Russell Crowe's Official 'Les Miserables' Interview - Celebs.com
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- Опубликовано: 3 дек 2012
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Les Miserables is fast forming as a frontrunner in the race for year-end accolades. Check out these official studio interviews with Hugh Jackman, Eddie Redmayne, Amanda Seyfried, Anne Hathaway, British singer/movie newcomer Samantha Barks and now Oscar-winner Russell Crowe. 
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Crowe completely understood the character, the one whom Victor Hugo wanted to be portrayed. Even if some people don't like his musical performance -which I think was amazing-, the depth and power he put into the character certainly turns him into one of cinema's best Javerts.
Literally dont understand all the hate on Crowe's singing. No, he isnt like the professionals who sing it on broadway. His character is a gruff, stony inspector...you wouldnt expect a gruff and stony inspector in real life to have some perfectly trained voice, no? He did well. "Javert's Suicide" was so good!! The way Crowe sings /Is he from Heaven or from Hell?/and does he know?/ makes me feel so many things. He portrayed Javert for what he actually is - one of les miserables in the society.
Finally someone who agrees with me!
masey Agreed. I am a classically trained singer, and I had zero issue with Crowe’s take on the role. Sometimes, singing isn’t about technique and ability. In the case of operas and musicals, it is about getting into the head-space of the character you are portraying. Javert comes from the bottom of the rung, born inside a prison, hating his lot in life, he climbs up from the dregs and makes himself into a man of power and position. And in doing so, he leaves his past behind, so much so that he hates himself and his history.
His lack of training and lack of vocal technique lends to his portrayal of the character. And it is all the richer for it.
Absolutely, I agree too. Russell to me didn’t hit any bad notes or have his voice crack, two parts of his singing I loved the most during the movie was at the end of Stars, how the melody was changed to lead into Look Down (The Beggars) and also, when Javert was taken by Valjean to be executed but instead sets him free, how Russell sang it in a deep voice really struck me back and made me think of Russell portraying Javert at that moment with the gravelly deep voice after he has been beaten up by the students.
Like my friend Maddok has said to me as well, make the role your own and don’t try to impersonate previous stars who have done the role.
Thank you!
@@jennawhite5466 Same, I'm a 2nd year opera student and I think he pulled it off brilliantly
Russell was a perfect Javert.
Javert - Definitely one of Crowe's best performances ever, of his whole career. Whoever thought that Russell Crowe could sing??
He's been in a rock band 4 years as a young Aussie 🇦🇨💕🇦🇨
After watching him as Javert I can never watch any other version of Les Miserables
He's the Javier that makes him scary
His interpretation of Javert is awesome. One would have never thought to have seen Javert in that light. His excitement for this movie is infectious and his respect for his fellow castmates is very sweet.
Stage play Javert = really good opera toned singing.
2012 Movie Javert = singing with real emotions of a character with little physical emotions :)
I do agree with him that the Javert character as portrayed in the past is too simplistic. I preferred Crowe's Javert simply cos the character was more complex, he was internally conflicted and the audience can't decide whether they like him, hate him or feel sorry for him, rather than just being an 'angry baddy' that we should all hate
I’ve only just realised I’ve only ever seen Russel Crowe in les mis, and I’ve never actually heard him speak before..
Am I the only one who loves his singing voice? I mean, yes his portrayal of Javert is not that satisfying but his voice is beautiful
Yeah, and he's not a singer or has much experience in muscles, unlike Hugh Jackman, but it worked out, until of course when he died :|
I think they should have added him getting out of the water during the Epilogue of the movie :)
This interview has inspired me a lot. It's just told me that no matter what a first impression is, the more I read into something (And give it a chance) and the more I can make something my own, it can be positive and life changing. You can hear from the way he speaks about Les Miserables that he is passionate about how much he changed Javert from stage to film adaptation (And what a job he done too!) and how proud he was too! What a very committed man!!
That was one of the greatest interviews I've ever seen. I've loved, watched, read, even studied Les Miserables for so long, and he's given me, in one interview, a new way of looking at several different things. I was literally hanging on his every word. So very impressed by him.
I LOVED you in the musical/film! You were amazing
***** :D yes!
Say what you will, but I think Russell Crowe was an absolutely brilliant Javert.
