best work. Samantha Barks is the breakout star and Eddie "sings like an angel" Redmayne OMG!!! #LesMiz
— Clayton Davis (@AwardsCircuit) November 23, 2012
In case I wasn't clear, the #lesmiserables movie is absolutely UNREAL. Ten million points to #TomHooper for doing this musical movie RIGHT.
— Samantha Massell (@smassellsings) November 24, 2012
Sobbed my eyes out. Les Miserables. WHAT AN EPIC MOVIE. #lesmiserables
— Jo Foster (@jo1foster) November 24, 2012
Can't say too much about #lesmiserables until its release but I will say this: it grabs your heart and squeezes it till you cry like a baby
— Lucy Gibson (@LucyRGibson) November 24, 2012
One LES MIZ caveat: went to early screening of THE PRODUCERS in '05 filled with fans of the musical. Walked out convinced it would be a hit.
— Jeremy Smith (@mrbeaks) November 23, 2012
• Will you be going to see the Les Miserables film? Or should stage musicals stay on the stage and out of cinemas? What stage musicals have made a successful transition screen? Tell us your thoughts in the comment thread below.
