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The Florida Project (2017)
Well shot portrait of a lesser known part of America
I quite enjoyed this film. As others have said more eloquently than me, it has heart, it looks good, and most importantly it captures a mood, a feeling, a summer brilliantly.
However, I have to comment after all the talk of 'mischievous' and 'boisterous' children. No, for most of the film they are brats - rude, antisocial, undisciplined, mostly bothering tourists, residents, and other children. Halley certainly makes sacrifices for her child, but she is clearly far along the road to unfit mother, if not already at her destination. No wonder the kids are as awful as they are with her example. Just genuinely shocking.
This brings me onto my final compliment to the film, the actors (adult and child) are excellent, to make characters believable that are so unpleasant. The obvious exception is Willem Dafoe's character, that is portrayed as well if not better than the other, but is also likeable and relateable, a truly good guy in a broken setting.
Les Misérables (2012)
Excellent imagining of the world of Victor Hugo.
I feel I should start by saying that this was never going to please everyone, there is too much detail in Hugo's text for a start. Also, a large number of viewers will, like me, have a well formed idea of the sets and visuals in their imagination.
Does this film match my imagination? No. Did I enjoy it? Yes, thoroughly.
The whole look of the film is perfect, with sets and locations setting a striking atmosphere. There plot moves fast, particularly in the first half hour, with much detail omitted (but a lot more than viewers of the stage show get). It is when we get to Paris that the film really takes to its stride.
The cast is well chosen. I agree that Jackman 'ageing' his voice is a particularly fine touch. Crowe (apparently controversial) is an excellent choice for Javert IMO. His style suits the duty-bound inspector, making the transformation in his guiding principles even more marked and emotional. Indeed, some of the most emotional moments were added for him (particularly the giving of the medal). To avoid a simple list of all the principals, I will say that the rest were excellent, with a special mention for Eddie Redmayne and Samantha Barks. The Thenardiers provided a fresh take that was thoroughly enjoyable whilst staying true to the story.
This of course brings me on to Hathaway as Fantine... Popular opinion seems to be a love/hate thing, so maybe it is unusual that I am in the middle. She was indeed moving but I do feel that the part was overacted. Before I am berated for forgetting how hard-done-by she is, I say this: in real life she wouldn't be singing. There's a balance between realism and honouring the flow and musical intention of the composers. Personally I think it erred slightly too far towards the former. Having said this, it is by no means a bad portrayal and it seems certain that she will bag an Oscar.
The director has a fascination with close in shots of faces, which is overused throughout the film, becoming frustrating. In particular, this came to a head during 'Empty Chairs at Empty Tables' when I had had enough and found myself thinking "You have a beautiful set full of empty chairs and empty tables - the visual imagery is too good to miss!"
In summary the film starts strongly and when we arrive in Paris, becomes a game changer. Problems are merely small distractions and often a matter of personal taste. With this source material, this lavish treatment is well deserved!