I LOVED Russell Crowe as Javert! I thought his singing was brilliant!!! Especially when he sang "STARS" - Goosebumps all over - Anybody who says Rusell Crowe sang badly is either a real snob or demented. His rough voice gave essence to a rough character
His voice... I could listen to him speak for hours... I like how Russell portrays Javert as a real person, with real ambitions and motivations, rather than just a man with a black and white sense of duty. He is a fantastically subtle actor, and although not the best singer in the cast, he equals Hugh Jackman in acting terms. One of my favourite Javerts.
Possibly the most heartfelt, sincere interview I've ever seen and heard.
All Russell Crowe`s interviews are exceptional ,when the interviewer is seriously interested
in the subject .
There is always a well thought out extensive answer and also a genuine tribute to the people who have worked with him on that particular project.
He was perfect in this role!! Javert is the antagonist, tormented soul, full of hatred so obviously he wasn't supposed to sound like the pretty boy in the story! This guy is a class actor, I felt in love with his acting ever since I saw "The Gladiator"
I loved the way he put complexity in Javert's character.
That's very interesting that Victor Hugo got inspiration for both characters from one man.
I feel that the unpolished voices gave depth to the charactors, they weren't just 'giving a performance', they felt the emotion of their parts and that came through the film.
Russell always researches his characters in depth. I'm SO very glad I saw this interview before I saw the movie. I thought about the fact that the inspiration for Jean & Javert was the same person as I watched. It really made it all the more amazing. I can't get this movie out of my mind. It's simply wonderful!
I've seen the play on Broadway...seen the movie 13 times. I loved Russell Crowe's interpretation of Javert the more I saw the film. When Javert pins the medal on young Gavroche, it tore me up. Apparently, that was Russell's interpretation...not in the script, but it got me every time. I saw the conflict in his soul which came to the conclusion it did when he sang his last song and took his life.
I love him so much! "A part of me will wish I was starting les miserables again" OMG my heart. That was so special and heartfelt
I think Russel Crowe was a brilliant Javert
His voice is AMAZING i love it
He's the best one of the film.
At 2:00 the interviewer says: Tom (the director) was actually mentioning how you (Russell Crowe) helped enrich in the role :)
He isn't the strongest singer but it was a good performance of an interesting character.
valinor100 Agreed :D
Me too :)
I agree
Russel Crowe is excellent his acting is spectacular and this was the first film I watched hearing him sing and I was shocked he did so well I think your fantastic and anyone who can disagree should get a reality check because you got the part for a reason and that’s coz your talented.
Loved his performance of Stars...he was excellent in the whole film....deserves an oscar..
Learning what goes on when Russell plans to take on a role is truly inspiring.his portrayal of Javert is honest and makes Javier real.his voice is truly amazing in this role
I loved him as Javert! Especially his solo, 'The Stars'! It is fantastic in my opinion!
Russell Crowe is one of my favorite actors ! - Acadian from New Brunswick
He played Javert to the dot - because of Russell, Javert's my favourite character!
i really like his character and his singly to me is refreshing and a delight to hear
Wow, his dedication inspires me so much. The very fact that Russell Crowe was willing to invest so much of his time to research the character....it's little wonder I adored Javert. I also have to say that I'm rather pleased that he didn't base his performance off of the various musicals, he stayed true to the original and "correct" Javert, the one Victor Hugo created. I adored his singing, he may not have had the loudest voice, and didn't belt it out, but his performance still gave me goosebumps
All I want is to be at one of those barbeques
I strongly believe that the entire film, as well as his performance will be looked upon differently in the years to come by all the current naysayers out in the world!
I agree. I totally admire his approach... the research that he put in is amazing, and I absolutely love that he needed to really and truly understand his character's motivation before he could play the part. Still, I didn't see a whole lot of that come through in the performance. in the solos, I mean he looked upset... but where was the torment? The conflict? Some argue it was all in his eyes, but I didn't really see it.
just saw the movie yesterday. Russel Crowe was one of my favorites. He Javert so much depth as a character
Rusty's accent is awesome. I love auzzie accents,
loved him in the movie *_*
Just coming from someone whose never seen any of the other "Les miserable" musicals or read the book, i thought that Russel Crowe was really really great as Javert! Incredible acting, he really made you see from his point of view. And to be honest, I actually really liked his singing
Russell Crowe was the best Javert yet!
He was the best thing in the whole film. Brilliant performance.
"Yes 24601" Omg that part is still stuck in my head!! It just sounded so amazing...gonna go see it again on new years eeeeeeee.
