This portrayal is underrated. he has this eerie serenity about him, it may not be a showy as other versions, as vocally impressive, but I feel those simmering repressed emotions under his softer tones, and the total desensitization portrayed in the way he walks the lip of death, trusting his feet like he blindly trusts his perception of God and order. Like he's daring it all to crumble beneath him whilst knowing that nothing can until he lets it.
I think he's on the verge of suicide, and the sentiments of his song are all that keep him from taking the plunge. That's why he's toeing the edge, more so than daring he is tortured.
People like to pretend they're voice coaches when they can't hold a tune to save their lives, Russel did better than any of those could! i love this song and the feelings he put into it.
Stars is such a beautiful song! Crowe’s performance is subdued, as it needed to be. Comparing his performance to previous Broadway performances is comparing apples to oranges. Broadway singers work on a technical level that works for an audience sitting far away…grand gestures, higher volume, massive emotions, so that it communicates well from a distance. Movies and acting don’t have to work that way. I admire Crowe’s performance here because he did it as a screen actor… and he pulled it off.
Finally someone who understands that singing from a live audience in a theater is different to singing for a movie. They don't need to exaggerate emotions, tones or gestures because they literally have a camera in their face. That's why I like a lot Russell's performance in this movie, it fits it's character.
Russel's Javert is my favourite ever interpretation of the character. His intensity, his soothing voice which can still be harsh. I don't understand why people didn't like him, really...
@@eljordinio7647 Lewis maybe, Quast just didn't really hit it for me. But I feel like Crowes acting really resembles Lewis's in it's own way. it's more subtle, less direct? Idk, im not a critic, I just think the feeling it gave me was similar.
@Anjelica Snorcket it could happen if studios weren't so obsessed with money that they choose casts that will generate the most buzz for the movie. It's what happened with Cats 2019.
@@eljordinio7647 If we're talking about the voice techniques, then I understand. But this version is so beautifully raw and emotional. It feels like he's in denial. I think this is my favourite one, but as a singer phillip is perfection itself.
The movie of Les Mis is the only one I have seen and honestly it's one of my favorite movies of all time, and Russell Crowe's voice is one of my favorites in this movie, specially this song
I love Crowe's voice because it fits the character well. He's stiff, a bit out of his element, but has a raw intensity. Crowe trying to sing earnestly, and having to put in the effort to reach the point he's at, is Javert to me.
I think Russell Crowe's choice to play Javert as intentionally stoic and flat is appropriate for the character. That kind of repression of emotion is a very common coping mechanism with children who survive trauma, as he certainly did given that he was born in prison and undoubtedly had a very difficult life. As an adult he relied on that stoicism to literally stay sane when faced with the cruelty he not only witnessed every day, but directly caused himself with his blind loyalty to a broken system of law. And then, when forced to confront his emotions and guilt and the realization that the law was not the perfect shelter of order he so desperately craved (if I do everything right, if I follow the rules, I will not be hurt, another common coping mechanism of survived trauma), he was so overwhelmed he ended his life. It's a fascinating dichotomy compared to Valjean's coping mechanisms which are so different, despite the traumas being so similar.
This^ Exactly! I thought his was probably the best performance of the entire ensemble because he so skillfully and subtly projects those exact emotions and motivations you've mentioned. I've seen the other performances of this song and while they may be considered more technically correct, they don't convey a tenth of the emotion Crowe is able to imo. And it only makes his character's ending arc all the more powerful. I personally don't even love Les Mis as a whole, but I tear up when he pins his medal to Gavroche's chest... you can see his entire philosophy of life breakdown in his eyes... masterful.
I truly enjoyed reading this you really opened up this character to me! I'll admit I didn't like Javert lol but his songs as well as he himself have grown on me over time! I definitely liked Russell Crowe's voice 👌🏿 from the beginning. Now I find myself waking up tonight/this morning at 5am with 'Stars' stuck in my head. I love musical theatre and LOVE Les Miserables 🤎🤎 just learned I'm having my 1st child and it's a boy 😮 I like biblical names and my partner loves astrology so our son has a biblical name and we wanted to put stars and planets in the nursery and this song was coming to mind. Javerts song 'stars' very much sounds like a lullaby to me now! It makes me more endeared to the song now and your breakdown is helping me understand the character more. I thought he blamed people like Jon Valjean for what their lives came to now I understand he confronts everyday what he fears most.
There is nothing broken about the law. People are shit and corrupt. People do not want to be held accountable. And in their pure evil, they then blame the law for their own shit.
@@Jen-Yueh_Hu i believe they're talking about the law in the film/musical in which persecutes despite everything. It's flawed because it's strict and unforgiving. Give the law to robots and you'll find it harder than to merciful humans
Agree to disagree, but I think that Philip Quast has so much of a more powerful voice, whereas Russel Crowe over here makes Javert sound like he just had a bad bout of helium.
I don't see the criticisms of Russell's Javert, he has so much raw emotion in his expressions and his words, yeah he's quite monotone but give the guy a break, singing live on set in front of cameras opposed to recording lyrics in a studio is a far more daunting and less finessed experience, here you get raw and circumstantial emotion which means the singing sounds more real more natural but also rougher and manipulated by the elements. I love this scene the cinematography is exquisite, the framing the editing and that shot of his foot over the ledge foreshadowing not only his fall but showing how precarious his hold on this unjust and flawed world is, yet his unshakable faith in justice won't let him fall. Then later when the shot is repeated in the viaduct scene as he's lost his faith in justice and can't come to terms with how the world is different than he always imagined it and no longer feels that he can hold onto this world.
