what is the BBC adaptation worth?

We can no longer count the audiovisual and stage adaptations of Misérablesthe monumental novel by Victor Hugo published in 1862. Considered one of the masterpieces of French literature, this 19th century text continues to seduce with its dramatic power and its denunciation of social injustices. One of the latest rereadings, offered by the BBC in 2018 under the direction of Andrew Davies, is now available for streaming on Arte since December 25.

A social and human fresco

Hugo's novel weaves the intertwined destinies of characters confronted with the upheavals of 19th century France. Jean Valjean, a former convict marked by 19 years in prison for stealing a piece of bread, tries to rebuild his life despite the incessant pursuit of the inflexible inspector Javert. Unforgettable figures revolve around this central duo: Fantine, who sacrifices everything for her daughter Cosette; Marius, a young idealist in love with love and justice; and the sinister Thénardiers, archetypes of greed.

Andrew Davies' adaptation condenses the 1000 pages of the novel into six episodes, focusing on the tensions between Valjean and Javert, while exploring the intersecting destinies of the other characters in a context of poverty, popular revolts and profound social inequalities.

An ambitious production

Carried by a remarkable cast, the series impressed with the quality of its interpretations. Dominic West plays an intense Jean Valjean, while David Oyelowo lends Javert a rigor deemed implacable. Lily Collins, in the role of Fantine, was unanimously praised for her “remarkable grace and strength” (The Independent). Olivia Colman, Josh O'Connor and Ellie Bamber also enrich this star-studded cast.

Producer Damian Keogh sought to modernize the codes of British historical series: “When it comes to a period British series, everyone expects something a little cozy. This is not what we wanted. We wanted the film to have a contemporary feel. In terms of camera movements and performances, this is the way the director approached it. » (France Info) Filmed between Belgium and the Sedan region, the series benefits from a careful reconstruction of period sets and costumes, reinforcing the immersion in a tormented France.

Press review: between praise and criticism

During its first broadcast in 2018, France Inter interviewed several series experts during the Series Mania festival. Opinions were divided. Charlotte Blum (OCS) deplored a lack of originality: “The 160th adaptation of Misérableswe can do without it. The series opens with a scene of breathtaking beauty, but as soon as we get to the heart of the matter, everything becomes classic. »

Marion Olité (Biiiiinge) for his part regretted a lack of linguistic authenticity: “Today, Netflix has accustomed us to watching series in the original version. Why not have the characters speak French? This would have provided additional authenticity. »

Conversely, The Guardian welcomed this adaptation with enthusiasm, calling it “visual and narrative feast, a lush way to close the year”. The British newspaper particularly praised Dominic West, who “steals the show in a moving finale”and suggested that the absence of songs, unlike the musical, was a major asset: “The strong point of this version is precisely that it is not a musical, which has long eclipsed the novel in the collective imagination. »

A rediscovery hailed by Telerama

On the occasion of its rebroadcast on Arte, Telerama described this adaptation as “wise, very classic”, but highlighted his qualities thanks to a “paced story” and one “dramatic force (…) preserved”. David Oyelowo goes on trial “perfect as Javert trapped by his principles” et “Dominic West, very good as a raw Valjean”.

An adaptation faithful to the spirit of the work, therefore, but also imbued with modernity and diversity, which pleased the actor of the police inspector, interviewed by the magazine: “I don't see the point in making an adaptation if it doesn't address viewers of our time. »

Musical comedy in Paris

Finally, for those who would not be satisfied with a new mini-series, the Théâtre du Châtelet is hosting until January 2, 2025 Les Miserables in a new production in French. Directed by Ladislas Chollat, this return to the origins of musical allows you to rediscover emblematic titles like I had dreamed or To the will of the people in their original version.