While I loved Les Miserables (see previous post), I just want to congratulate everyone involved with Argo, this year's Oscar winner for best picture. It's an astounding true story brought to life. Please remember although it is based in fact, there's a reason the film is not a documentary. Once I accepted that I was all in. If you want to read more about the Iran Hostage Crisis, reserve a copy of the book Argo: How the CIA and Hollywood Pulled Off the Most Audacious Rescue in History by Antonio J. Mendez and Matt Baglio.

 

This Sunday night, February 24th, is Oscar night! Red carpet coverage begins at 7pm, and the show starts at 8:30pm. I love watching the awards (you may have guessed this already) and wonder which movie will win best picture. I see it as a competition between Lincoln, Argo and Les Miserables, although a dark horse could come up from behind.

Now I've been a fan of Les Miserables since I heard the musical in the 80's (original London cast, of course), and while it's certainly not terribly happy, the story and music have touched my heart. Who else out there sings both Jean Valjean and Javert in The Confrontation - at the same time? Perhaps you've seen the awesome new movie version, but there are several ways to immerse yourself in the revolution. The book by Victor Hugo is available in print, on CD, and as an ebook. You can pick up a the music on the soundtrack or a stage production. There are 2 concert DVDs filmed for the 10th and 25th anniversaries, which are a great way to experience the live show without spending money on tickets. And we carry the 1935 version with Frederic March and Charles Laughton (which was also nominated for an Academy Award), and the 1998 movie starring Liam Neeson and Geoffrey Rush.

"Jean Valjean entered the galleys sobbing and trembling; he left hardened. He entered in despair; he left sullen. What had happened within the soul?" ~ Victor Hugo