Compare Russell Crowe's performance with others singing Javert's part and the difference is not just the quality of his voice, but the delivery. The more 'polished' singers don't fit the part of a man born in a prison, as Javert was. Mr. Crowe's voice is strong enough, but his control is so well done he conveys the uneasiness of a man who must justify his existence by acting without mercy. Of the many voices in this play, his voice is the most authentic.
@@OceanSwimmer I would say , though, he seems so heartfelt and compassionate that it's hard to believe he's be such a self-righteous bastard of a man. I mean, we're supposed to feel some sympathy for him, but not so much that he warms the heart. More coldness, snootiness and hardness is called for, I think
Okay so, I also from the start thought his singing was amazing. I guess I didn't notice the monotone bit as much, but I thought that sort of added to his character? I mean he's playing a confused lawman who's obsessed with doing his job. I feel like a calmer voice sort of emphasized that a bit.
This is the best song in the movie. In wich you can really understand what Javert stands for. Himself, like the stars, is a sentinel appointed by God. Wich faces him with Valjean (another piece of his work). I believe that one of the most beautiful things in the movie are the moments of honesty between the characters and their beliefs.
Ridiculously underrated performance. This is a movie, not a broadyway performance. The acting and the singing go hand in hand- you can hear the conviction and emotion in his voice, and you can see it on his face too . . . in this scene, Russell Crowe IS Javert- the fanatical inspector who is obsessed with tracking down a bread thief who broke his parole . . . only it's more complicated than that. This is exemplified extremely well in the movie, and it's part makes this a great performance. Also, his voice is good- he isn't trying to sound like someone he isn't, and this is what the film-makers intended. Again, this is NOT supposed to be like a broadway performance. Why can't some people get that through their heads?
Ah I wish I could agree. He’s supposed to be calm and controlled, and you can clearly see Crowe doing well at that. Just the singing man. He’s either holding back, not letting his voice flow out, or auto tune aids him when he really needs to hold on a note.
Meanwhile in the neighboring cathedral... "HELLFI-YAH! DAHK FIYAH! NOW GYPSY IT'S YOUR TURN! CHOOSE ME OR YOUR PYRE, BE MINE OR YOU WILL BUUUUUUUUURN" But in all seriousness is that the Notre Dame in the background? Looks kinda like it. Also Victor Hugo's works seem to translate remarkably well into music.
I have never read eaither books but I love both the musical films of hunchback Disney and the movie of les mis I just find disneys frollo to be the most evil character ever except bill sikes in Oliver he is evil and brilliantly played by Oliver reed
In the film's context, I think it makes sense that this song is placed right before the 9-year jump to 1832 instead of in 1832 after Javert loses Valjean during the Thenardiers robbery scene. It illustrates better Javert's intentions and his duty to the law, and how Javert never forgets about his duty to bring Valjean to justice and see him safe behind bars.
His was my favorite voice in the movie, but maybe that's because I wasn't comparing his songs to one of the numerous Les Mis song covers by youtube artists. It's very reflective, and not quite the showstopping quality of the more well known songs. His voice hits that perfectly imho.
One of my favourite quotes: "He knows his way in the dark. Mine is the way of the Lord. Those who follow the path of the righteous, shall have their reward. And if they fall as Lucifer fell.. The flames! The sword!" I get chills everytime!!~♡
Honestly one of my favorite renditions of this song. Russell Crowe sings it with the right amount of stoicism and cynicism. This is the kind of Javert I imagine when I read the book, just some guy who became heartless because of his hardened life experiences. I also love how the final note he sings transitions into the "Look Down" motif. Great stuff.
I love his take on Javert tbh. I feel like from his portrayal there’s the other side of Javert that could be vulnerable and uncertain about his laws and beliefs. He shows that this is someone who’s having doubts about the system that he long trusted and has real feelings, for sadness or righteousness. Obviously Broadway’s portrayals are the more determined and tough kind of Javert. But I think Russel’s version fits perfectly in the movie and I wonder why didn’t this kind of portrayal came out earlier!
This is my favorite version of this song. I was in Les Mis when I was 8, and I was very close to the man who played Javert. This song is held in a special place for me.
Probably his best performance in the movie, instead of it just feeling like a bad rendition of the original it feels like a new interpretation of the character that fits Crowes voice.
when i first watched the movie obv i noticed that his voice wasnt as good as the others in the cast but personally i think he fits perfectly as the role of javert and i think he was the perfect person for this song. my favorite song from the play
I’m sorry. What are you talking about? 😂😂😂 by all means, if you love it- amazing, but I don’t know how anyone can say this is the best version (without being biased)
I suppose I am biased, then, as is everyone, honestly. XP I’ve seen several others, but I liked this version best. A reason for that could be because I watched it first. We both have different experiences which formed our opinions, so it’s inevitable that we may disagree in certain areas.
