Chris Baker

I never thought I’d see Olivia Coleman over acting so I have to conclude that this ultimately disappointing version of Les Miserables is down to the direction as she is normally such a wonderfully sensitive and truthful actor. Of course condensing a massive novel into 6 episodes is no easy task and it’s a while since I read the book but it feels like it’s been made on the run, unlike War and Peace which seemed more considered. Some performances stand out for me, mostly the girls; Cosette, Fantine and Eponine particularly. Derek Jacobi completely steals episode one and Marius and Enjolras keep up the standard amongst the men. Dominic West is professional but if I recall the novel correctly, ValJean is some sort of giant with superhuman powers of strength! Although characters such as Gavroche are poor caricature performances ( again, down to the director ) the most disappointing performance is that of Valjean from an actor who seems more surprised to be wearing an 18th Century Police Inspectors hat than I was! Snarling doesn’t really get across the inner turmoil of a complex character like Valjean! It’ll now be sometime before anyone remakes this wonderful story but when they do I hope it will be someone with the resources of Netflix or HBO to do Victor Hugo justice - he deserves better.