Question 1

How does Jean Valjean's sentence in the film differ from the novel?

Accepted Answer

In the novel, Valjean's sentence totals 19 years. In the film, he gets 5 years for theft, plus 5 for first escape and 10 for second, totaling 20 years; a successful third escape means he serves only 19.

Question 2

Which main characters from the novel appear only briefly in this adaptation?

Accepted Answer

Monsieur and Madame Thénardier appear in only one scene. Their daughter Éponine appears very briefly in a non-speaking role, though in the novel she is a main character.

Question 3

What role did Ian Holm play, and what is his connection to Napoleon?

Accepted Answer

Ian Holm plays Thénardier. In the book, Thénardier identifies himself as 'Napoleon's Sergeant', and Holm played Napoleon in several movies.

Question 4

Why did Lynne Frederick not get the role of Cosette or Fantine?

Accepted Answer

Lynne Frederick campaigned for Cosette and also read for Fantine, but was deemed too old for Cosette and too young for Fantine.

Question 5

What portion of the film's story is original and not from the novel?

Accepted Answer

Nearly a quarter of the film takes place before the novel's events, focusing on Valjean's trial, imprisonment, and escape attempts, which are only mentioned in the novel.

Les Miserables

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