When Javert became part of the police, he swore an oath to uphold the laws of France upon pain of death. After witnessing first hand the oppression of just and honourable people, and the subsequent penalties expressed for desiring change (cold slaughter of children just doing what they can to help), he found no honour in the "honour system" he swore an oath to uphold. His meeting with Val Jean later confirmed it. He saw, first hand a thief can be more chivalrous than any knight, a soldier can perform the most despicable of cowardly acts, a child can be braver than a hundred men and sing defiance while being shot for it. In this moment, he judges himself by a new, higher standard, one of lacking basic human kindness. He found himself guilty and sentences himself. By Javerts own standards, a man such as Javert should not be allowed.
I love this song, especially this version (I love the stage show and all that have sung it too). I don't know why but this version makes me very emotional, something about the melody and how we can always count on some things in life.
I love Russel's voice for this role. Javert is naive, almost like a tamed animal, who truly believe what he's doing is right. His basic singing skills suits the character, makes him look fragile.
He might not be the best singer in the world but his acting is gold! You can see all types of emotions just by looking at his eyes, he nailed this role!!
I might be reading too much into this, but when he says “safe behind bars” it’s almost like he legitimately wants to protect Jean from... something, rational or not
No I agree, I think that in Javerts very black and white way of thinking, Valjean is safe behind bars, and it’s what’s best for him, since he’ll be safe from outside society and able to reform himself. So therefore for Javert, putting Valjean back behind bars is helping Valjean, and ofc society as a whole
Agreed. I've always thought there's a double meaning there - when Valjean is behind bars, both the society and Valjean are safe from Valjean's criminal tendencies.
Agree with what most seem to be saying here. He brought much-needed stoicism to an otherwise extremely emotional tale, the same as the Thenardiers bring some much-needed humor. It doesn’t have to be the greatest singing performance of all time. He sounded very good.
Stars In your multitudes Scarce to be counted Filling the darkness With order and light You are the sentinels Silent and sure Keeping watch in the night Keeping watch in the night You know your place in the sky You hold your course and your aim And each in your season Returns and returns And is always the same And if you fall as Lucifer fell You fall in flames! And so it must be For so it is written On the doorway to paradise That those who falter and those who fall Must pay the price! Lord let me find him That I may see him Safe behind bars I will never rest Till then, this I swear... This I swear by the stars!
Hearing this back to back with Phillip Quast makes me realise just how unique this Javert is. Quast's Stars is much more bombastic and fantastical, Crowe is much more somber and solemn, which fits this Javert a lot since he's more stoic
This song purely shows Javert's character And it's such a great symbol of his suicide. the cinematography in this sence is like his suicide sence and incredibly shows how his ideology lead him to death A symbol of how he fall as Lucifer fell!! I love it!
I don't get how people hate his singing. It's perfectly fine. The tone and emotions are good. This is a soothing song. Crowe is seriously underrated. To me, Broadway is a little bit overrated.
Considering the near impossible conditions created by director Tom Hooper and the producers, it's honesty impressive that he sounds as good as he does. He doesn't deserve the hate he gets.
I get it the stars are the law. Keeping watch in the night, holding their coarse and their aims. And each in their seasons returns and returns and is always the same. And if the law falls like Lucifer fell, society will fall in flames. I get it now. Great symbolism.
I am going to give a rather unpopular opinion...I listened to the version that most commented as the best version of this song from the 10th anniversary and honestly this version just hits harder. I listened to them back to back and while I can acknowledge the other guy as the clearly better singer Russell' s delivery has such a raw emotive quality that send shivers down my spine. Seriously everytime in listen to it. I can see what they say about his monotone voice but honestly it just added more authenticity to the situation while the other was just a performance in a stage play...you all can disagree with it but these are my thoughts on this
My thoughts exactly! The other versions may be 'technically' better singing but don't convey a tenth of the raw character and emotion Crowe is able to.. that, to me, is the superior talent. People forget that this is a musical and not a studio album! Lol
To all the people complaining about Russell Crowe i say shut up. He has a good voice and he's a better actor than any other great singer they could have chosen in his place.
Imagine being a street criminal in 1820's France robbing a peasant in the middle of the night, only for you to suddenly hear the most feared police inspector in town suddenly burst into song above you. Honestly I'd reconsider my entire life and become a respectable citizen.
@@jonmann4980 All the comments I've seen are from people commenting on how much they like this scene/rendition ...but I haven't checked out every comment, either. Anyway, I can see how some people would think it's a bit hard on the ears, but Crowe makes up for missing some big notes with heart and passion , imo, so I'm on the fence
It's interesting, all I paid attention to (when I was younger) was how they talked of revolution. This was my favorite song, one which is actually about god and faith, but I loved astronomy as a kid so I just liked his verse about the stars. Watching it again I'm realizing oh right this is a show about god and belief... it's interesting how people relate to films with the knowledge they have in life...
He has one of the most beautiful voices of the whole musical if anything the hate must have gone to the one who plays Jan Valjean. Crowe is such an amazing actor
This song is easily my favorite from this movie. I don't understand the hate it gets. I thought it was done wonderfully. I also think Crowe nailed the role!
I absolutely love the fact that this beautiful song directly foreshadowed Javert's suicide. In his death song, he says "And the stars are black and cold". It reflects how he is feeling and that he feels very lost in life; on the other hand, in this song Javert says "You know your place in the sky" meaning he is feeling secure.
Because people who see how operatic Les-Mis is, Russell Crowe is not a classically, or operatically trained vocalist. In Australia, He's a singer for a rock band.
