Misplaced Pages

"Suddenly" is a song created for the 2012 film adaptation of the 1980 musical Les Misérables, included in both the film itself and the related soundtrack album. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2012.

Production

When reading the book in preparation for the film, Tom Hooper realised that one major thing missing was an acknowledgment of the importance of Cosette's love to Valjean, as well as his accepting of fatherhood. Claude-Michel Schonberg said that this moment, "only a camera can catch", adding that "It's a feeling he never had before... on stage, it's very difficult to catch the intimacy of this moment."

Universal Pictures president of film music and publishing Mike Knobloch explains that Hooper "went to Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain and Herbert and said, 'If we were going to do a new song, what if it were there? What if Jean Valjean sang a song that helped the audience understand that this is a big moment for him?' Herbert was the first to suggest the title 'Suddenly,' as in he suddenly realizes his value and purpose. He went to Alain and they brought it to life quickly."

It replaces a set of dialogue that appeared in the musical after Valjean acquires Cosette from the Thenardiers, and before the 9-year jump:

VALJEAN
Come, Cosette, come, my dear
From now on I will always be here
Where I go, you will be.

COSETTE
Will there be children
And castles to see?

VALJEAN
Yes, Cosette,
Yes, it's true

There's a castle just waiting for you...

There has been speculation by news outlets such as BroadwayWorld that the song "may be added to the stage show at some point."

Synopsis

The song "beautifully explains what happens when Valjean takes Cosette from the inn and looks after her".

Composition

The song is performed by Jean Valjean, played by Hugh Jackman in the film version. Music is by Claude-Michel Schonberg, while the lyrics are by Herbert Kretzmer and Alain Boublil. A reprise of the song is performed by Marius and Cosette toward the end of the film. The song has been described as "lullaby-like".

Performance

The song and its reprise debuted in the 2012 Tom Hooper-directed adaptation of Les Misérables.

Hugh Jackman performed the song as part of a Les Misérables medley at the 85th Academy Awards.

Release

The song appears only on Les Misérables: Highlights from the Motion Picture Soundtrack.

Critical reception

Scott Ross of NBC Bay Area said the song "fits seamlessly into the fabric of the musical". The Week said the song was "pretty forgettable compared to the film's more famous songs."

Awards and nominations

References

1. "'Les Miserables' Original Song: Hear Hugh Jackman Sing 'Suddenly' in New Behind The Scenes Featurette (VIDEO)". Celebuzz.com. 2012-12-09. Retrieved 2013-10-14.
2. "'Suddenly' From 'Les Miserables': Story Behind the Oscar Best Song Nominee". Billboard. 2013-02-09. Retrieved 2013-10-14.
3. "The Les Misérables Movie: Suddenly, There's a New Song [Spoiler alert]". Patheos.com. 2012-12-29. Retrieved 2013-10-14.
4. "Oscar-Nominated 'Suddenly' May be Added to LES MIS on Stage". Broadwayworld.com. Retrieved 2013-10-14.
5. "One Song More! Les Miz Film Will Have New Song and Live Singing; Cameron Mackintosh Reveals All". Playbill. 2012-02-08. Archived from the original on 2013-03-07. Retrieved 2013-01-28.
6. ^ Ross, Scott (2012-12-24). ""Suddenly" "Les Mis" Has a New Song". NBC Bay Area. Retrieved 2013-10-14.
7. Lee, Stephan (2012-12-07). "'Les Miserables': Behind the scenes of the new song 'Suddenly' | Inside Movies | EW.com". Insidemovies.ew.com. Retrieved 2013-10-14.
8. "Watch 'Les Miserables' cast perform 'One Day More' at the Oscars". Hypable.com. 2013-02-25. Retrieved 2013-10-14.
9. Scott Meslow (2013-01-23). "LISTEN: The 5 Oscar nominees for Best Original Song". The Week. Retrieved 2013-10-14.

• 2012 songs
• Hugh Jackman songs
• Songs from musicals
• Songs with lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer
• Works based on Les Misérables