Research helps you decide what to believe about the character - the emotions they go through in the story, and hence what to evoke. And knowing the holistic logic you intend to convince the audience your character has helps to convince the audience too.
I think he did a brilliant job; he made me love a character who could have been just a mediocre antagonist. Honestly, Javert was my favorite in the movie. Also, I think Crowe does have a wonderful singing voice. Granted, it's different than most of what we hear, and it may take a bit to get used to, but overall, I thought he sounded marvelous.
I'm a hardcore fan and I love what he did with Javert. He was half the old Javert and half the changed Javert he created. He showed how conflicted he was and determination very well.
I finally saw Les Miserables tonight on Amazon Prime. I truly enjoyed the acting and singing. I was deeply moved by the emotions of the actors. I recall a critiquing that stated the story was meant to be performed as an opera. I disagree. I appreciate Mr Crowe's humble response. I honestly feel if we limit ourselves to doing things the same way all of the time, life would be quite boring. We all have different talents and express them in different ways. When we reach beyond paradigms we move beyond them to higher heights. I hope this made sense. I am a huge Russell Crowe fan, a fact of which I am quite proud of. Well done sir, well done.
I saw Les Misérables, once. I wasn't crazy about it. But for Russell, I'll watch it again. He looks so good with his shaved head. I can't take my eyes off him.
What Russel does well in the film is when he is "acting" the lines, apart from singing them. He realizes he's not the best of singers in the world, but in the scenes where he has to act rather than sing, I fell he does really well. When he sizes up Valjean in the opening scene is very subtle and effective, and when he is captured by the ABC, the audience does care about him, even though he is technically the antagonist of the story.
I have a newfound respect for Crowe now.
And his determination payed off!!! A Javert we've not seen before - not just pure evil - and I loved it! I understand Javert now, and Ive seen this on stage and screen many, many times. And on top I loved his deep voice - with all the flaws other people criticise, I loved his Javert!
I like the way he describes being on set, working with others and the cameraderie. They seem to know that they were doing something big.
Russell Crowe's portrayal in Les Miz was powerful, and sensitive - maybe his research into his character assisted him into performing one of his greatest roles. He will be known as a "character actor" along with the rest of the best....Russell, keep doing what you are great for.
Beautiful interview. The trailers alone tug at the heart. I'm sure the movie will touch the soul.
Just love it how much you can see the mutual respect in both Crowe and Jackman's interviews for each other.
Very impressed with the thought Crowe has put into this character. I agree that the musical makes him a bit one-dimensional, though sympathetic.
This right here is why I'm so excited to see this film.
I loved Russell as Javert
Interesting interview, thanks!
He's a great actor and for this role and the type of songs it was more suited for an opera type singer but his voice is more modern and too deep and coarse.
Well, for me we need Javert to have a deep voice, he is after all someone to be taken seriously. Alkso if you lesten to Russell Crowe's real voice it's not as deep as his voice in the movie :)
I thought he did great! Of course this was the first time I had ever seen Les Miserables! Going to see play next month.
I dare someone to count the amount of times Russell Crowe says 'you know' .... seriously, it's an incredible amount.
God I was staring at his face the whole time with my eyes wide open, completely soothed by his voice and damn, I've never been so captivated.
This is one of the best interviews I've ever seen. While I didn't love his performance, he has fully redeemed himself and now that I've seen this interview, it will add such a different perspective to his character.
What a cultured and thoughtful actor!
he's my God. RUSSELL the best forever
I loved Philip Quast's Javert. Best singing voice I think. But Quast's Javert is more of a religious type, a firebrand preacher turned policeman. Never having seen the live musical, I did not imagine that his Javert could stand up physically to the impressive physique of Valjean. So for the live musical, he was the best Javert.
Russel Crowe's Javert is truly a predator. Sleek, silent, but when confronting his prey, totally deadly. Also, the film Javert can't be bigger than live as the live...
Russell Crowe did a fantastic job of playing Javert. He is a great actor, his career started when he was just a child. I looked at his other films. IT WAS AMAZING! Russells part as Javert, was an policeman who was given a chance to change. When Russell did Javert, he fitted the role of that man. It was amazing. Loved it.
My english teacher said the same (not getting Javert from the stage show but then completely understanding him from the film) because Russell was a fricking amazing Javert!
That was a beautiful interview.
I liked Crowe as Javert but was surprised to say that Javert was confronted with his own cowardice. He was a lot of things but never a coward.