Ah it’s a combination really. Comparing him to operatic singers like the great Quast and then him not allowing his voice to flow all the way really hinders his version.
I'm still trying to comprehend the hate for Cross's singing and performance. They were perfect in my eyes and "Stars" remains not only my favorite song in the film, but my favorite villain song of all time.
I personally love this version of Stars. It kills me when Javert sees all the bodies that died in the barricade and he gives his police badge to little Gavroche as a memorial of honor. He gives away the symbol of the law he dedicated himself to, and then has nothing to hold onto. Such a tragic anti-hero, but a powerful man and story.
Watching this again, I understand what Russel Crowe wants to show--his singing shows Javert to be vulnerable, even I dare say insightful. It brings an interesting side to both the character and the song. Of course Philip Quast has become the standard for Javert: strong, sure and determined, but this here is an interesting take on Javert.
While I agree that Quast will always be the best Javert, I still love this version of the song. I like the calmer tone it goes for, while the Broadway version had lots of belting and heavier sounding instruments making it feel more epic this one is mostly softer sounding instruments making it more somber. Also the cinematography is great, I really like the shot where Javert is walking in the edge of the roof. It’s definitely a different take on the song and I still prefer the Broadway version but I do enjoy it a lot and I like that they tried something different.
He doesn't deserve the hate he got for this movie. His singing voice is like Lin Manuel Miranda's: unorthodox, but beautiful in its own way.
Good point
Exactly
He has a great voice, but this was just a bad song for it. It's much better when singing Javert's suicide.
I think that he sings this really well
i really like his singing. It isn’t normal for a theater performance, perfect for a movie adaptation.
This portrayal is underrated. he has this eerie serenity about him, it may not be a showy as other versions, as vocally impressive, but I feel those simmering repressed emotions under his softer tones, and the total desensitization portrayed in the way he walks the lip of death, trusting his feet like he blindly trusts his perception of God and order. Like he's daring it all to crumble beneath him whilst knowing that nothing can until he lets it.
@@lawrencewraith8 thank you thank you!!
I think he's on the verge of suicide, and the sentiments of his song are all that keep him from taking the plunge. That's why he's toeing the edge, more so than daring he is tortured.
Exactly
@@TonkarzOfSolSystem
Also exactly
Well said.
> Lots of stars out tonight
> I go onto the balcony
> I listen to this song
> I see a shooting star RIGHT at the key change
> Best night of my life
beautiful
Lol
Please tell me you sang the last part with all your might
@@Elijah_Assink I, of course, sang the whole thing with all my might
I don't understand the hate, this is one of my favorite song of the whole movie
you see we don't hate the song
People like to pretend they're voice coaches when they can't hold a tune to save their lives, Russel did better than any of those could! i love this song and the feelings he put into it.
@@beneddiected I meant his interpretation
yanelycacildo it’s his voice
@@beneddiected yeah, I like it.
Stars is such a beautiful song! Crowe’s performance is subdued, as it needed to be. Comparing his performance to previous Broadway performances is comparing apples to oranges. Broadway singers work on a technical level that works for an audience sitting far away…grand gestures, higher volume, massive emotions, so that it communicates well from a distance. Movies and acting don’t have to work that way. I admire Crowe’s performance here because he did it as a screen actor… and he pulled it off.
Finally someone who understands that singing from a live audience in a theater is different to singing for a movie. They don't need to exaggerate emotions, tones or gestures because they literally have a camera in their face. That's why I like a lot Russell's performance in this movie, it fits it's character.
I don't like it. It feels flat
Russel's Javert is my favourite ever interpretation of the character. His intensity, his soothing voice which can still be harsh. I don't understand why people didn't like him, really...
And cos his voice just isn't the best. Listen to Philip Quast or Norm Lewis and the better singer compared to Crowe is pretty obvious
Philip Quast version of Javert is much better.
czcams.com/video/urxk4mveLCw/video.html
Thank you! At least it’s not just me 😋
Yeah I loved his acting
@@eljordinio7647 Lewis maybe, Quast just didn't really hit it for me. But I feel like Crowes acting really resembles Lewis's in it's own way. it's more subtle, less direct? Idk, im not a critic, I just think the feeling it gave me was similar.
I don’t know who plotted the idea that Russel can’t sing!! This is one of my favourite songs in the movie..
Compared to other javerts like Philip Quast or Norm Lewis, Crowe's voice isn't exactly the best
@Anjelica Snorcket i think it's that Crowe's voice isn't exactly built for musicals and singing live on set definitely didn't help.
@Anjelica Snorcket it could happen if studios weren't so obsessed with money that they choose casts that will generate the most buzz for the movie. It's what happened with Cats 2019.
The song is great the singer is shit. That's why
@@eljordinio7647 If we're talking about the voice techniques, then I understand. But this version is so beautifully raw and emotional. It feels like he's in denial. I think this is my favourite one, but as a singer phillip is perfection itself.
The movie of Les Mis is the only one I have seen and honestly it's one of my favorite movies of all time, and Russell Crowe's voice is one of my favorites in this movie, specially this song
Yup
Oh, lol, sorry if I don't express myself well but English isn't my mother tongue, but obviously I've watched other movies hahaha
MusicLover 56 yeah Russell Crowe has an amazing signing voice.
