Analysis of Les Miserables Film - Essay Example

Abdulmohsen Alfajri Marcus Jackson ENGL 2030-003 An Analysis of “Les Miserables” The narrative in the film d “Les Miserables” revolves around the spirit of the law being challenges by the letter of the law. In the first part of the movie, the protagonist (Valjean) is given a great opportunity to change by the legal system. However, there are other parts of the film that clearly attest to the unfair system, an exemplary example being when Fantine is prosecuted. Valjean’s case when he takes the Bishop’s silver along with the candle sticks, is particularly moving. The bishop gives more than pardon to Jean Valjean. This introduces a twist in Valjean’s case and keeps him from the possible conviction. This is yet another case, where he is saved from the wrath of law enforcers. The bishop’s act is a perfect example of resolution issued by a spirit dominated law. It is apparent that the bishop knows what Valjean needs and it is more than just execution of the law. In fact, the law does not seem sufficiently helpful at this point in time. The good bishop emphasizes the point that Valjean will be a better man after that incident. Giving away everything shows that Valjean admits to his guilt about his wrongdoings and he even confesses it in a song, showing that he is ready to reform. The scene talks about kindness. It talks about many things we tend to forget and overlook in people’s daily lives. It talks about restoring faith in humanity and redeeming ourselves from the mistakes of the past. It also draws attention to the human nature’s tendency to forget the goodness of the people around us, making us focus on the negative and gloomy side of things, instead of rejoicing in the abounding opportunities that life offers us day after day. This scene in the film is nothing less than good. It is more that an act of kindness. It is also more than an act of rectification. There is generosity depicted by the part and it pays off significantly. The moment the bishop gives Valjean the candle sticks, he gives up everything there is. He gives Valjean the chance of a lifetime. This is because he gives him an opportunity to be a virtuous man. The bishop also makes Valjean promise that after that moment, he is going to change for good and never engage in wrongdoing again. Therefore, it can be discerned from the film that the candle sticks are symbols of great mercy, which goes beyong mere forgiveness. The forgiving heart of the bishop melts the coldness within Jean Valjean and touches his soul, to the extent of inspiring him to change his ways completely. All these can be attributed to the bishop’s great insight and his willingness to twist the law and follow the prevailing spirit of forgiveness. The incident clearly shows that the spirit of the law is greater than the letter or written law. Some may be very technical about the written guidelines and occasionally tweak it to the advantage of those in power. In bishop’s case, however, he makes sure that the spirit supersedes everything else. He uses his heart more than the most logical solution stipulated by the written law. The bishop instills a crucial lesson that, the law should always be about reforming wrongdoers and not just for the sake of those who want it twisted for their personal agenda. The other significant scene is that involving the female protagonist (Fantine). Fantine falls in love with a French student, who abandons her as soon as she gets a child (Cosette). She is banished by her community since she is a mother of an illegitimate child. In her search for a new life and a livelihood for her child, she happens to look for work in the factory of reformed Valjean, who currently goes by the name Madeleine. Despite working hard at the factory, Fantine does not get adequate income to send to her child’s caregivers and this, forces her to supplement her wages by becoming a prostitute. However, Fantine gets arrested one night, by the town’s police chief (Javert). The struggling mother is sent to jail but Madeleine comes to her aid not just when she is in prison, but also when she is ill. Madeleine even promises Fantine that he would send for her daughter to come visit her. However, Madeleine suffers a significant setback when Javert discovers that he is actually Valjean and he has a serious criminal past. The police chief comes and arrests Valjean while he is beside Fantine in hospital and she ends up dying from shock. Fantine’s life story is one that resonates with the audience and strikes a sad note. She was evidently treated unfairly in life, since her only crime was falling in love and getting a child out of wedlock. It is frustration that prompts her to sell her teeth and hair, and even become a prostitute, to ensure that her daughter does not die of starvation. The disappointments and grief brought about by Fantine’s ill-fated experiences is very well conveyed in the film. The exhibition of Fantine’s soliloquy is the most poignant of all the tracks. This is because the tracks were impeccably done and very emotional. For someone who was not even a recording artist herself, Anne Hathaway was able to pull it off. Further Jean Valjean’s “What Have I Done” moment was