English 1123

Fall, 1999

LES MISERABLES

(Cast overview)

Jean Valjean layed, in this 1998 adaptation, by Liam Neeson, Valjean is

an ex convict (imprisoned for 19 years for stealing a loaf of

bread) rebuilds his life in nineteenth century France by

concealing his identity after a kindly bishop ‘buys his soul for

God’ by giving him charity.

Javert played by Geoffrey Rush, is a “rule-obsessed” police officer

who wants to expose Valjean for what his is and keep him in

predestined place in society.

Lafitte the worker whom Val Jean rescues from under his wrecked cart. Val Jean also secures him a job in a convent in Paris as

Groundskeeper. Later Val Jean takes the name La as he and Cossette enter the convent, and later reside outside the convent.

Fantine played by Uma Thurman, is a worker in Valjean’s factory, who

when she is fired, turns to a life of prostitution in order to

support her child.

Cossette played by Claire Danes, is the infant daughter of Fantine.

Valjean takes on the responsibility of raising her after her

mother dies. The rearing of Cossett complicates Valjean’s

life further as he struggles to avoid Javert.

Marius played by Hans Matheson, is the handsome revolutionary to

whom Cossett is helplessly drawn to from her first glimpse of

him speaking to the rebels. Their relationship further endangers

Valjean’s already precarious position in society.

Les Miserables Copyright 1998

Released by Columbia Pictures Director Billie August