Confession: I have very little knowledge of Les Miserables as a book, a stage musical, or any prior movie iterations.  So I was surprised to see it on so many Most Anticipated of 2012 lists, including our own.  I am very interested in a big movie musical, but I just don't have that personal connection.  I am now as excited as everyone else though since I found something to latch on to.  A source tells the Sun [via Cinema Blend]

"Unlike most film musicals, the cast will record their vocals live on camera rather than go into a studio first then mime on film to the pre-recorded vocal... First they have to learn the complex songs, then they'll have to get it right on set in front of the other stars and crew."

Terrific!  Something about pre-recorded vocals always bothers me, but I thought it a necessity to enjoy the other wonders of a musical.  But director Tom Hooper (The King's Speech) says no, shortly after rejecting 3D.  I love this guy.  Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Sacha Baron Cohen, and Eddie Redmayne are the stars to whom the burden falls.  Les Miserables opens on December 7, 2012.  Hit the jump for a synopsis.

This decision could limit the scope of the film, but I think the tradeoff is worth it.  Given the reverence for the stage musical, they obviously figured out a way to coordinate live singing that works for the story.

Here is a synopsis for the 1987 stage musical:

Jean Valjean, an ex-con, has transformed himself to become mayor and the owner of a factory. But when he is moved to help one of his former workers, Fantine, Valjean's past is brought to light, and he is forced to abandon everything to run from Javert, the chief of police, dead set on bringing him to justice. Nine years later, Cosette, Fantine's child, has been raised by Valjean and has fallen in love with Marius, a fighter in the French revolution (after whom another, named Eponine, also pines). With Javert on the hunt and a revolution tearing the city apart, in the end, everyone is forced to question what they're willing to sacrifice in pursuit of love and justice. [Broadway Musical Home]

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