You MUST watch the Les Mis 10th anniversary. (Since your comment was posted years ago, you may have watched it. :) )
@@DiegoEagler96 not here he doesn't. It's not bad but definitely not great
I love Crowe's voice because it fits the character well. He's stiff, a bit out of his element, but has a raw intensity. Crowe trying to sing earnestly, and having to put in the effort to reach the point he's at, is Javert to me.
I think Russell Crowe's choice to play Javert as intentionally stoic and flat is appropriate for the character. That kind of repression of emotion is a very common coping mechanism with children who survive trauma, as he certainly did given that he was born in prison and undoubtedly had a very difficult life. As an adult he relied on that stoicism to literally stay sane when faced with the cruelty he not only witnessed every day, but directly caused himself with his blind loyalty to a broken system of law. And then, when forced to confront his emotions and guilt and the realization that the law was not the perfect shelter of order he so desperately craved (if I do everything right, if I follow the rules, I will not be hurt, another common coping mechanism of survived trauma), he was so overwhelmed he ended his life. It's a fascinating dichotomy compared to Valjean's coping mechanisms which are so different, despite the traumas being so similar.
exaaactly!!! It is not about he can't sing, it is about the character of a simple good man.
This^ Exactly! I thought his was probably the best performance of the entire ensemble because he so skillfully and subtly projects those exact emotions and motivations you've mentioned. I've seen the other performances of this song and while they may be considered more technically correct, they don't convey a tenth of the emotion Crowe is able to imo. And it only makes his character's ending arc all the more powerful. I personally don't even love Les Mis as a whole, but I tear up when he pins his medal to Gavroche's chest... you can see his entire philosophy of life breakdown in his eyes... masterful.
I truly enjoyed reading this you really opened up this character to me! I'll admit I didn't like Javert lol but his songs as well as he himself have grown on me over time! I definitely liked Russell Crowe's voice 👌🏿 from the beginning. Now I find myself waking up tonight/this morning at 5am with 'Stars' stuck in my head. I love musical theatre and LOVE Les Miserables 🤎🤎 just learned I'm having my 1st child and it's a boy 😮 I like biblical names and my partner loves astrology so our son has a biblical name and we wanted to put stars and planets in the nursery and this song was coming to mind. Javerts song 'stars' very much sounds like a lullaby to me now! It makes me more endeared to the song now and your breakdown is helping me understand the character more. I thought he blamed people like Jon Valjean for what their lives came to now I understand he confronts everyday what he fears most.
There is nothing broken about the law. People are shit and corrupt. People do not want to be held accountable. And in their pure evil, they then blame the law for their own shit.
@@Jen-Yueh_Hu i believe they're talking about the law in the film/musical in which persecutes despite everything. It's flawed because it's strict and unforgiving. Give the law to robots and you'll find it harder than to merciful humans
I'm not sorry I freaking love Russel Crowe's voice
I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t
Agree to disagree, but I think that Philip Quast has so much of a more powerful voice, whereas Russel Crowe over here makes Javert sound like he just had a bad bout of helium.
@@welken3756 I’m gonna act like you didn’t say that
@@welken3756 wtf man, i love crowe's voice too, it's not perfect but he's an actor not a singer
Yassss! I prefer this version to the others on youtube.
I don't see the criticisms of Russell's Javert, he has so much raw emotion in his expressions and his words, yeah he's quite monotone but give the guy a break, singing live on set in front of cameras opposed to recording lyrics in a studio is a far more daunting and less finessed experience, here you get raw and circumstantial emotion which means the singing sounds more real more natural but also rougher and manipulated by the elements. I love this scene the cinematography is exquisite, the framing the editing and that shot of his foot over the ledge foreshadowing not only his fall but showing how precarious his hold on this unjust and flawed world is, yet his unshakable faith in justice won't let him fall. Then later when the shot is repeated in the viaduct scene as he's lost his faith in justice and can't come to terms with how the world is different than he always imagined it and no longer feels that he can hold onto this world.
+legofreak86 Well said.
We can't please all the people, they will always say something.
Compare Russell Crowe's performance with others singing Javert's part and the difference is not just the quality of his voice, but the delivery. The more 'polished' singers don't fit the part of a man born in a prison, as Javert was. Mr. Crowe's voice is strong enough, but his control is so well done he conveys the uneasiness of a man who must justify his existence by acting without mercy. Of the many voices in this play, his voice is the most authentic.
@@OceanSwimmer I would say , though, he seems so heartfelt and compassionate that it's hard to believe he's be such a self-righteous bastard of a man. I mean, we're supposed to feel some sympathy for him, but not so much that he warms the heart.
More coldness, snootiness and hardness is called for, I think
Okay so, I also from the start thought his singing was amazing. I guess I didn't notice the monotone bit as much, but I thought that sort of added to his character? I mean he's playing a confused lawman who's obsessed with doing his job. I feel like a calmer voice sort of emphasized that a bit.
This is what I like to sing in the shower
Me too
Me too
Me too
Me three
Same
This is the best song in the movie. In wich you can really understand what Javert stands for. Himself, like the stars, is a sentinel appointed by God. Wich faces him with Valjean (another piece of his work). I believe that one of the most beautiful things in the movie are the moments of honesty between the characters and their beliefs.
