DJANGO UNCHAINED ~ Tarantino cannot help but be awesome. I mean, even if you don't like his style, or his story choices, you cannot help but appreciate his unique artistic vision. He is one of few directors where you can spot his work a mile away. Immediately recognizable, and this film is no different.
As good as Jaime Foxx and Leonardo DiCaprio were, for me it was relative newcomer to the Hollywood scene, Christoph Waltz, that stole the show. Tarantino brought him to the American spotlight in Inglourious Basterds, and for that we are forever thankful.
There were some unexpected directorial-editorial points in this film, some seemingly random choices such as the moment at the end when Foxx's horse pulls some dressage moves. Huh?
Overall quite graphic, yet badass, and doesn't at all feel like its long runtime (close to three hours). Oh Tarantino, what will you give us next?!?
LES MISERABLES ~ Before I say anything, let me make clear that I have never seen the Broadway play of the same name. My only experience with this show is that I have seen the 1998 non-musical movie version (which I should point out is one of my favorite films). Ok, now that we have that out of the way I feel that I can comfortably say that I really didn't like this movie, and am in no way making any plans to rush out and see the live musical.
Talking purely about this film, I have to say that I really didn't like the directing. For the vast majority of songs the director chose to shoot close-ups of his actor's faces, in super shallow focus, often in just one take (no cuts). It got to the point where I was like why am I watching this? I mind as well just listen to the music (rather than stare at a large singing head). It also seemed like most of the celebrity actors couldn't handle a lot of the songs they were given.
If you choose to see one Les Miserables, my vote is to stick with the 1998 version. Better actors. Better execution of the story. Better movie by far. If you want to hear the songs, buy a CD.
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