This role could have been played by many American actors successfully. In the past, our films included foreign actors only when they were outstanding, seasoned actors an actresses. Nowadays, our films are plagued by mediocre and second-class actors from several countries, mainly Australia, Ireland, Scotland, Canada, and South Africa. We make them rich and famous, but the fact is that we have many outstanding actors and actresses of all ages who are unemployed and are continuously left out of our movies in favor of foreign people. And our famous and outstanding actors and actresses are rarely given roles in foreign movies. Let's quit, once and for all, the unfair practice of preferring the foreign actors and start giving the chance to our hundreds of qualified actors.
Not sure why you say "our" films, "Les Miserables" was shot in London with a British director and crew and a mainly local cast. It's true many roles are going to non-american actors, for example British actors Christain Bale as Batman, Henry Cavill as the new Superman and Danial Day Lewis as Lincoln.They got the roles because they were were the best. This isn't new, the British actor Anthony Hopkins played Nixon etc.
It is actually not an American film, it is English. It's actors are Australia, English, New Zealand and also American. Who would have thought a multi cultural cast for a story based on a French revolution in 2012, how the world has evolved.
I don't really think you know how the theatrical world works, do you? Yes it sucks to have foreign stars, and quite frankly, the same old American starts constantly taking lead roles on stage and in film. But that's kinda how it works. It's a freakin hard business to break into, I've been trying for years. Anyway, point is. Yes there are many talented American actors out there, many who could have filled the role. But the directors are not looking to spend a lot of time looking for the perfect role. They want actors with an already strong record. Jackman has the right look, a strong voice, experience on stage and on film, and has a strong track record with box office sales. He's great to quickly fill the role and begin filming.
I totally agree you, but from an Aussie perspective as I'm one. All of our actors, going back to our first one in Hollywood (Errol Flynn) should have stayed in Australia and built up our tv/film production studios here instead of being enticed by fame/fortune in America. I would love to see Hollywood revert to being American film actors/entertainers only. It's ridiculous. We lose all our best to American film, and as you quoted, you don't need us. There are far too many Aussies working in American TV/films. they need to stop being so money hungry and come back to work on Aussie stage/TV/film productions pronto. If you are reading this Hugh, Russell & Co, get your arses into gear and come home. Leave Hollywood for American performers. It's not being fair to them or us. We want you home permanently.
I believe that most of our films have Americans in lead roles... I don't think we favor foreign actors at all. I think that casters look for people they think fit the bill for the part, or who they think will draw in revenue. Yes, sometimes they are foreign, but America churns out the most and biggest movies and has/creates the most stars. Anyways, Les Miserables is a British movie, directed by Tom Hooper and 2/3 British producers. Hugh had a successful string of stage productions and starred on Broadway, and I think he did an excellent job. Also, Amanda Seyfried and Anne Hathaway (who sang the most famous song, and did the most amazing job) are American? Perhaps the French wish they were cast more prominently, seeing as it's set in France xD Sorry this is so long; I just don't think American films prefer foreigners - they might even be against them (they mostly pretend to have American accents anyways so many people don't even realize they're foreign) Just some thoughts, feel free to disagree...
Excellent interview of Hugh Jackman on 60 minutes 12/9/12. I saw him a few years back as host of the academy awards show and he was one of the best hosts I have seen. His new movie "Les Mis" I believe will be a winner I'm sure.
The interview clip was very inspiring concerning Hugh's father always reminding him of the importance with family coming first. According to the interview his mom left him at about 8 years old , and his Dad saved enough to send him to an excellent school in which he became president and got involved in acting there! I believe his grandmother left him a little money and he used it well by going to acting school and after graduating, got his first part. I have learned from this clip that your family is your first priority and without family it can be a very shallow life.
The best criticism comes from RESULTS. I think we can all see Jackman's results as an actor and as a human being. I respect Hugh Jackman for his incredible talent, humbleness, and as a man who lives up to his principles.
The clips used from Les Mis fill me with dread. I expected so much better of Jackman. He's harsh, straining for the higher notes, too often "speaking" rather than singing, and there are several places where he's off pitch.
I don't understand what went wrong here. I've heard Jackman in "Oklahoma!" and he was so much better than this. There are dozens of Valjeans on YouTube from the stage musical, West End, tours, and concerts, the principles, alternates and understudies, and they're better.
It's because it's a movie musical. The "movie" part comes first. One of the biggest differences is that the acting is more critical than in a stage musical, and I would argue that it's even more important than the vocals.
People go to stage musicals for the music more than the acting. Not that acting isn't important, but when over half the audience isn't able to see your acting, it's more important to sound perfect.