Ridiculously underrated performance. This is a movie, not a broadyway performance. The acting and the singing go hand in hand- you can hear the conviction and emotion in his voice, and you can see it on his face too . . . in this scene, Russell Crowe IS Javert- the fanatical inspector who is obsessed with tracking down a bread thief who broke his parole . . . only it's more complicated than that. This is exemplified extremely well in the movie, and it's part makes this a great performance.
Also, his voice is good- he isn't trying to sound like someone he isn't, and this is what the film-makers intended.
Again, this is NOT supposed to be like a broadway performance. Why can't some people get that through their heads?
Ah I wish I could agree. He’s supposed to be calm and controlled, and you can clearly see Crowe doing well at that. Just the singing man. He’s either holding back, not letting his voice flow out, or auto tune aids him when he really needs to hold on a note.
Since when is there no belting in a movie musical just because it’s not on stage?? 😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
He “talk sings” because he is not a trained singer. It’s what actors have been doing for ages when they aren’t very good at singing.
Meanwhile in the neighboring cathedral...
"HELLFI-YAH! DAHK FIYAH! NOW GYPSY IT'S YOUR TURN! CHOOSE ME OR YOUR PYRE, BE MINE OR YOU WILL BUUUUUUUUURN"
But in all seriousness is that the Notre Dame in the background? Looks kinda like it.
Also Victor Hugo's works seem to translate remarkably well into music.
That is Notre dame, his takes place in Paris
Frollo is much more evil than javert though well the 1996 Disney frollo I love both villains though
It is
@@davidpercival8231 Frollo's evil comes from abandoning his duties... Javert's evil comes from blindly following his duty
I have never read eaither books but I love both the musical films of hunchback Disney and the movie of les mis I just find disneys frollo to be the most evil character ever except bill sikes in Oliver he is evil and brilliantly played by Oliver reed
In the film's context, I think it makes sense that this song is placed right before the 9-year jump to 1832 instead of in 1832 after Javert loses Valjean during the Thenardiers robbery scene. It illustrates better Javert's intentions and his duty to the law, and how Javert never forgets about his duty to bring Valjean to justice and see him safe behind bars.
Man was standing watch over the city like Batman.
@Lex Shelton05 What is “the Javert symbol” 😂😂
I love the end, the mix between "Stars" and "Look Down", when Javert sings the last word; I think it's appropriate and puts more pathos
His was my favorite voice in the movie, but maybe that's because I wasn't comparing his songs to one of the numerous Les Mis song covers by youtube artists. It's very reflective, and not quite the showstopping quality of the more well known songs. His voice hits that perfectly imho.
One of my favourite quotes: "He knows his way in the dark. Mine is the way of the Lord. Those who follow the path of the righteous, shall have their reward. And if they fall as Lucifer fell.. The flames! The sword!"
I get chills everytime!!~♡
Honestly one of my favorite renditions of this song. Russell Crowe sings it with the right amount of stoicism and cynicism. This is the kind of Javert I imagine when I read the book, just some guy who became heartless because of his hardened life experiences.
I also love how the final note he sings transitions into the "Look Down" motif. Great stuff.
I love his take on Javert tbh. I feel like from his portrayal there’s the other side of Javert that could be vulnerable and uncertain about his laws and beliefs. He shows that this is someone who’s having doubts about the system that he long trusted and has real feelings, for sadness or righteousness. Obviously Broadway’s portrayals are the more determined and tough kind of Javert. But I think Russel’s version fits perfectly in the movie and I wonder why didn’t this kind of portrayal came out earlier!
This is my favorite version of this song. I was in Les Mis when I was 8, and I was very close to the man who played Javert. This song is held in a special place for me.
Did you take part in this movie?
@@maru_ginger I’d imagine it was a live stage performance
unpopular opinion : Javert has the best voice from all the characters .
yesssssss
This is my favorite song in Les Miserables. I love the tune and the melody that this song has and Russell Crowe was the perfect choice for this song!!
Probably his best performance in the movie, instead of it just feeling like a bad rendition of the original it feels like a new interpretation of the character that fits Crowes voice.
What a finale!! The best of the song without doubs. The change in the armony gives the icing on the cake. Wonderful
when i first watched the movie obv i noticed that his voice wasnt as good as the others in the cast but personally i think he fits perfectly as the role of javert and i think he was the perfect person for this song. my favorite song from the play
Right, the personality at least is spot-on
I LIVE for Russell’s version of Jevert!!!
I honestly think this is the absolute best version of the song. No one can sing it like him.
Same! Other versions may be considered 'technically' better singing, but they don't convey a tenth of the emotion Crowe is able to imo
@@willjezewski5595 There is almost no emotion in his singing. Facial, yes. Tone, no.
It's not, though. Go see it live, please.
I’m sorry. What are you talking about? 😂😂😂 by all means, if you love it- amazing, but I don’t know how anyone can say this is the best version (without being biased)
I suppose I am biased, then, as is everyone, honestly. XP I’ve seen several others, but I liked this version best. A reason for that could be because I watched it first. We both have different experiences which formed our opinions, so it’s inevitable that we may disagree in certain areas.
my favorite song and character:)))
Andrew Tang è una bellissima canzone... molto dolce!!
me too
+1
When Javert became part of the police, he swore an oath to uphold the laws of France upon pain of death. After witnessing first hand the oppression of just and honourable people, and the subsequent penalties expressed for desiring change (cold slaughter of children just doing what they can to help), he found no honour in the "honour system" he swore an oath to uphold. His meeting with Val Jean later confirmed it. He saw, first hand a thief can be more chivalrous than any knight, a soldier can perform the most despicable of cowardly acts, a child can be braver than a hundred men and sing defiance while being shot for it. In this moment, he judges himself by a new, higher standard, one of lacking basic human kindness. He found himself guilty and sentences himself. By Javerts own standards, a man such as Javert should not be allowed.