heartfelt and melodramatic. The genuine tears, which flowed out of his eyes, were crystal clear, as to the message that the scene wished to convey. It is also virtually impossible to forget “On My Own”, yet another emotive and renowned track. The imagery of the topic of letter versus law has been a primary topic of debate in several countries for many years. As a matter of fact, the constitutions in many nations are written after multiple political and word wars. During the early revolution, especially in this case, which is the French revolution, there are very few laws protecting the poor and oppressed in society. This means that underprivileged people are left helpless with no defender, even when their offenses are negligible. Fantine’s narrative echoes the lives of many poor people, who are left to fend for their lives without any protection by the law. Many have died of hunger, of oppression, and of lawlessness. Law enforcers, the elite in society and politicians, during Valjean’s and Fantine’s era used to create laws for their own benefit. This is the main reason there were many uprisings. People in high ranking social classes violated human rights continually. Up-to-date, cases of human rights violation are still prevalent is some societies, especially in Africa and third world countries which lack access to education and progressive political systems. Fantine’s experience could be the most dramatic and most emotional part of the story. Her life cuts deep to the soul and makes us distrust the system behind all of the misfortunes and maltreatments the poor have endured over the years. The exposition of “Les Miserables” is about the different historical and political issues of law. In the past, there have been many bedlams due to the selfish motives of some people. “Les Miserables” shows the viewers the extant possibility of encountering such turmoil even in modern times. Nonetheless, the recognition of obeying the spirit does not necessarily mean that one should refrain from the idea of complying with the written law. One can actually continue following what is written and at the same time embrace fundamental attributes of the human nature, including kindness and compassion. When reinforcing the law, it is important to bear in mind that it is formulated to safeguard the welfare of people in all aspects of life. The movie’s title, that is, “Les Miserables”, is enough to make one detect the possibility of ongoing misery in the narrative. Essentially, these implied problems are attributable to people’s blind adherence to the written law, instead of taking into account the spirit part of it. This explains why the story is apt for any given generation to ponder. It is rather apparent from the film, that the spirit of the law provides the compass necessary to reform people’s attitude toward others. It also enables people learn how to forgive, while giving wrongdoers a chance to make up for their mistakes. Such a guiding framework also serves to emphasize that goals set by the law should be clear and concise. Therefore, at times when the law has been tweaked so as to favor the affluent and influential in society, it does not serve its purpose anymore. It is only when the written law is implemented to uphold the clarity of the spirit, that the law becomes human and fully serves its purpose. “Les Miserables” tackles more than the usual political issues. The message is clear from this timeless story. It also brings viewers the perfect combination of spirit and imagination. At the end of the day, as one of the songs in the film says, we get to understand the real deal. “Les Miserables” is a story of passion, politics, war, revolution, history and love. But the most important thing tackled in the story is the spirit of virtue. On top of everything being tackled on “Les Miserables”, the storyline about Fantine’s life actually evokes intense emotions. This is perhaps due to the fact that we can all relate to how unfair the law is, to someone it is actually created to protect. For the past century, more movies about power disparity have become distinct in narrative stories. These movies single out politicians that are less appealing to the public, portraying them as a setback to development. This disaffection is particularly alarming despite the value, and the nation enjoys the peace or freedom. The harmony and prosperity of the movie has its own darker side, as years pass by and modern politics increasingly change dramatically. The difference between traditional and contemporary politics is reflected through their significant elements in society, and these cannot be ignored in the film. “Les Miserables” has a significant role to play in rebuilding the well-being of its viewers and society at large. This will require transformation of incentives availed to political candidates, government officials and a nation’s citizens, as they strive to achieve peaceful environs. Works Cited Huffiman, Zachary. “Les Miserables.” 2012. Web. 15 March 2014. McCarthy, Todd. “Les Miserables: Film Review.” 2012. Web. 15 March 2014. Screenplayerexplorer. “Les Miserables the Movie.” 2013. Web. 15 March 2014. Walton, Charles. “The Missing Half of Les Mis.” 2013. Web. 15 March 2014. Read More