A Most Memorable Movie Moment
Is there a scene from a movie that you could watch over and over, and enjoy it just as much every time? For me, there are but a few, one of which is from the 1978 film version of Les Miserables.
Valjean, having escaped from prison after nearly 20 years, has become hardened. Dirty and in rags, having been chased and beaten, with long hair and beard, he knocks on the door of the bishop to beg a meal. The bishop, a small, soft, gentle man kindly welcomes him in as though he were an expected guest, and even has the servant provide him the finest silver on which to eat. He has her prepare a bed with clean linens. Says the bishop, "You are more at home here than I am; and all that I have is your." Valjean says, "You don't even know who I am." Replies the bishop, "Oh, but I do; you are my brother and I can tell that you have suffered greatly."
That night, Valjean cleans out the silver cabinet and takes off.
Queue the clip:
8 comments:
Ahh, Les Miserables. One of my favorite books of all time. I read it for the first time about 3 years ago and I wept for days after reading the ending. It's a story that has had a huge impact on my life. I am now in the middle of reading it again and I'm even enjoying the parts where Hugo goes off on his long tangents!
Shortly after I read it the first time I rented this movie thinking that it would be really good. Boy was I disappointed. I know...most movies are never as good as the book, but this movie doesn't do justice to the book at all, it leaves out half the story! The ending in the movie leaves you thinking that because he is free from Javert, he is free to live his life without fear of being found out who he really is. Sadly that is not so.
I came back to repent what I said. Not that I take it back necessarily, but that I didn't mean to knock one of your favorite movie moments. It is a beautiful scene, both on screen and in the book. So sorry if I offended!
I love this movie. I watched it in high school and read parts of it as well. This is a very heart felt scene.
The actor who plays Valjean was in another of my favorite dramatic productions.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60Qd006FhWM&feature=email
I thought the ending could possibly lead to Valjean being blamed for Javerts death.
I think I might attempt the book...it may be a big step from my usual 'If you give a mouse a cookie' level reading;D
No one really knows that Javert is trying to capture Valjean, except Valjean, so that really has no consequence except for the fact that he doesn't have to hide from Javert anymore. After Javert dies there is the whole story of Valjeans life with Marius and Cosette. He has to keep his past hidden because to reveal it would ruin Cosette's future and happiness. You see yet again how much he gives up for those he loves. And M. Thenardier makes another appearance which has a huge consequence...oh there's so much more to the story, but I don't want to ruin it for you PJ. If you choose to read it, call me, I'd love to discuss it with you and encourage you through the long tangents!
I didn't think I would start a conversation here.
Mindy: no offense taken. I have heard that before, too. In fact, I had heard that the movie was only a small portion, and of course, did not even come close to conveying Hugo's message. But there is a message, even in the movie, and I have always loved it.
PJ: Good luck reading the book. It's like if you take "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" and add the complete Dr. Seuss collection, "Mike Mulligan and his Steamshovel" and "Are You My Mother?"
Bato: clever. The Lassie role was perhaps his most memorable, since no one but my family has ever seen this movie.
Mamita: keep reading
What a beautiful scene--I've never seen that version. I love the play, it's one of my favorites.
Hope you are feeling better, sam.
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