I am Japanese.
I think this is best song in Les Miserable.
And him voice is very comatable.
I feel happy to listen to ｢stars｣
loved this scene, really shows how he breaks slowly but still stood his ground until the guilt crushes him and lead to his on judgment
The way this song ends is better than the stage version, with the rumbling 'look down' theme as the camera soars through the sky
I like this arrangement better as well, it has more richness to it. Especially at 2:15 the french horns are more pronounced than the stage versions.
My second-favorite Javert. He is so much calmer than the others and I think I enjoy that more. I also really like the background music.
Handsome as ever. Loved his performance.
I love this song, especially this version (I love the stage show and all that have sung it too).
I don't know why but this version makes me very emotional, something about the melody and how we can always count on some things in life.
This song especially Russel Crow's version always makes me tear up 💖😭😭
I'm hopelessly in love and addicted to this song, and this version with Russell Crowe. Wow!!!
When he pulls out them long, strong notes I just.. mmm.
I love how he supposed to be "the bad one" but he's a good person, he always do anything to acomplish his duty.
My favorite character! ❤
Not a bad guy at all. A perfectly written play about the complexities of class struggle
Russell absolutely nailed this role, snd he's better than many (not all) of the stage Javierts
Love this song. Russel Crowe has an awesome unique voice. Perfect for the role.
I love Russel's voice for this role. Javert is naive, almost like a tamed animal, who truly believe what he's doing is right. His basic singing skills suits the character, makes him look fragile.
He might not be the best singer in the world but his acting is gold! You can see all types of emotions just by looking at his eyes, he nailed this role!!
I love the melancholy that Russell brought to Javert. He doesn't sound like a Broadway or West End actor (obviously), but he's my favorite Javert.
I have never been a huge fan of Russel Crowe; however he is truly transcendent here!!
I might be reading too much into this, but when he says “safe behind bars” it’s almost like he legitimately wants to protect Jean from... something, rational or not
No I agree, I think that in Javerts very black and white way of thinking, Valjean is safe behind bars, and it’s what’s best for him, since he’ll be safe from outside society and able to reform himself. So therefore for Javert, putting Valjean back behind bars is helping Valjean, and ofc society as a whole
Interesting. I never thought of that.
@Omedchazak613 but he says it as Valjean being safe, not society. (At least from what I got)
Agreed. I've always thought there's a double meaning there - when Valjean is behind bars, both the society and Valjean are safe from Valjean's criminal tendencies.
Agree with what most seem to be saying here. He brought much-needed stoicism to an otherwise extremely emotional tale, the same as the Thenardiers bring some much-needed humor. It doesn’t have to be the greatest singing performance of all time. He sounded very good.
Stars
In your multitudes
Scarce to be counted
Filling the darkness
With order and light
You are the sentinels
Silent and sure
Keeping watch in the night
Keeping watch in the night
You know your place in the sky
You hold your course and your aim
And each in your season
Returns and returns
And is always the same
And if you fall as Lucifer fell
You fall in flames!
And so it must be
For so it is written
On the doorway to paradise
That those who falter and those who fall
Must pay the price!
Lord let me find him
That I may see him
Safe behind bars
I will never rest
Till then, this I swear...
This I swear by the stars!
Hearing this back to back with Phillip Quast makes me realise just how unique this Javert is. Quast's Stars is much more bombastic and fantastical, Crowe is much more somber and solemn, which fits this Javert a lot since he's more stoic
2:28
Why does the way he sings 'bars' here always crack me up I stg-
Russel Crowe, my favorite actor and the voice so amazing. Javert forever.
I didn’t realize he got hate for this, russel, you did great. My favorite song of the movie
This song purely shows Javert's character
And it's such a great symbol of his suicide. the cinematography in this sence is like his suicide sence and incredibly shows how his ideology lead him to death
A symbol of how he fall as Lucifer fell!!
I love it!
Me: **searches for dog**
Dog: **hides under the bed**
Me: "he knows his way in the dark..."
Singing chops or not, Javert is still my favourite character in the movie and Crowe is really good
I don't get how people hate his singing. It's perfectly fine. The tone and emotions are good. This is a soothing song. Crowe is seriously underrated. To me, Broadway is a little bit overrated.
I like his voice, always have.
The stage performance elitists hate on it cuz it's different
Considering the near impossible conditions created by director Tom Hooper and the producers, it's honesty impressive that he sounds as good as he does. He doesn't deserve the hate he gets.
such a sad and pretty song and he sings it so WELL!!
I get it the stars are the law. Keeping watch in the night, holding their coarse and their aims. And each in their seasons returns and returns and is always the same. And if the law falls like Lucifer fell, society will fall in flames. I get it now. Great symbolism.
