As if the first trailer released in May showcasing sweeping images set to Anne Hathaway’s moving rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream” wasn’t enough, now Universal Studios is teasing audiences with an incredible in-depth look at Les Misérables, firmly cementing the ambitious movie musical as a top Oscar® contender.
Scheduled to hit theaters Christmas Day, the movie from Oscar®-winning director Tom Hooper is an adaptation of the stage musical, based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel. Set during 19th century France, the story primarly focuses on ex-convict Jean Valjean – played by Hugh Jackman – and his attempt at redemption, all the while weaving a tale of law, justice, politics, religion, broken dream and love.
Joining Jackman and Hathaway are Oscar® winner Russell Crowe, nominee Helena Bonham Carter, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne and Sacha Baron Cohen.
One of the great achievments of this movie is that the cast sings all of the songs live – no pre-recorded tracks, no lip syncing. Of course that all hinges on assembling a cast that can not only act with spontaneity and conviction and can also sing their hearts out. From the looks of this new feature, Hooper has achieved exactly that. The cast and filmmakers explain the process and how it completely altered the process of making a movie and how it affected their performances.