Besides, Jean Valjean is a harsh character (until he meets Monseigneur Bienvenu and later becomes Mayor of Montreuil-sur-Mer), and a movie is going to have to show that more than the musical. After all, everybody in the movie theater is going to be able to see each and every expression made. It only makes sense to have the vocals and the acting match up more. After all, these characters are broken people. Fantine isn't going to be able to sustain those powerful notes if she has tuberculosis. Likewise, it doesn't make sense for JVJ to be perfectly on key when he realizes his life is out of tune.
Last thought: we know that Jackman can sing. He was amazing in Oklahoma!, and did a great job hosting the Emmys and Tonys. If people dislike the singing in this movie, I feel like the blame should be placed on Hooper for his direction.
Reading your comments I had to smile, albeit wryly. Like you I once placed the most importance of a role on technical perfection. It took a decade or two - and performing myself - to learn it isn't necessarily how perfectly the singer sings that matters so much as whether he succeeds in getting across to the audience the emotions, the passion, the feelings of the character he's portraying. If you don't believe me look at Maria Callas, one of the world's best operatic sopranoes. Ms. Callas wasn't perfect in the technical sense but, when it came to making the audience feel what her character was feeling at the moment when it was happening, there was no one better. Next time you're in the audience try to listen with your heart instead of just your ears, and you'll soon learn the difference between a good technichian, and a great vocalist.
What this planet needs now is inspiration perhaps more so than any other time in recent history and Mr. Jackman has done this and more!! Well Done!! @ Randy- per your own words "Please spare me your overactive sense of self-importance" and then shut your apathetic pie-hole. Try living with your elbows in your ears and spare adding anymore ignorance into the air compassionate human beings breathe. Maybe you need to volunteer your time and effort - not your mouth - working for the homeless, the broken, the elderly, wounded and maimed soldiers.... [and NO! I did not vote Obama and I am not a socialist] BRAVO HUGH JACKMAN! KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON!! Thanks! CBS for another sound article and this time about the Entertainment industry.
Wolverine, You are Great. You lost your Mum when you were young, as my daughter lost her Father when she was young. Yet Hugh, one still holds to those family ties that you were brought up with & never forgets whom they are or where you came from.
I raised my daughter, the best I knew how. However you are terrific, with your accent, staying true to your wife, family and values.You are good in your movies also, alot is put into them.
Haters gatta hate, an unfortunate fact of the internet! Before you trash people you might want to do some research Randy. Hugh Jackman is universally loved because he is a spectacular human being who works on behalf of many charities, including World Vision, the Global Poverty Project and others, plus he started his Laughing Man coffee company to have another source of funding for his charitable endeavors. Also, unlike you, he never has an unkind word to say about anyone. When we were growing up my parents used to admonish us to "think before you speak"...a lesson you should learn Randy.
I respectively disagree with Randy. I was tremendously moved by Hugh Jackman's interview and can honestly say that I've gained a great respect for him based on the interview. I do not agree with Randy, and believe that great actors (and actresses) work very hard at their craft, as we would at our chosen profession. The respect I gained for Hugh Jackman was that I had never heard the perspective of his personal life. It was refreshing to me to not only enjoy the versatility of his acting but to hear that his values align with his professional career."It's always about the family." So many of us, regardless of our profession, forget that. I think your comment on the weight-lifting scene resonated as the least interesting (and expected) part of the interview but I thought the switch to the Peter Allen part was great as a contrast. I cannot wait to see Le Miserables and, specifically, Hugh Jackman in his role.
Please spare me...another Hollywood actor with an overactive sense of self-importance. Clearly this man lives in La-La land like so many of his compatriots on the silver screen. I had to stop watching when you went to the gym with him. Really? The people that matter on this planet do real work to make it hum. This guy has done nothing but make low-grade movies...what's become of my beloved 60 minutes?
And what do you do for a living? Do you work for UNICEF? You clearly are a over 70 and just live to yell at the rain and chase neighbor kids off your lawn
Randy-"Please spare me your overactive sense of self-importance". What this planet needs now is inspiration and Mr. Jackman did this and more so shut your apathetic pie-hole. Try living with your elbows in your ears and spare adding anymore ignorance into space. Maybe you need to volunteer your time and effort - not your mouth - working for the homeless, the broken, the elderly, wounded soldiers.... [and NO! I did not vote Obama and I am not a socialist] BRAVO HUGH JACKMAN! KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON!! Thanks! CBS for another sound article this time about the Entertainment industry.