I am going to give a rather unpopular opinion...I listened to the version that most commented as the best version of this song from the 10th anniversary and honestly this version just hits harder. I listened to them back to back and while I can acknowledge the other guy as the clearly better singer Russell' s delivery has such a raw emotive quality that send shivers down my spine. Seriously everytime in listen to it. I can see what they say about his monotone voice but honestly it just added more authenticity to the situation while the other was just a performance in a stage play...you all can disagree with it but these are my thoughts on this
My thoughts exactly! The other versions may be 'technically' better singing but don't convey a tenth of the raw character and emotion Crowe is able to.. that, to me, is the superior talent. People forget that this is a musical and not a studio album! Lol
To all the people complaining about Russell Crowe i say shut up. He has a good voice and he's a better actor than any other great singer they could have chosen in his place.
Russell did an awesome job in both acting and singing in this movie!
Imagine being a street criminal in 1820's France robbing a peasant in the middle of the night, only for you to suddenly hear the most feared police inspector in town suddenly burst into song above you.
Honestly I'd reconsider my entire life and become a respectable citizen.
the first minute of this song is the best of the movie, and then he has to up the intensity and it falls so hard
I love the french horn in this!
Unpopular opinion: Russel Crowe was actually pretty decent in the role of Javert. His acting could use some work but the singing is good.
Me throughout this entire song: don’t commit die, don’t do it
Me when he actually kills himself: I did not expect that
Such a piece of art really love it!
The ending is badass !
Der
I’ve literally never seen anyone hating on Russel for his singing in this movie just people talking about peoples hating on him
Well, where would you actually see that being discussed?
hexum7 this entire comments section is talking about how people hate on this movie
@@jonmann4980 All the comments I've seen are from people commenting on how much they like this scene/rendition ...but I haven't checked out every comment, either.
Anyway, I can see how some people would think it's a bit hard on the ears, but Crowe makes up for missing some big notes with heart and passion , imo, so I'm on the fence
When this movie came out Russel Crowe was the most hated.
It's interesting, all I paid attention to (when I was younger) was how they talked of revolution.
This was my favorite song, one which is actually about god and faith, but I loved astronomy as a kid so I just liked his verse about the stars.
Watching it again I'm realizing oh right this is a show about god and belief... it's interesting how people relate to films with the knowledge they have in life...
I wish this video continued on through Gavroche's song. That segue is epic!
I just Love him so much, Even though Javert's Character should be hated, i LOVE HIM TOO MUCH
He has one of the most beautiful voices of the whole musical if anything the hate must have gone to the one who plays Jan Valjean.
Crowe is such an amazing actor
I loved this song and this version I’m glad ppl seem to be coming around to it
This song is easily my favorite from this movie. I don't understand the hate it gets. I thought it was done wonderfully. I also think Crowe nailed the role!
I agree with you with you redrick
and I agree that he nailed the role.
Underated performance, theater and film are two completely different mediums and I think Crow's performance is excellent for the movie
ああジャベール…1番好き
I absolutely love the fact that this beautiful song directly foreshadowed Javert's suicide. In his death song, he says "And the stars are black and cold". It reflects how he is feeling and that he feels very lost in life; on the other hand, in this song Javert says "You know your place in the sky" meaning he is feeling secure.
Wonderful Rendition Russell brings a new dimension to thus song
How is he getting slammed for being a terrible singer? His voice is very strong and beautiful
Because people who see how operatic Les-Mis is, Russell Crowe is not a classically, or operatically trained vocalist.
In Australia, He's a singer for a rock band.
@@MoxleyFight Just found the bands like 2 weeks ago. Its like christmas for me. Dude is awesome. Yes, I am entertained indeed. Woah
Ah it’s a combination really. Comparing him to operatic singers like the great Quast and then him not allowing his voice to flow all the way really hinders his version.
I love this scene deeply ♥♥♥
すごく好きな歌。口ずさみたくなる。
I'm still trying to comprehend the hate for Cross's singing and performance. They were perfect in my eyes and "Stars" remains not only my favorite song in the film, but my favorite villain song of all time.
I personally love this version of Stars. It kills me when Javert sees all the bodies that died in the barricade and he gives his police badge to little Gavroche as a memorial of honor. He gives away the symbol of the law he dedicated himself to, and then has nothing to hold onto. Such a tragic anti-hero, but a powerful man and story.
This is my FAVORITE version of Stars!!! Hats offf, Sir Rusell Crowe!! 🥹✨️💯❤️
I Love Russel Crowe’s baritone voice ! It is Perfect!
めっちゃ声いいし、かっこいい！
ですよね！
Watching this again, I understand what Russel Crowe wants to show--his singing shows Javert to be vulnerable, even I dare say insightful. It brings an interesting side to both the character and the song. Of course Philip Quast has become the standard for Javert: strong, sure and determined, but this here is an interesting take on Javert.
He is actually good he is not bad at singing this man is amazing 🤩
I heard so many actors singing this and this is one of my favorite!
While I agree that Quast will always be the best Javert, I still love this version of the song. I like the calmer tone it goes for, while the Broadway version had lots of belting and heavier sounding instruments making it feel more epic this one is mostly softer sounding instruments making it more somber. Also the cinematography is great, I really like the shot where Javert is walking in the edge of the roof. It’s definitely a different take on the song and I still prefer the Broadway version but I do enjoy it a lot and I like that they tried something different.
Is it only me who really likes Russel crowes songs in this, there honestly my favourites
This is my favorite from les miserables 💝
I enjoy his longer notes
the beginning of the song reminds me of Frollo the Hunchback of Notre Dame