This 1-derful actor speaks with such a candor, respect and love for his costars in that movie, so generously, he praises their performances and dedication to the project in a way only a great artist can !!! Such a contrast with the way he made me hate and fear that loathsome Inspector Javert as if I myself would be persecuted by him, yet at the same time it was Javert's drive to accomplish his task and his own fear of failing God what turned Crowe's performance into a complex and masterful work of art. His songs, specially Stars and the one before the suicide, showed a tortured soul aware of his mortal vulnerability. God bless Mr Russell Crowe !!!
I concur with you entirely. I felt that in his performance, where it lacked the technical proficiency, the passion overcame that and had a lot more nuance to it than the stage versions. I've actually yet to hear Javert's Soliloquy sung with any more passion, or with the right understanding of tone than Crowe's.
As well as Hugh Jackman. I bawled my eyes out.
I think I was guilty of expecting the stage Javert when I saw that film. This provides some great insight, I have a lot of respect for Crowe's approach. Kinda wanna go see it again now!
epic voice
I love the way he says Javert :D I'm sure he's magnificent in the film.
...musical. Perhaps in the musical, he could stop criminals and arrest them simply by sounding his voice but for the film, we need a more realistic policeman/inspector.
Crowe's stoical look also gave me the impression that Valjean was hunted by The Man With No Name from the Sergio Leone western's (played by Clint Eastwood). His face also reminded me of that of a Puma or Cougar.
The scene that impressed me most was when he offered to resign. At that time he reminded me of a humbled samurai.
oh my god i finally foubd intellkgent people who understand how great he did in the movie. he is my favorite actor and i had no doubt hed give a performance that would make victor hugo proud. i thought his singing was great and i looked forward to every scene he was on screen. one of the best movies the past 20 years and likewise for his performance
Great interview.
His Javert makes you think and wonder about the depth... And that's where the book comes in. Javert is not an easy character to understand... Quast and Lewis play the part with anger and hatred with emotion while Crowe just has a heart of stone. "My heart is stone and still it trembles".
I saw a pre-screening today - was hesitant of how Rusty would go but he was AMAZING.... as was the whole cast ... omg the BEST EVA MOVIE EVA go see it everyone... Hugh Jackman so derserves an Oscar
he never gives a bad performance - he became javert - all the others i have seen on the stage were merely shells of the inspector. singing is secondary in my opinion for the film version - i liked the director kept it raw
I read the book then watched the movie. He looked just like the Javert I have imagined. so I was really happy.
Great work Rusty!
His verson of Stars is one of my favorite!!!
(In all fairness, I don't think any stage or screen portrayal of Javert has ever been 100% faithful to the character in the book, there is always some measure of change or re-interpretation. That's not always a bad thing, but there you have it)
I didn't want his character to die
Loved Crowe !!!
Actually, I think his portrayal of Javert was very good. I never saw the Musical, I only read the books, so I don't know how he is different in the Musical.
However, that doesn't mean Mr Crowe can sing. He can't, sadly. I can't either, but then again, I don't play a role in a musical film.
In this debate, I'd just mention that my daughters and some of their friends all loved Crow's more subtle and divided and multi-faceted Javert. I kind of agree with them, too. His singing wasn't great in his solo's, but his duets and interaction songs were friggin' awesome, as close to perfection we'll ever see and hear.
He said the one he saw didn't, that doesn't mean he watched all the performances ever.
Agree 100%.... except that this really is a movie representation of the musical more so than the book, so most had hoped they would get more of a Philip Quast-ish Javert... that guy with the booming bass voice and the wild eyes. While I felt his emotion could have been more evident in certain scenes, I personally didn't mind Crowe too much... but I understand if many are disappointed due to a lack of the Philip Quasty kind of actor. It all depends on what you want to see, I guess.
i like how you can hear a siren in the background at around 1:40 lol.....
The scene you are talking about, I don't believe it Javert was feeling guilty about their deaths. When he places the medal on Gavroche, it's more of sadness at the unnecessary loss of someone so young. The scene may not be true to the book, but it humanizes his character and makes him less of a villain.
All this fight about if Quast is better or Crose is better is actual not important. The thing is: Quast is a singer and Crowe is an actor. Its not that strange that Quast sings better and Crowe's acting is better.
And if you think singing is important, forget both and listen to Norm Lewis. He was a powerfull Javert and he stayed till the end of his performance.