Low-grade movies? If you put, for example, someone like Laurence Olivier in a superheroes movie, he can not pull off Shakespeare. If an actor with great potential can act in a movie suitable for his talent, everyone sees his true acting talents. We haven't yet seen what can do this really versatile Australian actor, one of the most talented performers around, equally at home on film and on stage, he's the only one who can keep up with the greatest actors of the Hollywood golden age, in addition to being the only decent person in that brothel called show business.
The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited. By using this Web site you agree to accept our Terms of Service. Click here to read the Rules of Engagement.
Reply to Comment The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited. By using this Web site you agree to accept our Terms of Service. Click here to read the Rules of Engagement.
It's true many roles are going to non-american actors, for example British actors Christain Bale as Batman, Henry Cavill as the new Superman and Danial Day Lewis as Lincoln.They got the roles because they were were the best. This isn't new, the British actor Anthony Hopkins played Nixon etc.
Yes it sucks to have foreign stars, and quite frankly, the same old American starts constantly taking lead roles on stage and in film. But that's kinda how it works. It's a freakin hard business to break into, I've been trying for years.
Anyway, point is. Yes there are many talented American actors out there, many who could have filled the role. But the directors are not looking to spend a lot of time looking for the perfect role. They want actors with an already strong record. Jackman has the right look, a strong voice, experience on stage and on film, and has a strong track record with box office sales. He's great to quickly fill the role and begin filming.
Sorry this is so long; I just don't think American films prefer foreigners - they might even be against them (they mostly pretend to have American accents anyways so many people don't even realize they're foreign)
Just some thoughts, feel free to disagree...
The interview clip was very inspiring concerning Hugh's father always reminding him of the importance with family coming first. According to the interview his mom left him at about 8 years old , and his Dad saved enough to send him to an excellent school in which he became president and got involved in acting there! I believe his grandmother left him a little money and he used it well by going to acting school and after graduating, got his first part. I have learned from this clip that your family is your first priority and without family it can be a very shallow life.
commented by
Anthony Joseph Lucchese
I don't understand what went wrong here. I've heard Jackman in "Oklahoma!" and he was so much better than this. There are dozens of Valjeans on YouTube from the stage musical, West End, tours, and concerts, the principles, alternates and understudies, and they're better.
People go to stage musicals for the music more than the acting. Not that acting isn't important, but when over half the audience isn't able to see your acting, it's more important to sound perfect.
Besides, Jean Valjean is a harsh character (until he meets Monseigneur Bienvenu and later becomes Mayor of Montreuil-sur-Mer), and a movie is going to have to show that more than the musical. After all, everybody in the movie theater is going to be able to see each and every expression made. It only makes sense to have the vocals and the acting match up more. After all, these characters are broken people. Fantine isn't going to be able to sustain those powerful notes if she has tuberculosis. Likewise, it doesn't make sense for JVJ to be perfectly on key when he realizes his life is out of tune.
Last thought: we know that Jackman can sing. He was amazing in Oklahoma!, and did a great job hosting the Emmys and Tonys. If people dislike the singing in this movie, I feel like the blame should be placed on Hooper for his direction.
@ Randy- per your own words "Please spare me your overactive sense of self-importance" and then shut your apathetic pie-hole. Try living with your elbows in your ears and spare adding anymore ignorance into the air compassionate human beings breathe. Maybe you need to volunteer your time and effort - not your mouth - working for the homeless, the broken, the elderly, wounded and maimed soldiers....
[and NO! I did not vote Obama and I am not a socialist]
BRAVO HUGH JACKMAN! KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON!! Thanks! CBS for another sound article and this time about the Entertainment industry.
You are Great. You lost your Mum when you were young, as my daughter lost her Father when she was young.
Yet Hugh, one still holds to those family ties that you were brought up with & never forgets whom they are or where you came from.
I raised my daughter, the best I knew how. However you are terrific, with your accent, staying true to your wife,
family and values.You are good in your movies also, alot is put into them.
Congratulations
Peace
Loveoflife
ps can't wait to see your movie
I think your comment on the weight-lifting scene resonated as the least interesting (and expected) part of the interview but I thought the switch to the Peter Allen part was great as a contrast.
I cannot wait to see Le Miserables and, specifically, Hugh Jackman in his role.
What this planet needs now is inspiration and Mr. Jackman did this and more so shut your apathetic pie-hole. Try living with your elbows in your ears and spare adding anymore ignorance into space. Maybe you need to volunteer your time and effort - not your mouth - working for the homeless, the broken, the elderly, wounded soldiers....
[and NO! I did not vote Obama and I am not a socialist]
BRAVO HUGH JACKMAN! KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON!! Thanks! CBS for another sound article this time about the Entertainment industry.